FK Cēsis Appoints New Head of Recruitment and New Striker

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CĒSIS, LATVIA — FK Cēsis is pleased to announce two significant additions as the club continues its ambitious growth, appointing Chris Wilkinson as the club's new Head of Recruitment while also confirming the signing of former Latvia international striker Ēriks Punculs.

Wilkinson will oversee the club's player identification, scouting and recruitment strategy across the men's, women's and academy programs. Working alongside the club's football leadership, he will play a central role in identifying talented players who fit FK Cēsis' long-term vision of becoming one of the Baltic region's premier football organizations.

Wilkinson brings nearly a decade of football scouting and recruitment experience to FK Cēsis. A graduate of Coventry University with a degree in Sport Management, he has worked as a football scout and recruitment analyst since 2016, identifying talent across international markets while serving with clubs including Institute FC in Northern Ireland and Portuguese side GDSC Alvarenga. Since joining FK Cēsis as Sporting Director in 2024, he has helped shape the club's sporting vision, recruitment strategy and international player network, contributing to the club's promotion to Latvia's 2. līga, expanding its global scouting reach and increasing its international profile. His appointment as Head of Recruitment reflects the club's continued commitment to building a modern, data-informed recruitment department.

Joining the club on the playing side is experienced striker Ēriks Punculs, one of Latvia's most accomplished forwards. During his professional career, Punculs has represented Valmiera FC, Riga FC, FK Liepāja, Spartaks Jūrmala, FS Metta/LU and Liepājas Metalurgs, while also spending time playing in Spain. He has accumulated more than 160 top-flight appearances, scored more than 30 Virslīga goals, competed in European competitions and earned selection to Latvia's senior national team after progressing through the country's youth international system.

Chris Wilkinson, Head of Recruitment

“From the moment I began speaking with the leadership at FK Cēsis, it was clear this is a club with genuine ambition and a long-term vision. There is something special being built here. The commitment to developing players, creating international opportunities and establishing a sustainable football model made this an opportunity I simply couldn't pass up. I'm excited to help identify players who share those ambitions and contribute to the club's future success.”

Ēriks Punculs

“I'm proud to join FK Cēsis at such an exciting time in the club's history. I've followed the progress the club has made and believe in the vision the leadership has created. I want to bring my experience, score goals, help the younger players develop and do everything I can to help FK Cēsis continue moving forward. I'm looking forward to meeting the supporters and getting to work.”

Ben Tilney, Chief Advisor

“Chris has been instrumental in helping shape FK Cēsis into the club it is today. His understanding of recruitment, his international network and his ability to identify players who fit our culture make him the ideal person to lead this next phase. Combined with the signing of a player of Ēriks' quality and experience, today represents another important step in our ambition to build one of the most progressive football clubs in the Baltic region.”

The announcements follow a period of significant growth for FK Cēsis, which has earned promotion to Latvia's 2. līga while expanding its international partnerships, academy system and player development pathways. The additions of Wilkinson and Punculs further strengthen the club's vision of combining experienced football leadership with ambitious players as it continues building one of Latvia's most exciting football projects.

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