St Kilda have signed former AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean to head up their football department.

Lethlean replaced Mark Evans as the league’s football chief in March this year, but was sensationally dumped in July because of an inappropriate relationship with a younger female colleague.

Since then he was linked to, but ultimately overlooked for, chief executive roles at Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton and the football department chief role at Essendon.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining the club in this new role, and feel humbled to be given a second chance in the industry that I love,” Lethlean said via a club statement on Friday.

“I am passionate about football and am thankful to Matt Finnis, Alan Richardson, Peter Summers and the entire board and club for giving me this opportunity.

“I spoke to the playing group and the entire staff this morning, and outlined my passion for football and the opportunities I see in the role.

“I believe I can be part of a team that delivers real and sustained success to St Kilda Football Club.”

The appointment was unanimously endorsed by the Saints’ board on Thursday.

Saints CEO Matt Finnis lauded the appointment of Lethlean, saying he would bring “significant skills and experience to the club”.

“His knowledge of football, from grass roots to the elite, as well as his executive experience in legal, fixturing, broadcasting, game development, AFL Women’s and football operations will be invaluable to St Kilda,” Finnis said.

“His experience as a successful club and representative coach and player prior to his administrative career rounds out an enviable football resume.”

The move is part of a restructure brought about by the departure of chief operating officer Ameet Bains, who is now the chief executive at the Western Bulldogs.

Jamie Cox, previously St Kilda’s general manager – football performance, has been shunted sideways into a role that will see him leading emerging football programs and partnerships across AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW football.