LYDIA BEDFORD has been named as Brentford Under-18 Lead in a landmark appointment by the Premier League club.

JOE ROACH is leaving Bournemouth’s Academy after 20 years’ service. Last summer, he took up the new position of Head of Player Progression, with Sam Gisborne replacing him as Academy Manager.

DERBY COUNTY have parted company with Academy Director Darren Wassall after 14 years as they instigate a restructure of their youth set-up. The former Rams defender was appointed Academy boss in April 2009 and oversaw their elevation to Category One status in 2014.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has presented Manchester United Academy Player Liaison Officer Dave Bushell with the 2023 Eamonn Dolan Award for his outstanding contribution to youth development.

BURNLEY Head of Coaching Ian Jones is leaving the club after six years to become a Coaching Auditor with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC).

FLEETWOOD TOWN are close to opening their new indoor dome as they await a decision on their application to go Category Two from next season.

PREMIER LEAGUE 2 could become a one-tier competition with no promotion or relegation under proposals being considered by clubs, reports Youth Hawk.

MANCHESTER CITY Under-18s beat Youth Cup winners West Ham 2-1 in extra time at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to complete a unique treble double.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Bradford City Academy Manager Neil Matthews, who has died from cancer at the age of 56.

BURNLEY will not be returning to Category One status next season after withdrawing their application, TGG understands.

SOUTHAMPTON Academy Director Matt Hale is leaving the club at the end of the season after a decade’s service.

SOUTHAMPTON B are “in the middle of something really really powerful” after being crowned Premier League 2 Division 2 champions, according to coach Dave Horseman.