ANTHONY FERGUSON has left AFC Wimbledon to become Head of Coaching at Category One Reading. He replaces Carl Plunkett, who left the Royals to join Crystal Palace in February.

FORMER Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane has returned to Manchester United as a player-coach with their Under-23s.

FULHAM have announced a restructure of their Category One Academy, with Huw Jennings stepping down as Academy Director after 12 years to take on a new Head of Football Development role.

STEVE HARPER has been appointed as permanent Academy Manager at Newcastle United. He replaces Joe Joyce, who was stood down from the role in February.

BRIAN KIDD has left Manchester City after 12 years, with Under-18s coach Carlos Vicens stepping up to take his place as assistant manager.

ASTON VILLA are pressing on with plans to open an Inner City Academy which will provide greater opportunities for kids in working class areas of Birmingham. Is it time for other clubs to follow suit?

BURNLEY Academy Manager Jon Pepper, who led the Clarets from Category Three to One, is leaving the club after five years.

ENGLAND Under-17s coach Justin Cochrane has been appointed Head of Player Development and Coaching at Manchester United’s Academy.

HUW JENNINGS and Dan Ashworth have received the 2021 Eamonn Dolan Award for their outstanding contribution to youth development.

HOW increased knowledge of the adolescent brain has changed the way Bristol City coach in their Academy.

MANCHESTER CITY Under-23s boss Enzo Maresca is leaving the club after only a season to become Head Coach of Italian side Parma.

LEAGUE TWO Harrogate are the latest club to enter the EPPP system after being granted Category Four Academy status.