Allen appointed Academy Director by Swansea City
Allen was Academy Director at Manchester City for seven years
Written by Training Ground Guru — January 11, 2021
MARK ALLEN, the former Rangers Director of Football and Manchester City Academy boss, has been appointed Academy Director at Swansea City.
Allen, 57, who was born in Llanrumney on the outskirts of Cardiff, replaces Nigel Rees, who left the Swans at the end of 2020 following 12 years’ service. The appointment appears a coup for the Category Two Academy, because of Allen's previous experience.
From 2009 to 2017, the former Swindon Town player was with Manchester City, mainly as Academy Director; and from 2017 to 2019 he was Director of Football at Rangers. He left the Ibrox club for family reasons.
Swans Chief Executive Julian Winter said: “In Mark, we believe we have someone who can continue to take the Academy forward and help the development of our players and staff.
“We underwent an extensive process with a recruitment agency for this position, and we were delighted with the high-calibre candidates who were keen to work for our football cub.
“Mark was the outstanding choice. He has great experience in football and is familiar with the ethos here. He has a proven track record of working with young, talented footballers at Manchester City and preparing them for the first-team environment.
“His success at Glasgow Rangers also stood out, and his involvement there shows he is knowledgeable of the requirements and demands not just at academy level but at senior level too. It’s an exciting appointment, and I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Executives in Sport Group led the recruitment process for the role.
