Bulletin Board
01/06/23
Goalkeeper coach Sparkes leaves Southampton after four years
GOALKEEPER COACH Andrew Sparkes is the latest member of staff to leave Southampton.
The Welshman joined from Orlando Pirates in July 2019, early on in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s reign. He stayed on under Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles this season but has now been released.
Russell Martin is set to come in as the club’s new Head Coach and will bring keeper coach Dean Thornton with him from Swansea.
Sparkes was previously Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Swansea and is well-travelled, having also worked for New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg.
You can see a full list of Southampton's end-of-season exits HERE.
31/05/23
Norwich hire Huddersfield's Pelach as first-team coach
NARCIS PELACH left Huddersfield Town after three years to become first-team coach at Norwich City.
The Spaniard joined the Terriers in August 2020 under Head Coach Carlos Corberán and stayed to assist Danny Schofield, Mark Fotheringham and Neil Warnock this season.
The 34-year-old said: “For me, it’s a pleasure and great opportunity to work with the Head Coach, David (Wagner). I have big respect for him, I think he is a top coach.
“My role will be analysing the opponents, find out what they are doing in attack and defence and then try to help him with the gameplan to face them, to prepare the team well."
Wagner added: "Narcís is someone who knows the league. He also has experience working in different roles and positions in many environments.
“He will form a key part of our coaching strategy and player development programmes, working closely with our existing coaching staff.
“On each occasion when I have spoken with Narcís over the last year we’ve had many good and interesting conversations about the game and different ways of working. I know he is an extremely hard worker, passionate about his job and has a good character.
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome him to our club.”
31/05/23
Walker appointed U18s Lead at Wolves
RICHARD WALKER been appointed Under-18s Lead at Wolves.
As TGG reported on the Bulletin Board last week, the former Crewe and Port Vale defender left Stoke City’s Academy after 14 years. For the last eight of those he had worked with their U18s and U21s.
James McPike had guided Wolves’ U18s on an interim basis during the second half of last season following Steve Davis’s appointment as Pathways Manager. He will now become Walker’s assistant.
Academy Manager Jonathan Hunter-Barrett, who will be speaking at TGG Live in October, said: “We wanted somebody who has a wealth of experience in managing U18s football and progressing players to the next stage of their development.
“We also wanted somebody who understands football from a playing perspective, so could share their experiences and know what the players are going to face in the years to come.
“Richard was the outstanding candidate we interviewed. He’s been at Stoke for the last 14 years and worked across the foundation groups, all the way to the U21s.”
28/05/23
Hughes leaves Manchester United Academy after more than 15 years
TOM HUGHES, Senior Physio and Clinical Lead for the Professional Development Phase (17s to 21s) at Manchester United, is leaving the club after 15-and-a-half years.
He will be moving to a role with the nearby Manchester Metropolitan University. Hughes, who has a PhD in injury prediction in elite football, tweeted: “After more than 15yrs, it’s my last day at MUFC before starting my new role at Manchester Met.
“It’s been a rollercoaster & I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some fantastic staff, players & friends. Thanks for everything; I wish everyone at the club the very best in future.”
Academy Director Nick Cox replied:
“You can be proud of your contribution Tom, congratulations.”
26/05/23
Stoke City Under-18s coach exits after 14 years
STOKE CITY Under-18s coach Richard Walker is leaving the club after 14 years.
Walker, who played for clubs including Crewe and Port Vale, started his coaching career on a part-time basis with Stoke U11s in August 2009.
He went on to become U18s coach (Professional Development Phase Lead) at the Category One Academy in July 2018.
Walker took the team to the Premier League Cup final in 2020 and semi-finals in 2022.
Writing on Twitter, Walker said: “After 14 fantastic years at Stoke City I’ve decided it’s time to move on to take up an amazing opportunity elsewhere.
“I’d like to thank everyone associated with the club - players, staff and fans - for the support I have received over the years.
“During my time at the club I have seen huge strides made by the Academy. Big thanks to Academy Directors, Steve Holland, Dave Wright, Gareth Jennings and Gareth Owen, along with Head of Coaching Jimmy Hunter, for the trust they have placed in me and helping me develop as a coach.
“Highlights to name a few: Nathan Collins go on to play in the Premier League and become a full international, commanding tens of millions of pound fees; Emre Tezgel going all the way through every age group to become the youngest player ever to play for Stoke City’s first team; Nathan Lowe making his debut last season aged 17; the development of Academy graduates Connor Russo and Theo Brierley into the fantastic young men and coaches that they are today.
“Rest assured Potters fans, there are plenty more players to come through the Academy. I look forward to seeing Stoke City go from strength to strength and wish the club all the best for the future.
“With regards to the future… watch this space. Thanks, Rich.”
22/05/23
John leaves Southampton to become Arsenal Lead Academy Performance Coach
THOMAS JOHN has left Southampton after five-and-a-half years to become Lead Academy Performance Coach at Arsenal.
John has been Schoolboys Strength and Conditioning Lead at Southampton since November 2017.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “As the 22/23 Academy season comes to an end, I’m proud to announce that earlier in the season I joined Arsenal as a Lead Academy Performance Coach. Like my role at Saints, I’ll be working with the 9-16s age groups.
“Loved my first few months and looking forward to next season!”
18/05/23
Smith leaves Norwich to become Wolves Video Scout
DAN SMITH is leaving Norwich City after seven years to become First Team Video Scout with Wolves.
Smith joined the Canaries in July 2016 as a Performance Analyst. His new role shows the commitment that clubs are putting into video and data as a major part of the scouting and recruitment process.
Last month we reported that Norwich Senior Performance Analyst Josh Appleyard was joining Newcastle United as a Positional Analyst, providing video analysis and “occasional live game analysis”.
Following Norwich’s final game of the season, a 1-0 defeat at home by Blackpool on May 8th, goalkeeper Tim Krul tweeted about “team-mates and staff leaving who I’ve shared some amazing memories with.”
10/05/23
Throw-in coach Gronnemark to leave Liverpool after five years
THROW-IN coach Thomas Gronnemark will stop working with Liverpool at the end of this season.
The 47-year-old Dane has worked with Jurgen Klopp’s squad as a consultant for the last five years
Gronnemark told The Athletic he had informed Liverpool that he wanted more time on the training field with the players if he was to continue in his role next season, having made only two visits in 2022/23.
However, Klopp and his staff decided against the request, meaning there has been a parting of the ways. Gronnemark works for a number of clubs, including Ajax, Philadelphia Union and Toulouse.
08/05/23
Armas exits Elland Road after four months
CHRIS ARMAS has finally left his role as assistant at Leeds United.
The American joined in January as assistant to Jesse Marsch. However, just a month later his compatriot was sacked and replaced by Javi Gracia.
TGG was told that Armas would be retained and moved to a new role, but in reality became a peripheral figure at the club. Now, following the appointment of Sam Allardyce as Head Coach, Armas has formally departed and is back in the United States.
One other exit to update on is that of Pierre Barrieu, who joined in July 2022 as part of Marsch's staff. The Frenchman had previously worked for the US national team, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Swansea City, Sheffield Wednesday, Le Havre and Toronto.
He left shortly after Marsch did at the end of February but there was never an official announcement.
28/04/23
Awad promoted to Director of Academy Recruitment by Crystal Palace
WESLEY AWAD has been promoted to Director of Academy Recruitment by Crystal Palace.
Awad joined the club in March 2019 as Head of Recruitment for the Youth Development Phase and went on to become Academy Scout Manager.
He had previously worked for Hudl and the Football Association.
25/04/23
Set Piece Coach Vio remains at Spurs despite Stellini exit
SET PIECE coach Gianni Vio is remaining at Tottenham, despite the sacking of caretaker Head Coach Cristian Stellini and his staff yesterday.
Stellini had taken charge of the side for four games following the departure of Antonio Conte last month. However, following the 6-1 defeat by Newcastle on Sunday, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy announced that the Italian and “his coaching staff” would be leaving.
That includes Goalkeeper Coach Marco Savorani and fitness coaches Constantino Coratti and Stefano Bruno. All had arrived at the club with Conte in November 2021.
Ryan Mason has stepped up from assistant to become caretaker boss to the end of the season. Vio, who was brought in by Conte in July 2022 to become Tottenham’s first set piece coach, is staying.
So too is Assistant Goalkeeper Coach Perry Suckling, while Nigel Gibbs is stepping up from his role in the Academy and Matt Wells is returning as assistant, having most recently worked with Scott Parker at Club Brugge.
16/04/23
Dean steps down as Oldham Academy Manager
OLDHAM ATHLETIC are looking for a new Academy Manager after Louis Dean stepped down from the role for personal reasons.
In a statement, the Latics said Dean was “unable to continue in the position due to personal circumstances and commitments with his family based down south.”
Dean joined the club in February 2022 as Under-19s boss, before being promoted to Academy Manager in September. He had previously worked as an Academy coach for Charlton and Chelsea.
National League side Oldham are in Category Three and placed 56th in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22 out of 80 teams.
05/04/23
Cooper appointed Regional Scout for the North West at Sunderland
SIMON COOPER has been appointed Regional Scout for the North West at Sunderland.
The move reunites him with Head of Recruitment Stuart Harvey, who was previously Head of Talent ID & Analysis at Blackburn Rovers, where Cooper was Head of Academy Recruitment.
He was also Head of Academy Recruitment and Operations (15s to 19s) at Stoke City from August 2021 to August 2022.
Last month Cooper presented on '12 Key Components of Academy Recruitment' at TGG's Scouting and Recruitment Webinar.
29/03/23
Harris returns to Brighton as Professional Development Phase coach
MIKEY HARRIS has returned to Brighton as a Professional Development Phase coach after two years with Southampton.
Harris previously worked for the Seagulls Academy from 2017 to 2019. After that he worked as a specialist in-possession coach with the Football Association and then as Under-18s Individual Coach with Southampton. Last month he announced he was leaving the Saints.
At Brighton he will work with both the 18s and 21s. The 18s Head Coach is Arthur Brammer, while Shannon Ruth leads the 21s, with Gary Dicker and Marcello Quinto assisting.
28/03/23
Waldron promoted to Oxford United Head of Recruitment
ED WALDRON has been promoted to Head of Recruitment by Oxford United following the departure of Mark Thomas to Derby County last month.
Waldron steps up from Assistant Head of Recruitment and has worked in the club’s recruitment department since 2017, with a year at French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux sandwiched in between (in 2019/20).
“I am honoured to be given the chance” Waldron said. “We have built the department over the last few years and the structure and resources are all here to build success, we know that.
“I have spoken a lot with (Head Coach) Liam Manning and he has been brilliant. We have a lot of work to do this summer but we will be going back to a model that plans for the next three windows and beyond. I have loved working for Oxford United and am passionate about what we do and how we bring in the right players to drive the whole club in the right direction.”
CEO Tim Williams added: “He fully deserves his chance and I would also like to state how proud we should be as a club to bring in young people of a very high calibre who work so hard and then get their opportunity to step up and play a major role in shaping the future of the team and the club.”
25/03/23
Meulensteen extends Australia contract
RENE MEULENSTEEN has renewed his contract with Australia and will remain as Graham Arnold’s assistant through to the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup campaign.
The Dutchman, who was first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, has worked with the Socceroos since July 2018.
Writing on Twitter, Meulensteen, who is 58 today, said: “Delighted to announce that I have renewed my contract with the FFA. Exciting times ahead and Looking forward to helping the Socceroos create more memories in time to come. What a better way in starting the new cycle with a 3-1 home win in Sydney against a strong Equador.”
Arnold and Meulensteen will attempt to guide Australia to Asia Cup success and to a sixth consecutive World Cup. Last year they reached the last 16 of the tournament in Qatar.
Meulensteen was our guest on Episode #38 of the TGG Podcast.
He said: “There is a massive difference between club and international football - it is chalk and cheese. Club football is 24/7, especially when I was first-team coach at Manchester United. I say to my son, Joppe, ‘When you’re in there your heart never stops, you’re constantly thinking about training sessions, games, solutions and it just keeps going.’
“International football goes in pockets. When you get together you have to cram a lot into a short period of time.”
He also explained how his relationship with Arnold first started.
“Graham played in Holland in the 90s, with Roda JC and NAC Breda,” he explained. “He was a raw old-fashioned striker, a brave player who scored a lot of goals, so I knew about him. Then he stayed with us for a week at United to do his Pro Licence. I took him to one of the reserve team games here in Altrincham.”
25/03/23
Powell promoted to U21s Head Coach at Crystal Palace
DARREN POWELL has been promoted to Under-21s Head Coach at Crystal Palace following Paddy McCarthy's elevation to first-team duties under Roy Hodgson.
Powell played for Palace from 2002 to 2005, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League in 2004. After making more than 250 senior appearances for a variety of clubs, he became joint-manager of Hampton and Richmond in National League South in April 2013.
In February 2015 he returned to Palace as an Academy coach and went on to become their U18s Assistant and then Lead. The former defender is an A Licence holder and has also graduated from the Premier League’s ECAS scheme.
Hodgson brought long-time assistant Ray Lewington with him to Palace after being re-appointed this week, with McCarthy stepping up from the U21s as first-team coach.
24/03/23
Rehman promoted to First Team Development Coach by Portsmouth
ZESH REHMAN has been promoted to First Team Development Coach by Portsmouth.
The former Fulham, QPR and Bradford defender arrived at Fratton Park as the Academy’s Lead Professional Development Phase Coach last summer.
He stepped up to help the first team on a temporary basis in January following the departure of Danny and Nicky Cowley.
He remained in post when John Mousinho took over as Head Coach and has now joined his backroom team on a permanent basis.
Rehman, 39, said: "I am looking forward to utilising my experiences of playing in all four leagues to help our players maximise their potential.
“I believe continual development is needed by players of all ages and at all stages of their careers. Every player is a work in progress and never the finished article.
“There is no better feeling than assisting an individual, partnership or a unit to improve and then see that work transferred to a matchday, helping the team win.”
Mousinho added: “The first interaction I had with the coaching staff when I arrived was with Zesh. I called him on the way in and asked him to set training up before we’d even properly met.
“Since that day he’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s incredibly diligent and the lads and staff at the club all really like him. He adds something different to me and Jon, providing a different angle, and is an influential presence on the bench.
“Development is a key part of what we’re trying to do here and when we talk about the complementary skillsets of the coaching staff, that’s something he can bring to the fore.”
Sam Hudson has been promoted to PDP Lead at Pompey, having previously been Rehman's assistant.
18/03/23
Head of Recruitment Grieve leaves Forest Green after five months
STEVIE GRIEVE has left his role as Forest Green Head of Performance and Recruitment after five months.
The Scot was appointed on November 1st and helped the club sign 11 players during the January transfer window.
He remained based in Dundee and drove nine hours twice a week for his role at the Gloucestershire club.
“The travel was an issue,” Grieve told Gloucestershire Live. “Being as committed as the club needs at this time wasn’t easy.”
16/03/23
Herron promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment by Fulham
MARCUS HERRON has been promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment at Fulham.
Herron has worked for the Cottagers for five years and has most recently been Pathway and Talent ID Manager.
14/03/23
Doolan leaves Everton after 16 years to join Brighton
JOHN DOOLAN has left Everton after 16 years to become Centre Forward Scouting Manager at Brighton.
The 48-year-old was a trainee for the Toffees, although he never made a senior appearance for them, and went on to hold a number of coaching, scouting and recruitment roles with them.
His last role at Everton was as Regional Scout Manager for the North. As TGG has previously reported, Brighton have an innovative system where they organise their scouting according to positions rather than geography.
Lee Sargeson moved in the opposite direction in February, leaving Brighton after almost six years to become Manager of Scouting Operations at Everton.
13/03/23
Woodhouse returns to Southampton as Head of Academy Operations
JONNY WOODHOUSE has returned to Southampton as Head of Academy Operations.
He replaces Robin Nicholls, who was appointed Sunderland Academy Manager last October.
Woodhouse worked for the Saints from 2016 to 2021, as Academy Data Scientist and then Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach.
For the last 20 months he has worked for UK-based running community RunThrough, latterly as their Head of Operations.
In 2017, he wrote this article for TGG about work placements in football.
10/03/23
Set-piece coach Russell leaves Norwich
NORWICH CITY set-piece coach Allan Russell has left the club after nine months.
The former England forwards coach joined the Canaries in June as their first set-piece specialist.
However, Norwich have today announced “a mutual termination of his contract to enable Allan to pursue alternative opportunities,” following the arrival of David Wagner as Head Coach in January.
Russell, who oversaw two matches as interim Head Coach after Dean Smith was sacked at the end of December, was absent from the dug-out for last weekend’s 3-2 win over Millwall.
First-team coach Andrew Hughes is now leading on set pieces for the club.
09/03/23
Trio join Wilder at Watford
CHRIS WILDER’S long-time assistants Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and Mike Allen have joined him at Watford.
Knill, 58, was originally the manager of Bury, with Wilder as his assistant, before the roles were reversed at Northampton Town, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
Knill will continue in his part-time role as Wales assistant, TGG Understands.
Prestridge, 31, joins the Hornets as a first-team coach, having worked with Wilder since his time at Northampton. He was born in Watford and is a specialist in both sport science and coaching.
Allen, 40, arrives as Head Analyst following spells alongside Wilder at Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
Slaven Bilic was sacked by Watford earlier this week after just six months in charge. His assistants Dean Racunica and Danilo Butorovic departed as well. Wilder is the 18th full-time Head Coach appointment at Watford since July 2012.
READ MORE: Watford staff profiles
03/03/23
Man Utd's Ramsay named Wales assistant
WALES manager Rob Page has described Eric Ramsay as “one of the best young coaches in football” after he was named as his assistant for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The 31-year-old will continue his duties as first-team coach with Manchester United. Ramsay joined United from Chelsea, where he was Under-23s assistant, in July 2021. He was a set piece specialist and individual development coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick, but has become a more traditional first-team coach under Erik Ten Hag.
Page said: “This change gives us an opportunity to build on our success, by drip feeding new players into the squad at the right times. Hopefully in twelve months we’ll then have taken the next batch of players to represent Wales at a top level.”
Ramsay added: “Having grown up in Llanfyllin, I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Welsh set-up. There’s so much excitement around the national team and its recent success, it’s a great time to be joining.”
“With the squad having gone through a slight transition, it feels like a new beginning. I’ve already had some good conversations with Rob and Alan Knill, so I think the ingredients are there for it to be an exciting time.”
In a statement, United said: “The club believes this move is a positive one for Ramsay, helping him to gain international experience and reflect his reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the game.”
Ramsay replaces Kit Symons, who stepped down as Page's assistant in January.
19/02/23
U18s coach Harris departs Southampton after two years
SOUTHAMPTON Under-18s Game Coach Mikey Harris has left the club after two years.
As TGG has reported, the Saints implemented an innovative system of Individual Coach and Game Coach (as opposed to Head Coach and assistant) at U18s and B Team level at the start of 2021.
Harris joined as U18s Individual Coach in March 2021, working alongside Game Coach Carl Martin, and the side were crowned Premier League South champions last season. Following Martin’s elevation to first-team duties last summer, Harris became U18s game coach, with Pete Haynes joining from Cheltenham Town as Individual Coach.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “Incredibly grateful for all the experiences I have had during my couple of years at Southampton. It’s been amazing to work with so many brilliant staff some of whom will be friends for life.
“Also very humbled to work with an abundance of talented young players who have a desire to learn and embody humility on and off the pitch. Winning the league last year was a great reward for those young players’ hard work.
“I have no doubt this year’s group will go on and create their own little bit of history by winning the Youth Cup. Looking forward to the next chapter in my journey.”
Prior to joining Southampton, Harris was in-possession coach with England and Professional Development Phase coach at Brighton.
The Individual Coach-Game Coach model was the brainchild of Director of Football Matt Crocker and it is unclear whether it will continue when he departs the club at the end of this season.
Jason Wilcox, currently Academy Manager at Manchester City, is taking over from Crocker then.
19/02/23
MacFarlane steps down as Toulouse Head of Recruitment
BRENDAN MACFARLANE has stepped down as Toulouse Head of Recruitment after two years.
The Scot joined the club in March 2021, having previously worked for Brentford for four years, latterly as their Lead Scout for France.
During his time with the Bees he was credited with helping to bring Neal Maupay and Said Benrahma to the club.
MacFarlane also helped Toulouse earn promotion back to Ligue 1 last season after two years away and the club thanked him for “two years of remarkable work” and for “his attitude, his passion and his professionalism.”
Senior Scout Julia Arpizou has been named as Interim Head of Recruitment until a permanent appointment is made. Toulouse are advertising the Head of Recruitment role on TGG - as you can see HERE.
10/02/23
Cattermole to step down as Middlesbrough U18s Lead
LEE CATTERMOLE is set to step down from his role as Under-18s Lead at Middlesbrough to pursue the next step in his coaching career.
The former Boro midfielder, who was himself a product of the club’s Academy, took over the U18s in January.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the U18s and can’t thank the club enough for giving me the opportunity. Over time I’ve realised how important this role is and for the club to give me that trust is something I’ll always be grateful for.
“I’ve never made any secret of my ambitions as a coach and I feel now is the right time for me to explore what’s out there and consider fully my next step.”
Academy Manager Craig Liddle added: “We’ve always been clear over the direction that Catts wanted to move in, and it’s been great having someone of his experience working with our young players over the past 14 months.
“We wish Lee all the best for the future.”
Cattermole will leave his post at the end of the month, with assistant James Marwood stepping up until the end of the season.
07/02/23
Stack leaves Cardiff following Lamouchi arrival
GOALKEEPER coach Graham Stack has left Cardiff City after seven months following the arrival of Sabri Lamouchi as manager.
Stack, 41, joined the club as part of Steve Morison’s staff and stayed on under Mark Hudson. However, following Lamouchi’s appointment a fortnight ago, he is now departing.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “The newly-appointed manager wanted to make changes and unfortunately has made plans to restructure his coaching staff. I am excited and look forward to what the future holds.”
Academy goalkeeping coach James Wood, son of former Cardiff keeper George, has stepped up to first-team duties following Stack’s departure.
Lamouchi, who led Nottingham Forest to seventh in the Championship in 2019/20, has retained Dean Whitehead and Tom Ramasut as assistants and brought in Sol Bamba as first-team coach.
Bamba played under Lamouchi for the Ivory Coast and made 118 appearances for Cardiff. This is his first job in coaching.
06/02/23
Academy Director Hart leaves Luton Town
PAUL HART has left his role as Luton Town Academy Director after two spells with the club spanning six years.
The 69-year-old stopped into the role in April last year after Andy Awford left to join the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC).
Hart had first joined the Hatters in May 2016 as assistant to Nathan Jones and returned with the manager for his second spell at the club in June 2020.
Head of Coaching Paul Benson will take charge of the Academy on an interim basis until a new Academy Director is recruited.
READ MORE: How a new role is helping Luton to achieve their Academy ambitions
05/02/23
Carroll appointed Bournemouth U18s Head Coach, with Surman as assistant
DAN CARROLL has been appointed interim Under-18s Lead at Bournemouth, with former player Andrew Surman returning to the club as his assistant.
Carroll will step up from the U16s to lead the 18s until the end of the season. He replaces Alan Connell, who was appointed U21s Head Coach last month after five-and-a-half years with the 18s.
Surman, 36, made 225 appearances for the Cherries as a player, including five seasons in the Premier League, before joining MK Dons in November 2020. He retired from playing in July 2021 and now replaces James Lowy, who was promoted to U21s assistant last month.
Academy Manager Sam Gisborne said: “Dan has worked right the way through our academy, from our U9s to most recently being with our U16s. Dan’s work ethic and commitment to the Academy has been superb and it makes complete sense to give him an opportunity to work with the as U18s until the end of the season
“It’s great to have Andrew on board, too. He’s new to coaching but this role will be perfect for him as he will work very closely with people who have been with the Academy a long time in Bruce Suraci, Ben Bradley and Dawn Roach.”
Meanwhile, former Aldershot Town assistant manager Tom Prodomo has joined as Youth Development Coach alongside Warren Cummings.
05/02/23
Trio joins Wolves as Roberts revamps Academy goalkeeping department
WOLVES have appointed a trio of new Academy goalkeeping coaches as they aim to deliver "the same messages and language through the age groups."
First-team goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts, who joined under Bruno Lage in the summer of 2021 and was retained by successor Julen Lopetegui, has overseen the revamp.
Scott Bevan has joined from Birmingham City, where he was Under-23s Goalkeeper Coach, to become Head of Academy Goalkeeping and U21s coach. Bevan worked with Roberts for the Blues and has been on the staff of the Philippines national team.
Jon Flatt will work with the Under-18s, having joined from nearby Aston Villa in October. He was a member of Wolves' Academy himself before stepping into coaching at a young age with the Villains.
And Phil Smart has joined from West Brom, where he was Head of Academy Goalkeeping, to work with the U9s to U16s.
Roberts said: “We’ve revamped the goalkeeping department. It’s not just a one-man job any more and the three of them are here because they are all very good at what they do.
“We’re all going to be coaching from the same programme, so all goalkeepers are getting the same messages and language as they go through the age groups. The aim is to produce goalkeepers like Wayne Hennessey, Matt Murray and Carl Ikeme again. I’ve done it before at Arsenal and Swansea, and the programme I’ve used has had success, and we want to start doing it here now.
“I believe if you have the right people and Academy plan in place, you’ll get players through. If they’re not good enough for our first team, we still want them to have careers in the league, but the main aim is to find a couple of special ones for our first team.”
30/01/23
Stoyel joins Oxford United as Performance Psychologist
DR HANNAH STOYEL has joined Oxford United, meaning the League One club now have both a psychologist and psychotherapist on their first-team staff.
Stoyel has joined as first-team Performance Psychologist, having previously worked with Swim England as well as British Diving through the English Institute of Sport. Gary Bloom is already on board at the club as a psychotherapist, looking after the emotional wellbeing of the players.
“I’ll be working on the mental side of things with the team,” Stoyel said. “Performance Psychology is all about helping the players achieve their full potential. You tailor what you do to individuals, always working within the culture of the team and the club.
“The mental side of the game lays the foundation for physical excellence. You want people to be positive, you want them to communicate well. Maybe they feel good so they want to stay behind and do extra or do their prehab that little bit extra. And that then brings the best out of those around them as well.
“Everyone at the club has been so supportive and welcoming and having Gary Bloom as Psychotherapist here already means the club is in a great place.”
25/01/23
Burbeary appointed Head of Performance at Derby County
ROSS BURBEARY has been appointed Head of Performance at Derby County, reuniting him with manager Paul Warne.
The duo worked together for more than five years at Rotherham United, helping the club secure three promotions from League One (in 2017/18, 2019/20 and 2021/22).
Burbeary left the Millers in April 2022 to become Head of Performance at Lincoln City. At the time, Warne said: “His five years here have had a massive impact on pushing the club forward and hopefully we can keep doing that.
“He’s developed the department. That has allowed us to try and build a team that is fit and strong and keeps running. Ross has played a monumental part in that and will be an unbelievable loss and I can understand why he’s been head-hunted.”
Five months later, Warne moved to become boss of Derby, taking assistant Richie Barker, first-team coach Matt Hamshaw and goalkeeper coach Andy Warrington with him. Burbeary’s move means the five are now reunited.
He replaces Luke Jenkinson, who has left the Rams after six-and-a-half years to become Head of Performance at DC United in the MLS.
Derby currently sit fourth in League One.
