Bulletin Board
22/09/22
Sunderland's Head of Data and Analysis departs
JAMES YOUNG has left his role as Sunderland’s Head of Data and Analysis after two-and-a-half years to become Head of Football for Gemini Sports Analytics.
Young was Sunderland’s first Head of Data and joined the club in March 2021. He was previously head of the performance analytics department at management consultants Deloitte for six years, working with clients including the Football Association.
Young spoke to us about his role at Sunderland in this interview in 2021 and also outlined how he had gone about setting up the new data department at our 2021 Big Data Webinar.
Sunderland are in the process of hiring a replacement for Young.
22/09/23
Watford's Dewar joins Wolves as Coach-Analyst
WATFORD'S Woody Dewar has been appointed to the new role of Coach-Analyst at Wolves.
Dewar has been with the Hornets for more than two years, latterly as their Lead First Team Analyst and Scouting Co-Ordinator.
Prior to this he worked for Tottenham as Head of Academy Performance Analysis. Coach-Analyst is a big new role in football, with Newcastle United and Brighton among the clubs to have recently appointed to the position.
As well as being experienced in analysis, Dewar is also a UEFA A Licence coach.
19/09/23
Thelwell appointed Head of Technical Scouting at Norwich City
ROBBIE THELWELL has been appointed Head of Technical Scouting at Norwich City.
He replaces Jonathan Duckett, who has moved to the Head of Player Insights role with the Canaries.
Thelwell has worked for Aston Villa for the last three years, latterly as a First-Team Scout. Prior to this he worked for Wolves for four years, latterly as their First-Team Technical Scout.
18/09/23
Hudson promoted to Coach-Analyst at Brighton
SAM HUDSON has been promoted to First Team Coach-Analyst at Brighton following Jordan Tribe's move to Newcastle United.
As TGG reported last week, Tribe has left the Seagulls, where he was Senior Performance Analyst, to become Coach-Analyst for Newcastle, replacing Mark Leyland.
Hudson has worked for Brighton since 2016, starting off with the Academy and progressing to first-team duties. For the last five years he has been First Team Performance Analyst.
04/09/23
Pujdak leaves Leicester to become Head of Performance at CD Castellon
MIKOLAJ PUJDAK has left Leicester City to become Head of Physical Performance and Nutrition at CD Castellon in Spain.
Pujdak has been Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach at Leicester for the last seven months. Prior to this he worked for Watford for more than five years, for their Academy, first team and women's teams, in sport science and strength and conditioning roles.
He was also a professional and semi-professional footballer in his homeland of Poland.
Writing on LinkedIn, Pujdak said: "Excited to join ambitious project at CD Castellon on their journey to promotion La Liga 2 as well as call Spain my new home."
Dave Reddin MBE, CD Castellon's CEO of Football, will be presenting at TGG Live in Manchester on October 9th. To find out more and how to buy tickets, click HERE.
04/09/23
King promoted to first-team Sports Scientist at Swansea City
ADEN KING has been promoted to first-team Sports Scientist at Swansea City.
King joined the Swans as Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach from West Brom in May 2022.
29/08/23
Robinson leaves Burton to become Peterborough Academy Manager
DAN ROBINSON has left Burton Albion after three years to become the new Academy Manager at Peterborough United.
He replaces Kieran Scarff, who became assistant manager following the return of Darren Ferguson as Posh manager last season.
Robinson said: “A lot of wonderful work has taken place at the Academy under the leadership of Kieran Scarff and I am looking forward to building on that when I take the start next month.
“The opportunity to work at a Category Two Academy was something that really excited me, the infrastructure at the club is excellent and I can’t wait to meet the staff and get started.”
Robinson spent 12 years in New Zealand as a player and coach and was part of their national staff at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
25/08/23
Prieditis promoted to Academy Manager at Rochdale
JAMES PRIEDITIS has been promoted from Head of Coaching to Academy Manager at Rochdale following Mark Litherland’s departure after a month.
Litherland was appointed in July following the departure of long-serving Tony Ellis and has now left to join Bradford City.
Prieditis joined Dale four years ago, firstly as a coach before becoming Head of Coaching and has also worked at Huddersfield Town and Burnley.
He said: “It’s a big challenge but one that I am enjoying. The important thing, for me, is to bring stability to the Academy and continue the good work that we’ve been doing.
“The relationship between the Academy and First Team is as good as it has been in my time here. I hope we can continue to expose some of our Academy players to the opportunities that being provided at the moment.”
Rochdale run a Category Three Academy and were 71st in our Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22.
23/08/23
Litherland appointed Academy Manager at Bradford City
FORMER Rochdale, Bolton and Bury Academy Manager Mark Litherland has been appointed as Bradford City's new head of youth.
He succeeds Neil Matthews, who died from cancer in May at the age of 56. Matthews had worked for the Bantams since December 2017 and was their Academy Manager from the summer of 2019.
Litherland said: “It feels great to be here. I have been welcomed by all the staff with open arms and am really enjoying it so far. It is evident that the work of Neil Matthews, god bless his soul, and the rest of the staff has been top drawer to get the Academy to where it is today.
“I just want to follow that on and build on it to improve us and help the academy get better and better, to the point where it is one of the best in the north of England.
“I have spoken to the manager and he is very keen on youth development, and from my point of view that is perfect. We want to be developing international players and Premier League players for the future.
CEO Ryan Sparks added: “We are delighted to have Mark on board, and believe he can be a real asset for our football club. Our Academy is one of the best at Category Three level in the country, and Mark has a great base to work from, alongside excellent staff.”
15/08/23
Bonner promoted to First Team Post Match Analyst at Liverpool
JOEL BONNER has been promoted to First Team Post Match Analyst at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old was a player with Liverpool's Academy from the ages of 12 to 16 and went on to become a reserve-team player with Shrewsbury Town.
He then moved into coaching and analysis and has had an interesting job from November 2020 as Liverpool's U15s/16s Analyst and Individual Coach. This role was truly combining the two disciplines, which is a theme we've written about a lot on the site in recent seasons.
READ MORE: Liverpool staff profiles
11/08/23
Gilpin appointed Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine at Wolves
STEPHEN GILPIN has left Rotherham after three years to become Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine at Wolves.
His arrival plugs a gap left by Matt Butterfield, who moved from Head of Academy Physiotherapy to First Team Physio at Wolves this summer.
Gilpin had worked for the Millers since June 2020 and was their Head of Medical and Performance for Rotherham.
Along with former colleague Ross Burbeary, he also set up the Prostate United challenge, which involves club staff running every day in November each year.
The challenge has been running for five years and raised more than £90,000 last year alone.
03/08/23
Man City Head of Academy Recruitment joins Chelsea
STEWART THOMPSON has left Manchester City after 13 years to become a first-team scout at Chelsea.
Thompson joined City as a UK and European scout in July 2010 and went on to become their UK Head of Academy Recruitment.
At Chelsea he will be a first-team scout and the move reunites him with Joe Shields, who worked for City for nine years and is now Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent at Chelsea.
City’s Academy scouting and recruitment department has been gutted in recent months, with Northern UK Scouting Manager Paul Midgley appointed Head of Youth Recruitment at Newcastle United and Head Regional Scout Paul McLaren becoming Head of UK Scouting (13s to 18s) for the Magpies.
Shields, who was Head of Academy Recruitment, left City for Southampton last summer (before joining Chelsea) and Academy Director Jason Wilcox is now Director of Football at Southampton.
02/08/23
Chapman appointed Head of Academy Recruitment at Southampton
JACK CHAPMAN has left Swansea City after six-and-a-half years to become Head of Academy Recruitment at Southampton.
The move reunites him with Academy Manager Andy Goldie and first-team manager Russell Martin, who made the same switch from South Wales to the Solent earlier this summer.
Chapman replaces Dan Rice, who moved to Everton at the end of last season. The Welshman joined Swansea in February 2017 and was promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment in November 2019.
He has also worked for Cardiff City and New York Red Bulls.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said: "A bittersweet moment in leaving but very proud of what we have achieved as a department and the progress made to the quality of player in our system."
31/07/23
Parrish joins Shrewsbury after decade at Wolves Academy
SEAN PARRISH has been appointed first-team coach at Shrewsbury Town following 10 years with Wolves’ Academy.
The move marks a return to the club where he was a scholar from 1989 before spells as a player with Doncaster and Northampton.
Parrish joined Wolves in 2012 to work with their Under-16s and U18s and has spent the last five years supporting the Professional Phase.
During the 2017/18 season he carried out a dual role as assistant to Rob Edwards at AFC Telford United while continuing to support the U23s on a daily basis.
Wolves Academy Manager Jon Hunter-Barrett (who will be appearing at TGG Live in October) said: “Sean has made a huge contribution during the 10 years he has been working in the Academy, especially to all of the players – past and present – who he has helped on their journeys through the programme.
“The staff and players have always had strong relationships with him due to his nature as a person and his likeability around the building. He would always bring a big energy to the training ground and is so passionate about football.
“On behalf of everyone who worked with Sean during his time here, I would like to give him my sincere thanks for all of his hard work and dedication to the football club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.”
Parrish added: “I’m delighted to return to Shrewsbury - it's where I began my career and is a club where I have many fond memories. For me, this is a great opportunity to come back into first-team football and I’m really looking forward to working with the Head Coach, Matt Taylor.
“Because I have come from an Academy background, my big passion is developing players and making them better.
“And we have some excellent young footballers at the club who have a lot of potential so I’m really looking forward to working with them and helping them to improve.
“Ultimately, though, football is about winning matches. That is what fans want so I’ll be doing everything I can to support Matt and the players with the aim of winning as many games as possible.”
31/07/23
Scott appointed Technical Director at Charlton
ANDY SCOTT has been appointed Technical Director of League One Charlton following their takeover by Global Football Partners (GFP).
Scott has previously been Head of Scouting at Nottingham Forest, Head of Recruitment at Swansea, Sporting Director at Watford and Head of Recruitment at Brentford.
He was also a player and manager of the Bees, as well as going on to work as Scouting Advisor to Smartodds, the betting company founded by Brentford owner Matthew Benham.
Scott had been working as a Technical Advisor at Charlton since December and now he takes up the role of Technical Director and will have a place on the Charlton Board.
GFP comprises seven shareholders, each with at least a 5% stake in the club, including Charlie Methven, who was previously Executive Director at Sunderland during Stewart Donald’s controversial ownership.
“Building a first-class Senior Management Team is our number one priority as an ownership group,” Methven said. “The role of Technical Director in modern football is essential, as sustainable success is only achieved if the correct structures, processes and culture are put in place throughout the footballing departments.
“In Andy, we have a unique CV: a former Premier League footballer and successful EFL manager, who has then gone on to spend a decade mastering the backroom elements of the industry.
“During that time, from Brentford to Swansea to Forest, the clubs he has held senior roles in have invariably gone on to benefit significantly from his leadership and judgement. We look forward to him having a powerful impact on Charlton too.”
Scott added: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic club as Technical Director. We are fortunate to have an academy that is one of the best in the country and continues to provide an incredible amount of talented young players for the men’s first team.
"I will work closely with Steve [Avory] and his staff to ensure they have the resources to continue the impressive record they have been responsible for over the last decade and more.
“It is our job to earn the trust and respect of the fanbase who deserve to see the good times back at The Valley but I am genuinely excited about what we can all achieve if we focus, work hard and all pull in the same direction.
"I look forward to meeting you all very soon and being part of the Charlton Athletic family.”
26/07/23
Sparkes and Loveland join Selles at Reading
RUBEN SELLES has taken two members of his former Southampton coaching staff with him to Reading.
The 40-year-old was appointed manager of the League One side earlier this month and has taken Andrew Sparkes with him as Assistant Manager and Tobias Loveland as First Team Technical Coaching Assistant.
Sparkes, a UEFA A Licence coach, joined Saints as Goalkeeper Coach under Ralph Hasenhuttl in July 2019 before taking more of a focus on set pieces when Selles took charge in February this year.
Loveland was Senior Technical Analyst for Southampton and worked for them from the start of the 2018/19 season. Selles’s other assistants at Reading are James Oliver-Pearce (First Team Coach), Tony Warner (Goalkeeper Coach) and Eddie Niedzwiecki (First Team Coach and Director of Player Development).
22/07/23
Abad named West Brom Goalkeeper Coach
FORMER Leeds United Goalkeeper Coach Marcos Abad has been reunited with Carolos Corberan at West Brom.
Abad worked with Leeds for six years, while Baggies Head Coach Corberan was their Under-23s Lead and First-Team Coach from 2017 to 2020.
Abad replaces Gary Walsh as West Brom's First-Team Keeper Coach. Walsh, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, joined West Brom in January 2019 under Darren Moore.
17/07/23
Cleverley moves into coaching after end of playing career
TOM CLEVERLEY has been appointed as an Under-18s coach at Watford after announcing his retirement from playing at the age of 33.
He said: “This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time in my footballing journey. I said recently that injury had taken away the chance for me to carry on playing, so coaching is definitely the next best thing and something I’d been working towards getting into for a while.
Academy Head of Technical Development Jimmy Gilligan added : “We are delighted that Tom will join Watford FC’s Academy. Tom will bring a wealth of knowledge and playing experience to the scholars at the club.
“He has worked under some great coaches and managers during his playing career and it's clear, when speaking to him, he wants to share this knowledge with the young players we have at the club.”
17/07/23
Fletcher switches from First-Team Coach to Player Liaison Officer at Bournemouth
STEVE FLETCHER has moved from First-Team Coach to Player Liaison Officer at Bournemouth following Jimmy Glass’s appointment as General Manager of Wimborne Town.
Glass made 109 appearances for the Cherries as a player and had been Player Liaison Officer and Matchday Host for the last eight years. Last year he spoke to TGG about both the role and his experiences in the game.
At Wimborne Town he will be responsible for “managing and developing the club’s operational programmes, community initiatives and footballing infrastructure”.
Fletcher is the club’s record appearance holder, having featured more than 800 times across two spells as a player, and has held various positions since hanging up his boots in 2013.
He has been a Scout, Club Ambassador, Assistant Manager and First-Team Coach, holding the latter role for eight seasons under five different managers (Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, Jonathan Woodgate, Scott Parker and Gary O’Neil).
He said: “After eight ridiculously amazing seasons on the coaching staff, six years in the Premier League, Championship play-offs and a Championship promotion of which I’m so blessed, grateful and honoured, I move to my new role as first team Player Liaison Officer, Matchday Host and Club Ambassador.
“Very excited in this new chapter of my life at AFC Bournemouth.”
11/07/23
Nevin leaves West Ham to join Vieira at Strasbourg
PAUL NEVIN has left West Ham after two-and-a-half years to become Patrick Vieira’s assistant at Strasbourg.
The UEFA Pro Licence coach joined the Hammers in February 2020 as First Team Coach and has also worked on the England coaching staff under Gareth Southgate.
He has a wealth of coaching experience, having also been a coach at Fulham Academy, manager of New Zealand Knights, Football Performance Manager at the Aspire Academy in Qatar, Head of Coaching at Norwich City and for the Premier League, and First Team Coach at Brighton.
Vieira was appointed Strasbourg boss at the start of the month after being sacked by Crystal Palace in March. He has brought long-time assistant Kristian Wilson with him to France.
The duo first worked together at Manchester City, when Vieira was a player and then coach and Wilson was Head of Technical Performance.
Wilson then subsequently went with Vieira to New York City, OGC Nice and Palace.
Moyes has now lost two assistants at West Ham, with Mark Warburton having departed at the end of last season.
10/07/23
Burrows appointed Head of S&C at Nottingham Forest
FORMER Chelsea man Adam Burrows has been appointed Head of Strength and Conditioning at Nottingham Forest.
Burrows was First Team Strength and Conditioning Coach at Chelsea from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that he worked for Derby County (latterly under Frank Lampard, who took him to Chelsea) for eight years, rising from intern to first team.
For the last year he has been Head of Strength and Conditioning at Nottingham Trent University.
In an article in January 2018, Burrows described his role. “I work predominantly in the gym, on strength, power and areas of injury risk, so that when the players go outside, they are in the best condition to be able to deal with the training demands,” he said.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest staff profiles
09/07/23
Derry returns to Crystal Palace five months after exit
SHAUN DERRY has returned to Crystal Palace as one of Roy Hodgson’s assistants, just five months after leaving the club.
The 45-year-old made 226 appearances for the Eagles as a player and became their Under-23s Head Coach in September 2019.
He was then promoted to first-team coach by Patrick Vieira in August 2021, before leaving in February 2023. Hodgson has now decided to bring him back to work alongside assistants Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington and goalkeeper Dean Kiely.
30/06/23
Martin brings quartet of staff to Southampton
RUSSELL MARTIN has named the four assistants he is bringing into Southampton, while Carl Martin will stay on as first-team coach.
Former Scotland international Martin was named Saints boss last week following protracted negotiations over compensation with Swansea City.
He is bringing the following staff to Southampton:
- Matt Gill (Assistant Manager): Played alongside Martin at Norwich City between 2009 and 2011. Was Under-23s boss at Norwich and first-team coach at Ipswich before linking up with Martin at MK Dons, where he was Technical and Strategic Development Coach. Went with him to Swansea and now Southampton.
- Dean Thornton (Goalkeeper Coach): Has known Martin since they were teenagers at Wycombe Wanderers. Has worked with the manager at both of his previous clubs, MK Dons and Swansea. Spent nine years as Head of Academy Goalkeeping at QPR before that.
- Rhys Owen (Sports Scientist): Was Head of Rehab under Martin at Swansea.
- Ben Parker (Tactics & Insights Analyst): Was Academy Performance intern at MK Dons before being promoted to assistant first-team analyst and then lead. Moved with Martin to Swansea City.
Carl Martin remains first-team coach. He joined Southampton in January 2019 as U18s coach and was promoted to first-team duties in summer of 2022, focusing on in-possession coaching.
Dave Horseman, who was appointed assistant under Ruben Selles, is returning to his full-time role as B Team Head Coach.
29/06/23
Stoke Head of Sport Science Walsh exits after three seasons
PAUL WALSH has left his role as Head of Sport Science at Stoke City after three seasons.
He joined the club in August 2020 under Michael O’Neill, with whom he had worked for Northern Ireland.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “Unfortunately, after three seasons my time at Stoke City has come to an end.
“To all the coaches, staff and players that I have had the pleasure to work with and learn from, thank you for those opportunities.
“Looking forward to what the next opportunity will be, I am excited about any new challenges ahead and look forward to getting out to see other organisations and gain some insights.”
Walsh will continue in his role as Head of Sport Science for Ireland’s Under-21s. Stoke, now managed by Alex Neil, are set to announce a replacement shortly.
27/06/23
Scarff switches from Academy Manager to Assistant Manager at Peterborough
KIERAN SCARFF has been promoted from Academy Manager to Assistant Manager at Peterborough United.
Scarff has spent a decade with Posh that spans two separate spells. The first was from 2010 to 2016, when he was Head of Coaching and then Academy Manager.
The second, also as Academy Manager, followed stints in charge of the youth set-ups at Northampton Town and Doncaster Rovers and was from July 2019 to now.
Peterborough, who are managed by Darren Ferguson, lost in the semi-finals of the League One play-offs last season after a thrilling 5-5 two-legger against Sheffield Wednesday that ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat.
25/06/23
Wates appointed Lead Physical Performance Coach at QPR
DAVID WATES has left Wycombe Wanderers after nine years to become Lead Physical Performance Coach at QPR.
The move reunites him with QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth, with whom he worked at Wycombe.
“Dave knows the way I work inside-out and that will give us a head-start when it comes to how we want to go about things this year,” Ainsworth said.
“He will be responsible for the overall condition and shape of the boys going into training and games. He is super-qualified, super-energetic and a great addition to the backroom team.”
“We want to get these boys as fit and robust as we possibly can. Dave is the ideal person to come in and help the already-good group I inherited from last season.”
QPR’s Head of Medicine and Performance is Dr Imtiaz Ahmad, while Ross Bennett is Head of Sport Science.
Meanwhile, Michael Amoah has left Colchester United to replace Wates at Wycombe. The move reunites him with boss Matt Bloomfield, with whom he worked at Colchester.
22/06/23
Orta appointed Sporting Director at Sevilla
FORMER Leeds United Director of Football Victor Orta has been appointed Sporting Director at Sevilla.
The 44-year-old, who left Leeds by mutual consent at the start of May after six years’ service, has replaced Monchi at Sevilla.
The duo worked together for the Spanish side for seven years from 2006, when Monchi was Sporting Director and Orta, a former journalist, was Technical Secretary.
Last week Monchi was appointed President of Football Operations at Aston Villa.
Orta said: “I have the ambition to be here as long as possible, winning games, getting results. The same here at Sevilla, at Leeds United, at any team in the world.
“It’s always a long-term plan, the Sporting Director’s job is to build a project. Short-termism in football never works.”
Of his time at Leeds he added: “I had a very satisfactory time there, taking a team which had been 16 years in the lower divisions, as a foreigner in England, where they demand double of you.
“I managed a Premier League budget, all that means, managed the club as a director general, always aiming for the best for the team.
“It was a very important part of my life, with some very good moments, and the bad moments are forgotten. I forgot about that the day the door closed, just wanted to remember the good times I had there.”
Orta was our guest on Episode #7 of the TGG Podcast, which you can listen to HERE.
18/06/23
Riza promoted from U21s Lead to First-Team Assistant at Watford
OMER RIZA has been promoted from Under-21s Lead to First-Team Assistant Coach at Watford.
The Pro Licence coach joined the Hornets in August 2018 as U16s coach. In tandem with his work with Watford, the 43-year-old has also coached with England, as U16s in-possession coach and then U17s assistant.
In addition, Dean Whitehead has joined Valérien Ismaël staff at the club as Assistant Head Coach. The 41-year-old moved from coaching to playing in 2018/19, working in first-team roles at Huddersfield, Shrewsbury and Port Vale before linking up with Ismaël at Besiktas.
His most recent job was as assistant at Cardiff City in the second half of last season.
The final new member of staff at Watford is Video Analyst Jack Riley, 29, who has previously worked with Ismaël at Barnsley, West Brom and Besiktas.
15/06/23
Warburton exits West Ham after a year
WEST HAM assistant Mark Warburton has left the club after a year as he seeks a managerial position elsewhere.
The former Brentford, Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers manager joined the Hammers as Davud Moyes’ assistant last June.
“I would like to thank Mark for all of his hard work and support during his time here. He’s played an important role for us over the last 12 months and has been a great help to me personally,” Moyes said.
“However, with his aspirations to seek a more senior position elsewhere, we felt it was the right time to agree to part ways. On behalf of all of the players and staff, I wish Mark every success in the future.”
Warburton added: “I am hugely grateful to West Ham United and, in particular, David Moyes for the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here but, at this stage of my career, I am keen to seek new opportunities at a more senior level that are aligned with the attributes I believe I have to offer.
“I wish everyone at West Ham well and will always have fond memories of my time here.”
12/06/23
Stoke Chief Scout joins Bournemouth
STOKE CITY Chief Scout Tommy Coakley has been appointed Senior Scout at Bournemouth.
Coakley joined the Potters under former manager Michael O'Neill in 2020.
Announcing the exits of Coakley and Head of Football Operations Andy Cousins - who is joining Chelsea - a few weeks ago, Stoke Technical Director Ricky Martin said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Andy and Tommy for their efforts on behalf of Stoke City.
"They have opportunities to seek elsewhere, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
"This now provides Alex [Neil, Manager] and I with an opportunity to appoint and work closely with new individuals in this area."
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.
.08-23 (1).jpg)
