Bulletin Board
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.
23/01/23
Wright appointed Development Coach by Ipswich Town
DAVID WRIGHT has been appointed to the new position of Player Development Coach by Ipswich Town.
He was previously first-team coach at MK Dons under Liam Manning, but departed when the manager was sacked. Prior to this Wright spent five years at Norwich City, latterly as Under-23s Lead.
Ipswich, under the charge of Kieran McKenna, currently sit third in League One.
The role of Individual Development Coach is becoming increasingly prevalent in English football. TGG has focused on it in two webinars, in 2021 and 2022.
22/01/23
Northeast replaces Wilson as Cardiff Head of Performance
JONNY NORTHEAST has succeeded PJ Wilson as Head of Performance at Championship side Cardiff City.
Wilson was appointed by the Bluebirds in June 2022 but left the club shortly before Christmas, TGG understands. This had been his first role working in football, having previously been Head of Performance at rugby union giants Munster and Bath.
Northeast had worked under manager Valérien Ismaël in his last three roles - as Head of Sport Science at Besiktas, West Brom and Barnsley.
He is highly experienced, having also worked at DC United in the MLS and for Swansea City, for seven-and-a-half years.
Cardiff are currently 21st in the Championship and are looking for a permanent manager following the sacking of Mark Hudson on January 14th. Dean Whitehead is their interim boss until an appointment is made.
20/01/23
Senda promoted to U21s Lead at Charlton after Serrar exit
CHARLTON have made three promotions in their Category Two Academy following the exit of Hamza Serrar.
Under-21s coach Serrar has left this month to become Academy Technical Director at Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi.
In his place, Danny Senda has been promoted to Senior Professional Development Phase Lead, responsible for “overseeing the technical and tactical development of players aged 17 to 21.”
Senda was previously U18s Lead. Meanwhile, Jason Pearce will step up from U18s Assistant to Lead, with Chris Lock moving from U16s Lead to U18s Assistant on an interim basis.
Academy Director Steve Avory said: "Hamza came to us seven years ago and has been a real asset in his time here. He has played an important role in the development of our academy players and we wish him the best for the future in his exciting new role abroad.
“He will be missed but we're fortunate, in Danny and Jason, to have two talented coaches ready to make the step up."
19/01/23
Stockade leaves Hull City to become MK Dons assistant
ROBBIE STOCKDALE has left his role as first-team coach at Hull City to become assistant to Mark Jackson at MK Dons.
The 43-year-old former Scotland international has previously been caretaker manager of Sunderland, first-team coach at West Brom and was manager of Rochdale from July 2021 to August 2022.
“After speaking with Mark, it’s clear we have similar ways of seeing the game,” Stockade said. “I’ll be looking to support Mark and help the club by offering my experience and my ideas, having been fortunate enough to work under some top international managers during my career.
Jackson added: “Our paths have never crossed and we've gotten to know each other in a short period of time. When I've spoken to him, that connection has become stronger which led us to be in a position to move forward with him.
“He's got a vast amount of experience working with top managers at different clubs, and he's been a manager himself so he knows the pressures we're under, and we're clear on how we can help each other.”
09/01/23
Parker takes trio of English assistants to Club Brugge
SCOTT PARKER has taken the trio of staff who were sacked with him at Bournemouth to Club Brugge.
The former England international left the Cherries at the end of August and joined the Belgian giants on New Year’s Eve.
He is taking three long-time assistants with him:
- Matt Wells (Assistant)
- Rob Burch (Goalkeeper Coach)
- Jonathan Hill (First-Team Coach/ Analyst)
The trio worked alongside Parker not only at Bournemouth, but also Fulham and Tottenham Under-18s.
06/01/23
Connell and Lowy take charge of Bournemouth U21s
ALAN CONNELL has been appointed as Bournemouth’s new Under-21s boss, with James Lowy as his assistant.
Connell steps up from the U18s to become Development Squad Manager, replacing Shaun Cooper, who has moved up to the first team as first-team coach under Gary O’Neil.
As a player, Connell won two promotions with the Cherries and joined the Academy coaching staff in 2015. He was appointed U18s Head Coach in July 2017.
His U21s assistant will be Lowy, who has been promoted U15s coach. He replaces Tommy Elphick, who has also joined O’Neil’s first-team coaching staff.
Lowy joined the Cherries as a part-time Academy coach in 2018 and became full-time with the U9s and U10s in 2019.
Category Three Bournemouth placed 43rd in TGG's Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22.
31/12/22
Cagigao steps down as National Director of Football for Chile
FRANCIS CAGIGAO has stepped down as National Director of Football at the Chilean Football Federation after two years.
The former Arsenal Head of International Scouting was our guest on Episode #36 of the TGG Podcast.
Writing on LinkedIn yesterday (December 30th 2022), he said: “Today is my last day as National Director of Football at the Chilean Football Federation. I joined two years ago post social-uprising and in the middle of the pandemic.
“Very proud of the growth and structure put in place with a strong emphasis on youth development as we had to employ many young Chilean coaches and build from scratch, creating U15s, U17s, an U23 mens side, a Women’s U15s for the first time in an international tournament.
“Creating an ID, scouting and analytics department and development groups. In these two years I have had the privilege to work with some fantastic staff, outstanding human beings.
“I thank all the head coaches, coaching staff, players, support staff and everyone at the Juan Pinto Duran Training Centre and the president and directors of the Chilean Federation for their support.”
Cagigao added: “It is time for me to return to my family after two years away from them and to Europe for now but I will always cherish the time spent in Chile, everything I learnt there and the relationships and strong bonds I made there.”
24/12/22
Walters named Technical Director of Fleetwood Town
FORMER Republic of Ireland international Jonathan Walter has been named as the new Technical Director of League One Fleetwood Town and their sister club Waterford FC.
The 39-year-old will “oversee the club’s long-term football strategy” and this is the first time Fleetwood have had a Technical Director since December 2018, when Gretar Steinsson departed after four years.
Walters played more than 500 games for clubs including Stoke City, Burnley and Ipswich Town, as well as 54 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
He will work closely with Head Coach Scott Brown and Head of Recruitment Joe Riley, as well as the club’s Academy and medical departments, Fleetwood said.
His role with League of Ireland side Waterford FC will involve “developing a pathway for players” and “helping them gain promotion back to the Premier Division.”
Fleetwood Chairman Andy Pilley said: “We are delighted to welcome such a well-respected name in the game to the club in a role which we feel is hugely important. Jonathan is an experienced and knowledgeable character who can help the club move to the next level in structure, recruitment and sporting success on the pitch.
“Fleetwood Town were one of the first League One clubs to appoint a Technical Director in Gretar Steinsson back in 2015, and we felt now was the right time to bring the role back. It’s a hugely exciting appointment.”
24/12/22
Scott appointed Technical Director at Charlton
ANDY SCOTT has been appointed Technical Director at Charlton to the end of January, with the potential for a longer-term deal after that.
The League One side haven’t had a Technical Director since Ged Roddy left to join FIFA a year ago, although they do have a Director of Football in Steve Gallen.
Scott, 50, told the South London Press: “Jim (Rodwell, Chief Operating Officer) asked me to come in, be involved in the football club and primarily the key area is recruitment in January and helping Steve - work with the staff we’ve got to ensure we improve the squad.
“I was quite happy going to the end of January and if it all works well and everyone is happy with everyone’s working, and we’re all of the same mind, then that will be extended. And I’d love to think it will be a lot longer contract.”
Scott was dismissed as Head of Scouting at Nottingham Forest in October after a review of their summer transfer business.
12/12/22
Club doctor Morris leaves Burnley as changing of guard continues
SIMON MORRIS is leaving his role as Burnley team doctor after 12 years as the changing of the guard at the Lancashire club continues.
Morris joined the club in 2010 and supported the first team during seven years in the Premier League, as well as for a European campaign in 2018/19.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with an alphabet of managers, from Brian Laws through to Vinny Kompany," said Morris, who will leave at the end of the season. "However, it’s the fantastic people of Burnley Football Club that make these incredible achievements possible.
“I’ve had the honour of looking after all the players, staff and even some of the supporters during this precious time. Our bond of friendship that we all share will continue to thrive throughout life.”
There has been almost a complete change of staff at the club following the takeover by ALK Capital in December 2020. The following have left since then:
- Manager: Sean Dyche
- Technical Director: Mike Rigg
- Assistant: Ian Woan
- Goalkeeper coaches: Billy Mercer and Fabian Otte
- First-team coaches: Steve Stone and Tony Loughlan
- Head of Sport Science: Mark Howard
- First-team doctor: Simon Morris
- Sport Scientist: Ronan Kavanagh
- S&C coach: Tom Short
- Head Physio: Ally Beattie
- Head of Recruitment: Martin Hodge
- Academy Manager: Jon Pepper
- Head of Academy Sport Science: Alex Ouzounoglou
- Media Managers: Darren Bentley and Pete Oliver
11/12/22
Miller joins Everton after seven years at Wolves
SEAN MILLER has left Wolves after seven years and joined Everton as First-Team Physical Performance Coach.
Miller joined Wolves in September 2015 and had been their First Team Strength and Conditioning Coach since June 2019.
However, he was released following the arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui, who has brought seven of his own staff with him to Molineux, including S&C coach Borja De Alba.
Head of Performance and Medicine Rob Chakraverty also left the club a fortnight ago after two years' service.
Miller’s move to Everton reunites him with Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, who held the same role at the Midlands club from 2016 to 2020.
11/12/22
Goodman steps down as MK Dons Academy Manager
JON GOODMAN has stepped down from his role as Academy Manager at MK Dons.
Goodman was Assistant Head of Player Development at Tottenham before joining MK Dons in June 2019.
During his time at Stadium MK, several homegrown players, including Jack Davies, Brooklyn Ilunga, Lewis Johnson, Edward Gyamfi, have progressed to the first team at the club.
Chairman Pete Winkelman said: “I am extremely grateful to Jon for his hard work and dedication in his role as Academy Manager. During Jon's time with us, he has overseen a huge amount of change - change which has reset the aspirations and ambitions of the Academy and he certainly leaves it in a much better place than when he found it.
"That's all we could have asked for from Jon and I wish him every success in his future career."
The club are now in the process of recruiting a new Academy Manager. Category Three MK Dons placed 44th in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22, down seven places on the previous season’s edition.
02/12/22
Liverpool appoint new first-team doctor
JONATHAN POWER has been appointed as Liverpool’s new first-team doctor.
He replaces Jim Moxon, who had replaced Andy Massey in March 2020 but was let go by the club in August.
Power spent nine years with the Football Association, including four years as the England men’s team performance medicine doctor between 2017 and 2021. From 2019 to 2021 he was matchday doctor at Brentford.
Most recently he has been working as a consultant in sports and exercise medicine at the Centre for Sports and Orthopaedic Medicine in Bermuda and is also Director of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Yorkshire Sports Exercise Clinic.
Power will attend Liverpool’s training camp in Dubai this month ahead of the resumption of the Premier League, but does not officially start with Liverpool until early 2023.
02/12/22
Cope appointed Head of Football Operations at AFC Wimbledon
CRAIG COPE has left Solihull Moors after four years to take up the new position of Head of Football Operations at League Two AFC Wimbledon.
The 29-year-old has been Technical Director at National League outfit Solihull since September 2018. Prior to this he was first team recruitment analyst at Nottingham Forest and has also worked at Birmingham City, Notts County and Cheltenham Town. He will take up his new post on January 9th.
It will involve overall responsibility for recruitment, scouting, analysis, technical and medical support, training ground logistics and player pathways.
Category Three Wimbledon placed 32nd in our Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22.
Chairman Mick Buckley said: “We conducted a thorough search of candidates and we looked closely at the different individuals and skillsets League One and League Two clubs have appointed to similar roles - in order to determine what would best ‘fit’ us here.
“We are delighted to have secured Craig’s services and are looking forward to seeing what his drive, knowledge, determination and enthusiasm will bring to the role. He was extremely impressive in the capabilities and insight he showed during the interview process.
"We believe his experience gained in building out an inaugural technical director role at Solihull will be invaluable as we look to overhaul and improve all aspects of our football operations.”
Cope presented at TGG’s Individual Development Webinar in May.
28/11/22
Miller replaces Harsley as Huddersfield assistant
FORMER Scotland international Kenny Miller has replaced Paul Harsley as Assistant Head Coach at Huddersfield Town.
Miller, who won 69 caps, was assistant and then caretaker manager at Scottish League One side Falkirk last season.
He has also coached Rangers Under-20s and been assistant at Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.
Mark Fotheringham, who was appointed Huddersfield Head Coach at the end of September, said: “We spent two-and-a-half years together on the UEFA Pro License course and it became immediately clear that it was his work ethic that made him such a success as a player, and as a coach.
“Kenny has a winning mentality, which comes from living and breathing football at the highest level. It’s great to have him here in the building, and for our players to benefit from the knowledge and expertise he can offer.
“Not only is he a top coach, but he’s also a fantastic family man. I think that fits the ethos of the club perfectly.”
Harsley was appointed assistant to Danny Schofield at the start of the season and has previously worked at Scunthorpe, Birmingham City, Barnsley and Manchester City.
22/11/22
Collins appointed Head of Performance Analysis at Blackburn Rovers
ADAM COLLINS has been appointed Head of Performance Analysis at Blackburn Rovers, overseeing both first team and Academy.
He replaces Rachel Hindle, who joined Sunderland in September after almost six years with the Lancashire club.
Collins joins from Sklyab, where he was Commercial Director, and is hugely experienced. He was Head of Academy Performance Analysis at Manchester City from 2007 to 2014 before becoming Football Projects Manager at City Football Group for the next seven years.
The move to Blackburn marks a return to the club he worked for in 2006/7 as a Prozone consultant.
Writing on LinkedIn, Collins said: “Coming back to a club I have great affinity for and real belief that it’s a club on the rise - with strong senior appointments, a great culture and structure being put in place where player development, a learning culture, opportunities and pathway are at its core.”
10/11/22
Hussey appointed Academy Manager at Newport County
LUKE HUSSEY has been appointed Academy Manager at Newport County.
Hussey joined the League Two club as Head of Coaching in August after nine years at Bristol City’s Academy.
From 2016 he had been Head of Schoolboy Coaching at the Robins’ High Performance Centre, where he was responsible for the development of all players and coaches from U9s to U16s.
Last year, Hussey told TGG how knowledge of neuroscience impacted the way he and his staff worked at the club.
“We pride ourself on our relationships - with the players and their families,” he said. “That’s what we believe separates us - we really care.”
READ MORE: How neuroscience knowledge changed the way Bristol City coach
09/11/22
Former Everton Head of Sport Science joins Manchester City
FORMER Everton Head of Sport Science Matt Taberner has been appointed Academy Head of Performance for Manchester City.
Taberner worked for the Toffees for six years to August 2019, as Assistant Sport Scientist, Head of Sport Science and Head of Rehab.
From July 2021 to June 2022 he was Director of Strength and Conditioning for Orlando Magic in the NBA.
Mark Bitcon was Director of Performance Services for the Academy from October 2018 to February 2022.
He is now Head of Athletic Performance and Innovation for the RFU.
03/11/22
Brunt named Loans Manager at West Brom
WEST BROM legend Chris Brunt has been appointed Loans Manager by the club.
The 37-year-old “will work alongside first-team, recruitment and Academy staff to nurture young players during their spells away from The Hawthorns.”
West Brom added: “The key role will see Brunt travel the length and breadth of the country to provide advice and support to players out on loan, observing training and games, before returning to The Hawthorns with progress reports.”
Brunt is West Brom’s record Premier League appearance-maker, with 269 games. Since early 2021 he has been coaching with the club’s Academy and was also part of the coaching team that took interim charge of the first team following the sacking of Steve Bruce.
He said: “I’m delighted to take on a role that will help to continue the development of the young players I have been working alongside over the last 18 months.
“I hope to pass on my experiences from my time as a professional, in addition to my youth career at Middlesbrough. As a young man I was a long way from home, and I know that can be difficult. It’s part of my role to offer support to the lads on life and football.
“Loan spells are key to developing players and it’s a big part of providing the pathway from our Academy to the first team. I’m looking forward to getting out on the road to see the progress made by our loan players.”
02/11/22
Kinniburgh appointed Academy Manager by Oxford United
STEVIE KINNIBURGH has been appointed Academy Manager at League One Oxford United.
He replaces Dan Harris, who left after almost five years in August. Kinniburgh, 33, played for Oxford United from 2009 to 2012, initially on loan from Rangers.
He went on to become player/ manager at Corby Town at the age of just 27 and was then Academy Director, Director of Football and also manager at nearby Kettering Town.
For the last two years, Kinniburgh has been a Coach Educator for the Scottish FA, as well as commentating for BBC Radio Oxford.
“It’s a very proud moment to come back to Oxford and be asked to take charge of the Academy,” he said.
“I have seen the progress that the Academy has made and Dan Harris did an amazing job. He has left a great bunch of people within the Academy who I look forward to getting to know and working alongside.
Chairman Grant Ferguson added: “We had some extremely high calibre applicants who spoke very well at interview but Stevie was the outstanding candidate.
“He is extremely well qualified, knows the club inside out, and everyone we spoke to told us he would put his heart and soul into the role.”
Category Three Oxford were 51st in our Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22 - up 17 places from 2020/21, making them one of the biggest risers in the country.
31/10/22
Hill appointed first-team coach at Rotherham United
JONATHAN HILL has been appointed first-team coach at Championship side Rotherham United.
The 52-year-old is hugely experienced and well-travelled, having been a youth coach at clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City, Sporting Director at Sheffield Wednesday, Technical Director for the Jordanian FA, first-team coach at Fulham and Head Coach at Tromso and TUIL FK in Norway.
His most recent role was as first-team coach at Exeter City, which is where he worked with Rotherham manager Matt Taylor during his time in charge there.
Rotherham are also looking for a goalkeeper coach, although Billy Mercer, who worked under Sean Dyche at Burnley for many years, has been helping out on a temporary basis.
30/10/22
Felgate appointed Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Norwich
JORDAN FELGATE has left Blackburn Rovers after five years to become Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Norwich City.
Felgate joined Rovers in October 2017 in the same role and has also worked as first-team goalkeeper coach at Stockport County, as well as in the Bolton and Manchester City's Academies.
26/10/22
Corberan names West Brom assistants
CARLOS CORBERAN has named his backroom team at West Brom, with Jorge Alarcón and Jaime Monroy coming in to join James Morrison and Gary Walsh.
Alarcón is Corberan's long-time assistant, having worked alongside him at Ermis Aradippou in Cyprus, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Huddersfield Town and Greek side Olympiacos.
Monroy worked with the Spaniard with Leeds United's U23s and also at Olympiacos.
Morrison, who made 341 appearances for the Baggies as a player, stays on as first-team coach - a role he first took on under Sam Allardyce in December 2020.
And Walsh, who joined under Darren Moore in January 2019, remains as goalkeeper coach.
Corberan was named as West Brom's new Head Coach last night. Last season he led Huddersfield Town to the Championship play-off final, before making a surprise exit.
He joined Olympiacos in the summer but lasted only 11 games with the Greek side.
20/10/22
Speroni returns to Palace as Academy PDP goalkeeper coach
FORMER Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julián Speroni has returned to the club to work with their Under-18s and U21s.
Speroni, who made 405 appearances for the Eagles during 15 years with them, had been coaching at the club on a part-time basis. Now this has been made permanent.
“It’s an honour to be back,” he said. “Palace is a club that is close to my heart and I am so pleased to be involved once again.
“The older Academy age groups have started their seasons exceptionally well and have performed brilliantly against strong opposition.
“The Academy has changed beyond all recognition in such a short period of time and I’m excited to work with our future players and see the club continue to progress on and off the pitch.”
Academy Director Gary Issott added: “Julián and I joined Palace at a similar time, and I saw how much he meant to the supporters over 15 seasons here.
“To have someone with his knowledge of the club, experience and talent join our coaching staff is a huge advantage and will be an inspiration to our young players. The commitment he showed on the pitch continues today in how he works with our players, and everyone is delighted to have him back in the fold.”
Meanwhile, the club have thanked Gary Phillips, who departed after more than a decade earlier this season to become Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Watford.
“Gary supported a vast range of Academy goalkeepers and regularly lent his hand to the first-team set-up,” Palace said.
“We thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best with his future endeavours.”
