Clapham steps down as Dortmund First Team Coach

Dortmund are also second in both the Bundesliga and Champions League for set piece goals scored at the halfway point of this season.

Writing on LinkedIn, Clapham said: “It’s been an incredible 18 months at this special club. I can’t thank my colleagues enough for the memories made alongside some brilliant people in front of the Yellow Wall that will live with me forever.

“What an education in a fascinating, unique way of feeling, seeing and playing the game. I always say it’s the players who teach the coaches and that was certainly the case for me, learning every day from elite players and, more importantly, elite human beings.”

English coaches are often criticised for not venturing abroad to further their careers, but Clapham is a notable exception. 

After gaining his UEFA Pro Licence in Spain, he coached Getafe’s Under-19s and was First Team Coach for Ytterhogdals IK in Sweden. He has also been Set Piece Coach at Southampton, an Academy coach at Manchester City and First Team Coach at Notts County – as well as running the popular Cano Football website, which saw him go behind the scenes at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Indeed, it was for Cano that he interviewed Lars Ricken, the former Germany international who is now the Managing Director for Sport at Dortmund.

Before joining Dortmund, Clapham was First Team Coach and Tactical Advisor for the 777 group of clubs (Genoa, Vasco da Gama, Standard Liege, Hertha Berlin and Red Star Paris). 

He joined Dortmund under Head Coach Nuri Sahin, who was replaced by Niko Kovac in January 2025. 

• Alex Clapham is a TGG Member. To see his Personal Profile, click HERE