Fleetwood’s Higgins appointed Academy Director at Stoke

Higgins joined Fleetwood in August 2020 from Burnley, where he was Head of Education for three years. During his time as Academy boss at Poolfoot Farm, Fleetwood were promoted to Category Two Academy status.

Fleetwood are now advertising for a new Academy Manager. 

At Stoke, Higgins replaces Gareth Owen, who left after a 13-year association with the club in December 2025. He had taken on the newly-created Academy Technical Director role in February 2025 after almost six years as Academy Director.

His remit was strategic and focused on transitioning players from Academy to first team.

Working under him was Sam Stockley, who arrived in July 2025 to become Academy Manager. Prior to this, Stockley had been Sporting Director at Lexington Sporting Club in the United States for almost four years.

Stockley will continue in his role despite Higgins’ arrival.

Stoke placed 37th in the latest edition of TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings (for 2024/25). This was a rise of 10 places from 2023/24, although they remained the bottom Category One side in the Rankings.

Fleetwood were 58th in 2024/25, up from 61st the previous season.