Former Stoke Academy Director joins Wolves in new role

Owen, a former Stoke Academy graduate and defender who also played for Port Vale, joined the Potters’ Academy in January 2012 and spent seven-and-a-half years as a Lead Foundation Phase Football Coach before being promoted to Academy Manager.

He was set to leave the club in September 2023, but changed his mind and stayed on – becoming Academy Technical Director in February 2025. However, he did move on at the end of last year.

In his new role, Owen will oversee audit processes and redevelopment of the club’s Academy facilities. Wolves have started plans for a £10m improvement of their Academy base at Compton Park, with planning permission already submitted.

The expectation is that the project, which includes new infrastructure and pitches, will be completed by the summer of 2027. 

Owen, who also becomes part of Wolves’ Academy Leadership Team, said: “I’m really excited to begin the next chapter of my career and return to an environment where developing people, improving processes and creating the right conditions for young players to thrive are at the heart of what we do.

“The role provides a fantastic opportunity to bring together my experience across Academy football, leadership, player development and strategic projects, while working with some excellent people across the club.

“Many thanks to Jon Hunter-Barrett for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, adding value and helping continue the development of the Wolves Academy. A new challenge, a new environment and plenty to look forward to.”

Wolves’ Academy retained their Category One status at the last minute over the summer after talks with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company. They were at risk of being downgraded for the first time since the launch of the Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012 because of worries about aspects of their facilities.

However, they were given a reprieve because planning permission had already been submitted for the work, which is expected to be completed next summer.

‘Different way of working’

Owen’s role is not the first new one created in Wolves’ Academy this year.

In March, former Borussia Dortmund II Head Coach Christian Preußer was named as Head of Football as part of a restructure of the Academy. He is leading the “overall football programme” focusing on “playing philosophy, identity, the player pathway and supporting the development of coaches”.

And Ian Sharps was promoted from Lead Academy Coach into the new role of Head of Coaching for the Under-9s to Under-16s.

The appointments are part of a restructure of the club’s Academy led by Jon Hunter-Barrett, who himself was promoted from Academy Manager (Football) to Academy Director in December.

He told TGG: “I’m delighted to welcome someone of Gareth’s experience and abilities to our leadership team. He brings a different way of working and thinking to the club. Along with the appointments of Christian Preußer and Ian Sharps earlier this year, we continue to strengthen our Category One Academy.”

Owen and Walker reunited

Owen’s appointment reunites him with Walker, another former player who spent 14 years from August 2009 coaching in Stoke’s Academy – the last five of which were as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach. The pair worked together with the Stoke Under-18 side.

Walker moved from the Potters to Wolves in the summer of 2023 and had been working as Lead Under-18s Professional Development Phase Coach before moving into his new role.

He takes over the Under-21s from Collins, who left Molineux in July “to pursue other career opportunities”, after the pair had briefly taken temporary charge of the first team together following the sacking of Head Coach Vitor Pereira in November.

Hunter-Barrett said: “I’d like to thank James for his commitment and professionalism during his time at Wolves.”

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