Hough promoted to Academy Manager by Accrington Stanley

Chris Hough has been promoted to Academy Manager at League Two Accrington Stanley.

He replaces Duncan Fearnhead, who left the club after 12 years to become Academy Manager at Southampton last month. Hough joined Accrington straight from University in January 2019 as an age group coach and then Head of Academy Performance Analysis. In August 2020 he was promoted to Head of Academy Operations. 

Writing on LinkedIn, Hough said: “It’s a privilege to step into this role after six years of development and growth within the club. I’m honoured to continue building on the incredible work and standards set by Duncan Fearnhead and all of our talented Academy staff both past and present.

“Four years ago, we developed a vision to become the top Category Three Academy in the EFL through providing a genuine pathway into first team football for Academy-developed players, whilst providing best practice player care and player/ parent experience. 

“I look forward to evolving and innovating on these foundations, as we have done in recent years, ensuring Accrington Stanley Academy remains a place of opportunity and progress moving forward.”

Category Three Accrington placed 74th in our 2023/24 Academy Productivity Rankings, out of 86 clubs. This was up four places from 74th in 2021/22.