Preußer named Head of Football in Wolves Academy revamp

The German was Head Coach of Dortmund II in 2022/23 and also led Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2021/22. He has also won third and fourth tier German titles with SC Freiburg II and a youth championship with Rot-Weiß Erfurt’s Under-19s.

Meanwhile, Ian Sharps has been promoted from Lead Academy Coach into the new role of Head of Coaching for the U9s to U16s. He will “support the delivery of the football programme across the Foundation and Youth Development phases, working closely with both players and coaches.”

Sharps has been with Wolves for more than eight years, leading their U16s and U18s and assisting with the U21s.

Jon Hunter-Barrett, who was promoted from Academy Manager (Football) to a beefed-up Academy Director role by Wolves in December, has led a review and restructure at the club in recent months.

“We have reviewed our vision, our objectives and our targets, and held a second development day to refine those further,” he said. “These appointments come at a time when it is important for us to review our football strategy.

“I think the best environments, business plans, football teams and Academies are built when everyone is aligned around a clear purpose and vision. Success doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design.

“What we are trying to create is an environment where everyone, on and off the pitch, is working towards the same goals.”

He added: “I’m really excited to bring Christian to the football club. He has vast experience across different ages and stages of youth development and senior football. He also brings a unique perspective and freshness to the direction we are heading in as an Academy.

“As Head of Football, part of his role will be to review our current principles of play and further define our Wolves identity – both in terms of how we behave and how we play. We are at a pivotal point with the club-wide reset, and it presents a real opportunity for growth. We feel Christian will add something different to the programme.

“Ian has been at the football club for a number of years now and has impressed at every stage of his journey. His attitude and willingness to improve have always stood out.

“He is now at a stage where his focus is on developing coaches and helping strengthen the methodology and identity that we deliver across the Academy.”