Smith replaces Hale as Derby Academy Manager

Hale had been in the role since the summer of 2023 when he joined the Rams following a decade at Southampton and has left the club for family reasons as Derby was a long way from his family home.

Smith has been with Derby since April 2014 and has previously worked as their Assistant Academy Manager and Head of Academy Recruitment.

The club says that since he took over, Smith has “maintained a professional  and dedicated approach” and has taken “a firm lead on all operational matters”.

‘Conscientious and diligent’

Derby’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce said: “Jamie has stepped seamlessly into the position on an interim basis, building on the foundations laid by Matt as the club looks to improve its system of youth development as part of our Category One Academy status.

“Jamie has always demonstrated a conscientious and diligent approach throughout his time at the club and this has been maintained during this interim period, We have every faith this will continue going forward.”

Paying tribute to Hale, Pearce added: “Matt has offered support and guidance to Jamie throughout this whole process. We are hugely grateful for his assistance and also for the work he has undertaken during his time at Pride Park. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Smith said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for my family and me. It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to lead Derby County’s Academy on a permanent basis.

“Having spent 12 years at the club, I’ve developed  a deep understanding of our processes, our people and the programme we deliver. I recognise the responsibility of setting clear expectations that allow us to strengthen our elite environment and evolve our High Performance Programme.

“I’m looking forward to working further with our Head Coach to ensure the alignment between the Academy and Men’s First Team.”

Derby were 26th in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings table for 2024/25 and last summer became the latest English club to start a B team.