Stoke looking for new Academy Manager after Owen job move

Owen was himself a product of the Potters’ youth system and played 288 senior games for clubs including Stoke, Oldham, Stockport and Port Vale. He returned to the Potters in 2012 as a Foundation Phase coach and was promoted to Academy Director in May 2019.

In July 2023, the club announced that Owen was leaving to “seek a new adventure within the game,” but two months later they said he was staying on. 

Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Having worked closely with Gareth for the past year, I believe he has more to offer at the higher end of our pathway and can have a directly positive impact on aspects of the men’s first team and women’s team operations.

“Gareth is a hugely respected presence across all levels of both the football and off-field staff. Everybody will be wishing him nothing but the best in this next phase of his career. We are working to recruit a new Academy Manager to work with Gareth and we expect to attract high-quality applicants with an interest in the role.”

Owen added: “Having been part of Stoke City for a significant part of my life, both on and off the field, it’s an honour and a privilege to take another step in my career within this great club.

“Whilst it’s humbling to get the recognition and I’m hugely excited by the new role, the important thing is what serves the best interests of the club. I’m delighted to fulfil any position that does that, and I’ll give this one my all, as I always have.

“By aligning everyone across all levels of the club in the same direction, I have absolute confidence that the good times will return to Stoke City.”

Stoke placed 47th in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2023/24.