Harrogate Town has announced Kevin Wilson will be the club's new Academy Lead Professional Development Phase Coach.
Wilson takes the position recently vacated by Rory McArdle, and will be supported by Assistant Development Phase Coach Tom Hullock.
He boasts a vast experience within the professional game having made over 600 appearances for the likes of Derby County, Chelsea and Walsall across a 22-year playing career.
The 63-year-old also made 42 appearances for Northern Ireland and has managed ten teams since hanging up his boots, including Northampton, Ilkeston and Nuneaton.
On his appointment, Wilson said:
“Youth development has always been a process I have enjoyed, seeing players like Che Adams come through Ilkeston to play internationally gives you great pride and having seen the boys here we’re hopeful that we can get a few professional contracts through to Simon in the first team.
“I’m trying to give them the career that I had as there’s no better career than being a professional footballer, there’s a lot of work needed and a lot of attitude and application required, but we’ll certainly be working hard with them."
He added:
“The players here are very talented, but you have to make sure your attitude and application is right. We are trying to mould good people, give them good values, make sure they are disciplined and organised, giving them the best opportunity to go forward with their career.
“It’s important we look after them, make sure there’s a process afterwards as well if they don’t continue with the club.
“The lads have all come back in good condition, it’s now about getting minutes in their legs and making sure we get plenty of ball work in.
"We want to make sure the lads understand what their roles and responsibilities are and hopefully we can have a good season, but it’s important to remember at Academy level it’s not about winning all the time, it’s about developing young players and that’s our main ambition here.”
Alongside Kevin and Tom on the playing side is Strength and Conditioning Coach Elliot Mountfield and Physiotherapist James Barber, who are further supported by Academy Manager Rich Jones and Head of Education Kate Diffin.
Wilson will take charge of his first match on Saturday as our U18s take on Chesterfield in their first pre-season fixture.
Driver jailed after 130mph police chase ends in Knaresborough
Historic Harrogate hotel put up for sale for £1.45million
Harrogate pupils uncover school's past as Victorian hospital
Harrogate nursery celebrates 'strong standard' after Ofsted inspection
Henshaws launches urgent £10,000 appeal following water damage
UK Foo Fighters to perform at Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks
Ripon detectorist calls Bayeux Tapestry a 'medieval stitch-up'
Valley Gardens among top winners at Yorkshire in Bloom awards
New opening date revealed for Harrogate bookshop
Harrogate toy retailer cuts prices every time Town striker scores
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens
Diesel prices rise above £2 a litre in Harrogate area
New woodland sauna and cold plunge opens in Harrogate
Brackenfield School in Harrogate praised by inspectors ahead of 50th anniversary
Harrogate hotel chef shortlisted for 'Oscars of hospitality'
Public consultation could be held on Ripon street pedestrianisation plans
Masham pupils surprise lifelong resident on her 100th birthday
Knaresborough Matalan to reopen following refurbishment
£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality
Campaigners call for changes to school transport consultation amid "tick-box" criticism
