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.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event
