Former Stoke, Everton and Aston Villa defender Mike Pejic has joined Town’s academy as head of youth coaching and coach education. The move will see Chris Kiwomya switch back to coaching the reserves in place of Steve Foley, who left the club in May, having run the U18 team last season.

Boss Roy Keane said: “Chris Kiwomya is moving over to the reserves and Mike is coming in to work with the academy boys and we are delighted to have him at the club."

Pejic, 60, won four England caps in the early seventies but is more famous for having been dropped from a squad by manager Joe Mercer because he "didn't smile enough".

The Chesterton-born left-back, who made more than 350 appearances for his club sides between 1968 and 1980, started his management career with Leek Town and Northwich Victoria, subsequently moving on to become youth coach at Port Vale.

After a spell in charge at Chester City, Pejic, who is half-Serbian, became regional director of the North East FA and also managed Malaysian side Selangor, two years after Kiwomya had a spell at the club.

Until recently Pejic, whose brother Mel played for Stoke City, Hereford United and Wrexham, was head of youth coaching at Plymouth Argyle.

Town have also confirmed that coach Ian McParland will remain with the club this season. The former Notts County boss, who joined the Blues last season, underwent a double hip operation in May and has been given extra time off, but should be back at the club at the end of the week.

Photo: James Ager

Photo: Action Images

IpswichElvis added 17:00 - Jun 28 Must be a yes man then with no independant thoughts of his own.....
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blueherts added 20:04 - Jun 28 Looks like the guy from the Barron Knights - a fantastic signing - I thought Simon Rodgers would be good but this guy is absolutely top draw - I cannot believe we have attracted him ... wake me up in May please
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Daleyitfc added 20:47 - Jun 28 I suspect Keane is hoping Pay-check will still be up for a run out at left-back every now and then. Now just a right-back to consider : I wonder what Keith Newton is up to these days?
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ignatiusjreilly added 20:50 - Jun 28 Looks like our future is in safe hands,
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Mark added 22:12 - Jun 28 > but is more famous for having been dropped from a squad by manager Joe Mercer because he "didn't smile enough". Hahaha...should fit in well with the manager then.
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alex12345 added 00:24 - Jun 29 Uncanny resemblance to dirty den off eastenders!!
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slowerball added 08:07 - Jun 29 Mike Pejic was a very good player and seems to have a decent enough CV to take on this v.important role, following the departure of Foley. This sort of move and type of activity will hopefully help matters behind the scenes and with the youth set up. Chris K moving to the reserves. Ok, so this isn't about signing a £4m striker or a decent full back, etc, but it's valid news nonetheless.

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Bergholtblue added 12:07 - Jun 29 A great player in his day. Can only be of benefit to the club.
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ITFCKeano added 13:36 - Jun 29 IpswichElvis - you're clueless mate. He's a Stokie - fat chance of him being a yes man. Keano's the one who needs to be worried.
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