Osman Appointed U18s Coach - Ipswich Town News

Town have appointed Blues legend Russell Osman as the academy’s new U18s coach. Central defender Osman, who celebrates his 52nd birthday today, was a key member of Sir Bobby Robson’s 1981 UEFA Cup-winning team and won 11 England full caps.

Academy manager Sammy Morgan says Osman, who starts his new job tomorrow, fought off stiff competition to fill the role vacated by Mike Pejic earlier in the season: "We had a lot of good applicants for the post.

"Russell’s background and knowledge of the club and his understanding of the philosophy we have here for bringing through young players stands him in good stead for the role.

"He has a wealth of experience at all levels of the game and is a big addition to the academy staff.”

One-time TWTD columnist Osman, who watched his new team in action as they drew 2-2 at Fulham on Saturday, said: "It’s a privilege to be offered the chance to work at such a fantastic football club again. I left 26 years ago and I’ve been trying to get back here all that time!

"It’s an exciting new challenge to be joining the club at a time when it looks like it is going places under Paul Jewell and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in the development of the young players here.”

Boss Paul Jewell added: "It’s a great appointment for the club. There were some outstanding candidates for the job but Russell’s coaching background and affinity to the club, having come through the ranks, edged it and I wish him well.”

A former England Schoolboys rugby union cap, Osman made 382 starts and three sub appearances for Town, scoring 29 goals, making his debut in September 1977, having come through the club's youth ranks, and eventually moving on at the end of 1984/85.

Osman, who also played for Leicester, Southampton, Bristol City and Cardiff, has previously managed the Robins and the Bluebirds, in addition to caretaker roles at Bristol Rovers and Plymouth.

Most recently Repton-born Osman has been working in the media. His last coaching role was as assistant manager at Exeter City during 2007/08.

Photo: ITFC

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