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

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich24 added 20:22 - Feb 14 Welcome Back Russell Osman perhaps replacement for Mcaulay lol!!!!
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elmswellblue added 20:32 - Feb 14 Great appointment and good to see old boys coming back to the club, can only be good for the future. His experience will help to bring the next batch of youngsters into the first team.
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WREXHAM_BLUE added 20:38 - Feb 14 Fantastic news!! Welcome back Russell!
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bluelady added 20:45 - Feb 14 Gosh no he didn't ask me out peter m I was about nine at the time!!!!!
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WickedBlue added 20:56 - Feb 14 Welcome back Russell great to see you home....
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Lightningboy added 21:07 - Feb 14 Great news...absolute town legend...welcome back Russell. Things just keep getting better.
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Sindre94 added 21:12 - Feb 14 Welcome back mr.Legend!:)
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Colin_Viljoen added 21:24 - Feb 14 Must tell my son "Russell" that the person he was named after is back in town!
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VanIsleBlue added 21:34 - Feb 14 Fantastic news. welcome home Russell, you are a Town hero! 26 years (omg I remember watching him every week, where did the time go?)
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TractorBeezer added 21:37 - Feb 14 That's very positive news! Welcome back Russell!
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Lizzie68 added 21:57 - Feb 14 Welcome home Russell! Bluelady, me too!!!
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howdonblue added 22:45 - Feb 14 TOWN LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WELCOME HOME INDEED
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Calmingwind added 23:20 - Feb 14 beattie was caines double if im not mistaken - will have to watch it agin now :)
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Notts_tractor added 23:32 - Feb 14 Yep, right Calming, Beattie was Michael Caine's stand in. Just to say, Russell Osman's name was the first I ever heard sung to the tune of Guantanamera - ie "There's only one Russell Osman"...probably around 1979.
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PeekFreans added 07:40 - Feb 15 Welcome back Russell. Great to know that the club is re-building itself on all levels.
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DiamondGezzer added 07:48 - Feb 15 Wow ! What a surprise, and a welcome one at that. Came through the ranks, so knows exactly what is called for from the lads. Step up !
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ameron added 08:35 - Feb 15 Welcome back Russell. Can't believe you are 4 years younger than me, as you were always a hero back in the day. Caught up with you on Eurosport last year and was pleased you were stll around. Now back at ITFC, couldnt be better. I feel a new golden era coming on.
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TheRef added 08:43 - Feb 15 i'm to young to remember him as a player, but if rumour has it, a ledgend, welcome home, its all good
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StowTractorBoy added 10:01 - Feb 15 Club gradually getting its identity back - great appointment. Good luck Russell a true blue.
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BurleyForever added 10:42 - Feb 15 FA Youth cup must be a reality next season. Memories of 75 & 77 Great to have you back RO.
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Back_The_Boss added 08:08 - Feb 21 Good appointment, welcome back Russell.
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