Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Town Appoint New Academy Manager
Friday, 24th Jun 2022 16:13

Town have announced the appointment of Norwich City’s head of academy coaching Dean Wright as the club’s new academy manager.

The Blues have been searching for a new academy manager since the departure of Lee O’Neill at the end of last season.

Wright, who will join Town next month, has been in professional football since joining Bury in 2010.

He was subsequently promoted to head of foundation phase/academy operations in 2012.

After four years in that role Wright moved on to Huddersfield Town as lead foundation phase coach in 2016, then a year later followed sporting director Stuart Webber to Norwich City when he became assistant academy manager.

“[director of football operations] Gary [Probert] and Mark [Ashton] have sold the vision of the club,” Wright, who holds a UEFA A licence, told the club website.

“It’s a really exciting time for the club as they try and make progress in all areas. The opportunity to be part of that was very appealing.

“The academy needs to produce players for the first team and for the wider game, ideally building something that allows the manager to have options within the building and creates homegrown players to represent Ipswich Town.

“I also want to create an environment at the training ground that people enjoy being a part of, whether that is staff, players or parents.”

Probert added: “Dean is someone who has a proven track record of player development and naturally we’re delighted to have him on board.

“He’s worked at a variety of clubs within both category one and category two academies, and his broad and varied experience will be a real asset to the club.

“We completed a thorough search to recruit for this role and Dean’s enthusiasm and hunger to work with us and further develop the academy really stood out. He will be someone who will drive the high standards required every single day.”

The Blues are still to appoint a new U23s manager following Kieron Dyer's departure in March, while there is also an U18s vacancy following Adem Atay's exit.

Town are also looking for a new head of academy sport science with Nathan Griffith, who was appointed a year ago, having left the club and having been appointed head of physical performance at Newport County.

Wright isn't the first new member of the Town staff to have been recruited from Norwich City this summer with head of venue Stuart Cox, Playford Road facilities manager Dean Sharp and Lynette Hannant, PA to CEO Ashton, also having joined from the Canaries.


Photo: Blair Ferguson



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



runningout added 16:16 - Jun 24
Welcome to gods county Mr Wright :-)
7

pennblue added 16:21 - Jun 24
Welcome to the club Dean, it is a great time to join the club, and your experience will no doubt be very useful.
5

Hipsterectomy added 16:41 - Jun 24
Norwich is a sinking ship at the moment
4

OwainG1992 added 17:35 - Jun 24
Sounds like a bit of a coup this.
5

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 17:54 - Jun 24
Well, Dean, you've seen the light. Naarwich have had quite a bit of success with their yoofs, so hopefully you can do the same for us.
8

arc added 18:01 - Jun 24
Is John McGreal still with the U-23s, or has he moved on?
0

Bluearmy_81 added 18:31 - Jun 24
The academy was neglected terribly under Evans (even though its always been a key part of the club. ) Some of the stories that came out regarding its decline were shocking. So good to see some attention to improvement and progress here
4

terry_butchers_twin added 19:26 - Jun 24
So glad nobody has slagged him off for being ex Norwich. Hopefully people realise it's all about getting the best for the club irrespective of a person's background. Welcome Dean!!
6

Help added 19:33 - Jun 24
This is the message moaning about employing ex Norwich staff.
0

Linkboy13 added 20:01 - Jun 24
Sounds very impressive but will he be able to do it at a much bigger club .
4

runningout added 20:07 - Jun 24
do your homework arc
1

Bazza8564 added 09:55 - Jun 25
Well if a guy drops a division in terms of our top level side and goes to a local rival, he must be impressed with the vision and whats coming.......
0


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024