Graeme Carrick is 'loving' life at Newcastle United after returning to the club to manage the under-18s. The younger brother of former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael was in the St James' Park dugout on Tuesday night as the young Magpies fell to heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup.
Newcastle twice pulled themselves level through goals from Lewis Miley and captain Ben Parkinson either side of the interval. However, substitute Osman Kamara netted a late winner at the Leazes End to condemn the hosts to a heartbreaking defeat.
Wallsend-born Carrick joined the West Ham youth setup along with his brother, but injury put an end to his dreams of becoming a professional footballer. The future Magpies coach worked for 15 years as a coach developer with the FA, but could not turn the opportunity to return to Tyneside last summer having previously worked as a part-time academy coach.
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Carrick said: "I'm loving it, absolutely loving it. I worked at the FA for a long time and helped develop coaches, and to be working with the players directly is why I did it.
"It's such a special club, I'm from the area and I grew up as a fan. It's such a privilege to be able to do this job, I don't take it for granted.
"On nights like this, to see the development of the lads and the character we've shown and the way they've behaved and the quality of some of the football. We see that day to day."
Carrick revealed his pride in the young Magpies' performance after the full-time whistle, while admitting his team were left 'devastated' by the late winner. However, the 37-year-old's remit as the academy lead coach goes beyond simply delivering results on the pitch.
He explained: "Lads at this age, yes they're footballers but they're young people growing up in life as well as football. That's been part of the enjoyment of the job, helping them develop their character and behaviours and life skills around football, as well as the technical and physical skills that we want to develop in football.
"That daily challenge can be tough at times, but I love it. Hopefully I can just help guide the lads to reach their potential."
Carrick's appointment was described as a 'significant' move by academy director Steve Harper, and was the latest in a revamp of the club's youth setup. The search is under way for Elliott Dickman's successor at under-21 level, with Ben Dawson currently leading the team on an interim basis.
Carrick's former FA colleague Dan Ashworth recently outlined the need for Newcastle to maximise the 'potential' from their academy, with Financial Fair Play curbing their ability to spend. The sporting director's 'passion' for developing young players is already providing a boost to academy staff behind the scenes.
Carrick said: "Dan is really supportive to all of the academy staff, I think he's been to four or five of our games this season. I worked with Dan loosely at the FA, not closely but I knew a little bit about him before.
"Dan is excellent in that role, he's got a great strategic outlook around the football club but in particular he's got a passion for youth development and the academy. He's been really supportive."
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