Andy Goldie has been appointed as Swansea City's new academy manager.
The Scot most recently held the position of academy director at Dundee United but has been drafted in to replace Jon Grey in Swansea's youth set-up. As part of the shake-up, Grey has returned to a coaching position - alongside Anthony Wright - with the club's under-21s.
Grey was previously on the coaching staff but was last year shifted to the position of academy manager after Mark Allen stepped up to become the club's sporting director. However, he is now set to return to a coaching role following Kris O'Leary's permanent move to the first team.
Club icon O'Leary assisted Russell Martin's coaching set-up in the latter stages of last season following the departure of Luke Williams. Earlier this summer, it was confirmed that the 44-year-old will operate as first team coach for the 2022/23 season.
As for Goldie, he has previously held roles with Hamilton Academical and the Scottish Football Association. He officially begins his new job with Swansea on August 8.
“Andy is a really positive appointment for the club and is someone we feel can help the development of our players and staff within the academy,” said Josh Marsh, Swansea's head of football operations. “There were a number of strong candidates for the role in what was a thorough recruitment process, but Andy was the outstanding choice and we are delighted that he’s here.
“He has had great success in Scotland over many years, both within the national association set-up and at club football, and has a proven track record of improving players and staff.
“We are looking forward to working with Andy, while I’d also like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to Jon Grey who has been in the position since last September and carried out a great job. However, Jon expressed a desire to get back on the grass working with the players.”
Speaking about Goldie's departure from Scotland, Dundee United's sporting director Tony Asghar said: "We’d like to place on record our gratitude towards Andy Goldie for his work over the last three years. As a club we created a clear strategic plan to grow and develop our academy, through Andy’s implementation of this plan, we saw the fruits of our labour last year.
"No fewer than 16 academy graduates made the first team and a number were rewarded with international recognition. We firmly believe the strategy and structure we are continuing to develop within the Academy will enable Dundee United to enjoy future success."
The alterations come after Leon Britton left his position as academy player mentor. The 39-year-old has held a number of different roles with the Swans after hanging up his boots following a glittering career.
But he has now departed, although the door has perhaps been left open for a return to a different position in the future. “I’m naturally disappointed to be stepping down from this role,” he said.
“But I want to spend more quality time with my family and step away from a football environment, which is always so demanding and time consuming." Britton added: “I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity, and I will be keeping in touch with everyone and I hope I can come back in some capacity sometime in the future.’’
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