Huddersfield Town

Town’s former Senior Professional Development Coach was appointed First Team Coach on Thursday (click HERE) to complete Manager Mark Robins’ new look coaching structure ahead of the 2014/15 season.

Steve had previously enjoyed success in charge of Town’s Development Squad of U19 to U21 players, guiding them to the U21 Professional Development League 2 North title last season. 

However, Steve will leave behind his duties at Development Squad level to be with Mark Robins and Steve Thompson in the First Team.

“It was very flattering to initially be considered for the role and then offered it,” Steve said. “The support that I have received since joining the Club over two years ago has been great.”

“I have enjoyed working with Mark Robins and Mark Lillis which has enhanced my own development as a coach,” Steve added. “In Steve Thompson, I will be working with someone that I have known for a very long time. I am looking forward to sharing ideas with him and supporting the Manager as we move the football club forward.”

Steve was appointed at Huddersfield Town in 2012 prior to the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and he believes that a good foundation has been built.

“We needed to initially bolster our base of young players (U19-U21) when the EPPP was introduced to get us going; we have now moved on and created a flow in the development of players that can be taken forward over the coming seasons. We were lucky enough and good enough last season to win two leagues (U21 and U18) and also progress well in the FA Youth Cup, but most importantly we managed to see some of the players make First Team debuts as Championship players. 

“I now believe that we have a good base within the Academy development structure that will allow us to progress players into the First Team at Championship level.”

Although Steve is well accustomed to the First Team set-up and the players currently within it, he knows that it won’t make the challenge of winning football matches any easier.

“I have barely missed a First Team game since arriving at the Club and I have always been a part of it, although indirectly, but I am looking forward to making an impact everyday. 

“I am always respectful of roles and responsibilities and my priority was always the development group,” Steve explained. “Quite often the training and development crossed over into the First Team and I was also fortunate that the development games programme, which was during the week, allowed me to be involved in a small way with the First Team; so I already know the players and Manager well. Mark recognised my work and impact and has given me the opportunity to be fully committed to the First Team; I was delighted to accept the role.”

Steve enjoyed success within the Development Squad with the likes of Tommy Smith and Duane Holmes impressing at First Team level and he is relishing the task of doing the same in the First Team.

“I love developing and improving players” he said. “Improving individuals and the team in order to win games of football is what makes me tick. I am looking forward to the challenge. I understand that there will be ups and downs, but I am sure that with the existing and new staff, we have the qualities to be successful. It is a great time to be at the Club; there is freshness about it. I can’t wait to get started. 

“I have known Steve Thompson a long time, he will bring the qualities that we need and I worked with Al Stewart in Manchester City’s Academy. Also, having worked with Mark since he was appointed I have learned new things and hopefully I can give him and the players more of what I have to offer. Challenging but supporting the group is what it’s about, doing nothing or the same isn’t acceptable at this Club, which is just how I like it.”

Huddersfield Town will now look to appoint a Senior Professional Development Coach.