Tonge to help Young Terriers with transition into senior football
- Michael Tonge joins the Huddersfield Town Academy
- Tonge joins in new role as Individual Coach
- Remit is to help Young Terriers make transition into senior football
The Huddersfield Town Academy has appointed Michael Tonge to the new position of Individual Coach.
Tonge, 37, will be familiar to most Town fans, having made nearly 550 appearances across an 18-year playing career that ended in 2019, largely for Sheffield United.
In his new role, Michael – who holds the UEFA B License – will help Town’s Academy players from the B Team through the age groups with their Individual Development Plans (IDPs), which aim to supplement their work in groups and units with specific learning tailored to their specific needs.
Alongside the other coaches and staff within the Academy, Michael will take a leading role in helping the Young Terriers adapt and prepare for the rigours of senior football as part of Town’s First Team squad.
Huddersfield Town Academy Manager Emyr Humphreys explained:
“The transition from playing in the Academy to succeeding in senior football is the most challenging for any young footballer. We’re attempting to bridge that gap through the creation of our B Team and the associated training and games programme, and Michael’s appointment in this new role is another important step in that process.
“Through a detailed interview process, Michael showed unrivalled ambition to be a success and really drive this new role forward. He had a real understanding of the steps that players need to take in order to make the transition to a senior team, and we’re delighted he’s agreed to join us.
“The Individual Coach position really focuses on the detail that is needed to become a successful footballer at First Team level. The coaching will tie in with what each individual needs to work on to make the next step, but just as importantly Michael will be a fantastic mentor for the young players. He had the experience of being released by Manchester United at 16 and then learning to enjoy a successful playing career at Sheffield United, so he can really help to steer our players through that important stage of their development.”
