New roles in the Academy

Last updated : 01 September 2012 By Tony Scholes

Jeff Taylor, previously head of recruitment, has become the Academy Operations Manager and his main role will be to create the links between all of the departments within the Academy.

Behind that there are new roles for three former Clarets from the 1990s, namely John Francis, John Mullin and Graham Lancashire.

Academy Director Jason Blake

Francis becomes the Youth Development Phase Co-ordinator (under-12s to under-16s) and his main responsibility will be to monitor the progress of the players within those age groups through an 11-a-side playing structure.

Mullin's responsibility as the Foundation Phase Co-ordinator (under-5s to under-11s) is overseeing the introduction of these young players into the Academy and their transition through the small sided games.

Lancashire is now the Pre-Academy Co-ordinator and he will oversee the recruitment of players aged five to eight, groups that are developed through the pre-academy development centre programme.

Craig Mawson's role has also changed. Previously the youth team goalkeeper coach he is now the Head of Academy Goalkeeping. He'll continue with the youth team but will also have responsibility throughout the academy including the under-21 development squad.

Mawson is currently being assisted by Ben Woodhead, a former youth goalkeeper, who had left the club at the end of last season.

Gavin Lee was previously a part time physio but is now Head of Academy Sports Medicine and there have been two new appointments. Kieran Scott, from Southampton, is the new Head of Academy Recruitment and Alex Ouzonoglou (I kid you not), aka Ouzo, is the new Head of Academy Sports Science.

He will implement the long term physical development programme, supporting all the players from the pre-academy through to the under-21 squad. Clarets Mad are working closely with Alex right now, helping to fund a new heart monitoring system for the Academy.

Gill Avery, previously within the admin department, has become the Youth Academy Secretary and for three others, their roles don't change.

Pat McKiernan continues as Head of Academy Education and Welfare while both Terry Pashley and Andy Farrell retain their positions as youth team coaches.