As always, it has been a busy period for Rotherham United’s Academy, but that isn’t just on the playing side of things. During the last week, a few changes have been made behind the scenes as some new staff members have joined the club whilst some old faces departed to seek other opportunities.
With the Academy always striving to operate at the highest level and looking to ensure they have the clearest possible pathway to the senior setup, Academy Manager Richard Hairyes has added two new names to the youth setup staff.
Richard admitted that it was, as ever, with a heavy heart that he said goodbye to those outgoing, but explains that he’s looking forward to the prospect of working with his latest recruits as the Academy looks to build on the success that they have enjoyed so far this season.
“I would like to begin by placing on record my sincere thanks to Tom Hunter and Cillian McGoldrick who have left their roles of Head of Academy Recruitment and Academy Sports Scientist respectively.
“Both men worked extremely hard whilst with us and they were fully committed to helping us deliver the Academy programme, and we are seeing the rewards of their labour with the likes of Jacob Gratton rising through the ranks to earn a professional deal.
“Tom has departed to take up a new job elsewhere, whilst we wish Cillian the very best of luck in his new role with Scottish heavyweights, Celtic Football Club.
“We have acted swiftly to acquire the services of two more than capable candidates in the form of Rob Coleman who takes over Cillian’s post, and Scott Duncanson who steps in to replace Tom.
“Both of these are welcome additions to our team and everyone at the Academy is looking forward to working alongside them for the foreseeable future, and they have already come to us with fresh ideas and ways in which we can develop on the structure that’s already in place.
“Similarly to the first team environment, here at the Academy we are incredibly keen to employ people who have personalities that fit in with what Rotherham United stands for. I know that within Rob and Scott, we have employed two men that will certainly fit within that mould.”