Scott Parker departs

The Club can confirm that Scott Parker has left his role as our Under-18s Coach to take up a first team coaching position at Fulham.

The former midfielder, who joined our Academy staff upon his retirement from playing last summer, guided our youngsters to the final of the inaugural Under-18 Premier League Cup during 2017-18 and led us to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League.

Following Scott’s departure, Matt Wells will assume coaching responsibilities for our Under-18s.

John McDermott, Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development, said: “Scott was a tremendous influence on our young players far beyond his Under-18 remit last season and, utilising his vast experience in the game, was absolutely first-class in the way he applied himself to the role and helped to nurture the talents of the players and colleagues he worked with.

“In the Academy, we pride ourselves on developing not only footballers for careers in the professional game but coaches and support staff as well. Earlier this year we saw another of our coaches, Justin Cochrane, earn a role within the England national youth set-up while numerous other talented individuals are now thriving in top-level roles having cut their teeth working with our Academy.

“Scott is our latest success story in that respect and while we are obviously sad to lose a figure of such professionalism and integrity, we are pleased that he has been able to take a first team position in the Premier League as he furthers his own development as a coach. As a Club, we thank him for his services and wish him all the best for the future.”