Adam Lawrence has been officially appointed as Newcastle United’s new U21 head coach. Since Diarmuid O’Carroll’s transfer to Sparta Prague was confirmed earlier this summer, the U21 team had been without a head coach.
After Ben Dawson and Elliott Dickman left to join Leicester City under Steve Cooper, the club was left looking for a third U21 coach in as many seasons after O’Carroll’s departure. In the absence of a permanent head coach earlier this season, the U21 team was led by former Sunderland coach and temporary manager Robbie Stockdale.
But in his three games as manager, Stockdale only managed one victory, that coming earlier this month in a wild 4-3 success against Gateshead in the National League Cup. The U21 team lost both of their home games against Southampton and Chelsea to start the Premier League 2 campaign.
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On Tyneside, Stockdale will now serve as Lawrence’s assistant. Lawrence, meanwhile, was the head coach of Manchester United’s Under-18 team before joining Newcastle United.
With three titles during a trophy-filled 2023–2024 season, the 38-year-old, who had previously spent eight years at Charlton Athletic’s academy, brought tremendous success to the Red Devils’ young ranks.
“It’s a real privilege to join Newcastle United and to lead the Under-21s squad at such an exciting time for the Academy,” Lawrence remarked in reference to his transfer to the club.
“I’ve always believed in creating environments where young players can grow – not just as footballers, but as people – and that is something the Academy does very well. The club has a clear vision for development, and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and players to help each individual take the next step in their journey.”
After years of neglect under previous ownership, Newcastle United’s youth system hasn’t produced elite first team football players in a while. Despite all the problems and peculiarities surrounding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the system does currently have a bright future thanks to a renewed emphasis on acquiring talented young players from both overseas and throughout the United Kingdom.
Helping those U21 youngsters prepare for senior first-team football, whether at Newcastle United or another team, will now be Lawrence’s responsibility. Academy director Steve Harper also commented on Lawrence’s hiring: “We are thrilled to have Adam join Newcastle United as the new Under-21s Lead Coach.
“We have carried out a thorough recruitment process to ensure we find the right person to nurture and develop our young players, and in Adam, we have an outstanding young coach joining the club.
“His record speaks for itself but results only tell part of the story. Throughout his career, he has prioritised the individual development of the young players he has worked with, and he will play a key role in supporting our talent pathway into the first team.
“I’d also like to thank Robbie Stockdale and everyone connected with the Under-21s for their hard work and collaborative approach while we recruited into this position.”
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