Former assistant manager to Danny Grainger at Workington Reds Steven Rudd has been appointed academy manager at Carlisle United.
Rudd has previously worked as a PE teacher at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton alongside various coaching roles.
He has coached various age groups in the Carlisle Academy since 2011 and also had a four-year spell at Borough Park working alongside Danny Grainger and Chris Willcock.
He will start his role as academy manager on a part-time basis immediately before joining the club full-time in August following the departure of Simon Friel.
Chairman Tom Piatak said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steven as our new academy manager.
“Having previously served as a part-time coach, his dedication, brightness, and boundless energy stood out during the selection process.
“We believe his enthusiasm and expertise will invigorate our academy setup and contribute immensely to the development of young talents within our club.”
Manager Paul Simpson said: “I am delighted Steven has accepted the academy manager role.
“We are entering an exciting time for the football club and the academy has an important role to play to hopefully bring success and sustainability.
“Steven stood out as the ideal candidate from a very strong field of applications. During the interview he had a clear view of where the academy can be improved and he is now tasked with bringing his vision to fruition, and he will be supported all the way.
“He showed us he has the knowledge of how to get the best out of young people, the understanding of us as a club, a strong organisational background and, more than anything, a real desire to make our academy one to be proud of.
“This is a role that was highly sought after and we now need to support Steven in making the academy one to be proud of.”
Rudd said: “I am delighted and it is a real honour to be given this opportunity.
“Being a local lad, having been through the academy myself as a player and more recently working as a part-time coach for numerous years, I know first-hand just how important the academy is not only for the club, but the county and surrounding areas.
“These are very exciting times for the football club. It is now my job to make sure the academy continues to develop, grow and have a reputation that everyone can be proud of. I am looking forward to giving everything I have to make this happen.
“Let’s all look forward and be excited about who our next home grown first team star is, or the next player to progress into the Premier League or even the England squad.”
Workington Reds director Simon Collins said: “It’s a great step up for Steven. I am delighted for him.
“Hopefully it’s continued good news for a close liaison in the ongoing development of youth players between Carlisle United and Workington Reds.”
