Cardiff City have appointed Gavin Chesterfield as their new academy manager.
The Bluebirds have been on the lookout for a replacement for David Hughes, who oversaw a successful period for the Bluebirds youth system before it was announced earlier in the summer he would be leaving for Manchester United's academy.
Hughes, 44, will join the Old Trafford club as a professional development phase coach, tasked largely with aiding the under-21s but also with a wider remit throughout the programme.
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But as one door closes another opens and that is certainly the case for Chesterfield, who has built his reputation for player development within the FAW and as a football manager for more than 15 years at Barry Town United.
Chesterfield was also course director for the University of South Wales’ MSc advanced performance football coaching degree and as FAW coach educator training manager.
Chesterfield, who will begin his new job on November 14, said he was excited to help coax through the next generation of Cardiff City stars.
"I’m excited to be here," he said. "It’s a fantastic club with a huge history and a passionate fanbase and I want to thank the board for their trust.
“This feels like the perfect opportunity for me, as I know a lot of people at the club having worked with and supported the education of several coaches including those currently supporting the first team, academy, women’s sides and foundation.
“Dave Hughes is a close friend of mine and I feel he has left the academy in a strong place and made a significant contribution, and I’m sure the staff would agree.
“With the new academy facility being developed at Llanrumney, it’s an exciting time to be involved with the academy. It is important that we build upon what has been created in recent years. We are preparing players for the tough realities of the football industry, it’s essential that we provide an environment and the opportunity for them to thrive as children, young men and footballers.
“For me, it is about providing the best life experiences and learning opportunities that we can. All of those things come into the mix when developing players from a holistic perspective and I think you can say the same thing too when it comes to staff development.
“When you have player development and staff development coming together then it makes for a positive culture and an exciting place to work and that is what I’m hoping to bring to the table.
“There is nothing quite like watching a player come through and make their debut. It’s a very difficult feeling to replicate and I can’t wait to get started and help shape the future generation of Cardiff City players."
The club have slashed their budget in recent years and will look to lean on their academy far more in the coming years, making Chesterfield's job one of high importance.
Head of academy coaching Dane Facey will continue to oversee the academy until Chesterfield takes charge after Hughes departed for his new role at Manchester United earlier this month.
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