Former Bristol Rovers coach Brian Dutton has returned to the Mem with the 36-year-old named the club’s new academy chief.
Dutton replaces Chris Hargreaves, who stepped down from the role in February, and will oversee all aspects of the youth development programme at the Gas which has experienced considerable success in recent years.
Dutton was part of Darrell Clarke’s staff at Rovers, joining the club in 2017 as scout and Under-23 coach before graduating into the first-team set-up. He left the Gas in May 2019 to link up with Clarke against at Walsall before taking over as interim head coach following the former Rovers manager’s switch to Port Vale.
“I am delighted to be back. I can see the vision and the plans for the club from Tom Gorringe and I am excited about the future,” Dutton said.
“The first-team are making great strides on the pitch and my aim is to bring younger players through to enhance that progress. I haven't been down to The Quarters yet but I'm looking forward to seeing first-hand the wonderful new facilities that we now have.
"There'll be things for me to tweak and alter and I can't wait to get started."
Academy products Luca Hoole, Alfie Kilgour and Jed Ward have all become consistent members of the first-team squad, with the former enjoying a fine breakout campaign under Joey Barton establishing himself as the Gas’ first-choice right-back.
Rovers have also enjoyed some success financially from their academy with Aston Villa spending significant fees last year to sign teenage forwards Bradley Burrowes and Kyrie Pierre into their youth set-up.
"Brian is someone that I’ve known for a long time. I’ve always been impressed with his approach and his ability to develop young players,” said owner Wael Al-Qadi.
“I know he will help improve the standards within our academy and help our young players reach their potential. We are delighted to have Brian on board and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him all the best in his new role.”
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