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Scottish Sun
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Scotland hero Darren Fletcher ‘in talks' for new job as he plots first steps into management
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Scotland international Darren Fletcher has reportedly held talks about becoming under 18s manager at Manchester United. The 41-year-old, who has 80 caps for Scotland, has been a first-team coach at the club under Eric ten Hag and Ruben Amorim last season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher Credit: Alamy 3 Fletcher won five Premier League titles with Man Utd Credit: PA 3 He picked up 80 caps for Scotland Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow But, with ambitions of becoming a manager of his own some day, it now seems like the time is right for the former Man Utd midfielder to start thinking about his pathway into management, according to the BBC. It is also reported that Fletcher had reservations about taking up the position in the past, with his twin sons Jack and Tyler playing at that age group. But they've now moved up to 21s, paving the way for Fletcher to begin his first steps in management. The role is currently vacant after Adam Lawrence left at the end last season to "seek a new challenge" following four years at the club. And Fletcher, who holds a UEFA A licence, is rated by sporting director Jason Wilcox and departing academy director Nick Cox who's becoming technical director at Everton. Fletcher made his playing debut in the Champions League in 2003 under Sir Alex Ferguson against Basel. The midfielder would go on to amass more than 300 games for the club, scoring 24 goals. He also played almost 100 games for West Brom and 42 for Stoke City towards the end of his career after recovering from ulcerative colitis. He was diagnosed with the debilitating bowel condition in 2011 and was forced to take time away from the game. He won five Premier League titles in a glittering career as well as the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Darren Fletcher says Walter Smith was behind Cristiano Ronaldo's transformation as kid at Man Utd The ex-midfielder returned to the Man Utd in 2020 to coach their under 16s and was promoted to first-team coach the following season. He then became a technical director in March 2021 for three years helping to bridge the gap between the academy and first team before being replaced by Jason Wilcox. He then returned to a coaching capacity under Eric ten Hag and Amorim before reportedly holding talks about current vacancy at the U18s managerial position. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Aaron Wildig: I've got plenty more to give at Gloucester
The former Exiles skipper has joined forces with Dafydd Williams, who left Rodney Parade at the end of last season to become boss at Gloucester. Wildig opted to step away from full-time football in the EFL to drop down to Southern League Premier Division South, with the 33-year-old from Hereford also starting to look towards coaching. The midfielder completed his UEFA A licence with the Football Association of Wales this year and was an assistant for caretaker boss Williams in the final two games of last season following the departure of Nelson Jardim. County acknowledged his value off the field when offering him fresh terms while he is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments. However, a call from Williams convinced Wildig that the time was right to drop out of the Football League and head for Gloucester. 'I was offered a deal by Newport, which was really respectful of them, but having worked with Daf for the last two years, he dropped me a message and asked if it was something that I would be interested in,' said Wildig, who started his professional career with Cardiff in 2009. 'With a few things going on outside of football, it was something that I fancied coming to have a crack at and I am looking forward to it.' CLASSY: Aaron Wildig was in superb form until injury for County last season (Image: Gareth Everett) Wildig stressed the first part of his job title of player-coach is dominant. 'I am quite passionate about my coaching and in the last few years I have started to look into that side of things,' he said. 'That's something to look forward to but my priority is as a footballer and I still have a lot to give.' Williams has no doubt that Wildig's quality will show in the Southern League, pointing to the flying start the midfielder made to last season before injury. 'To have someone of that experience and calibre represent this club is a huge statement,' said the Welshman, who spent two seasons at Rodney Parade. 'Last year he was stat the best midfielder in League Two until his injury so make no mistake, we have a great player on hour hands. 'Him coming in as player-coach offers his experience, credentials and skill set as a coach, which is something he is keen on further down the line. To provide him with that opportunity is exciting.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Charlton Athletic ace Barton named Saltdean United head coach
Former Charlton Athletic forward Kayleigh Barton has been named as the new head coach of London and South East Women's Regional Football League club Saltdean United. The Tigers announced news of their appointment via a post on their official club X account this evening. Advertisement Barton takes her first step into coaching after recently announcing her departure from Barclays WSL2 club Charlton Athletic. The 37-year-old Welsh international spent two seasons with The Addicks after joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in summer 2023. Barton holds a UEFA A coaching licence and she looks to be the perfect appointment for a Saltdean United side that are hoping to go far in the coming years. After her appointment was announced, Barton said 'I'm really excited to begin my role with Saltdean Women FC as the Head Coach. I believe we have a talented group of players and together we can achieve something special this season. I am looking forward to kicking off the season.' Barton is one of five first team players to leave Charlton Athletic during the close season. Francesca Stables, Katie Godden, Sophie O'Rourke and Melisa Filis are also moving on at the end of their current contracts at The Valley.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lukaku: ‘I will start coaching badges at the end of the season'
Lukaku: 'I will start coaching badges at the end of the season' Lukaku: 'I will start coaching badges at the end of the season' Romelu Lukaku is only 31 years old, but the Napoli striker is already looking to his future career. 'I will start my coaching badges at the end of the season.' The centre-forward will turn 32 in May and is having a strong campaign with the Partenopei, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in 29 competitive games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia. However, the Belgium international is eager to keep expanding his knowledge of the sport and is thinking about his next steps. Advertisement 'I think I do want to be a coach, a part of me believes that, but on the other hand, I also still have a few doubts,' Lukaku told Radio CRC. 'I will start my coaching badges at the end of the season, beginning the UEFA A and UEFA B courses, then I'll see what I feel like doing.' The tactician he worked with the best over his career is without doubt Antonio Conte, experiencing his approach at Chelsea, Inter and now Napoli. Lukaku new lease of life at Napoli NAPOLI, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli talks with his coach Antonio Conte during the Serie A match between Napoli and Parma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 31, 2024 in Napoli, Italy. (Photo by) Coming to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was an easy choice for Lukaku, especially once he felt the passion of the fans. 'I never experienced something like that during a warm-up. After the game, I asked Dries Mertens if it was always like that, and he confirmed this is pretty much constant. Advertisement 'The cheer of the crowd pushes you on, it puts pressure on your opponents. When it happens, that becomes difficult for the other team.' With the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli had to change their tactics to a 3-5-2 formation and his strike partner became Giacomo Raspadori. 'Communication is essential, we all have different characteristics, but we can play together,' continued Lukaku. 'This also helps the coach to make his decisions. We are a group who get along off the field too, every Tuesday we organise Call of Duty tournaments with 10-12 players.' Lukaku's son is currently playing for the Anderlecht youth academy and is a chip off the old block. 'He wants to play in attack, not defence. He is certainly more technically gifted than me, but is working really well at Anderlecht. Naturally, I do not interfere with the work of his coaches.'
