Kolo Toure returns to coaching for first time since disastrous 59-day Wigan spell as he’s joined by Prem legend
MANCHESTER CITY have added former defenders Kolo Toure and Richard Dunne to their academy backroom staff.
The champions have announced a reshuffle to their youth and reserves set-up at the Etihad Campus as they prepare for the 2024/5 campaign.
And it includes Ivorian defender Toure – who helped the club to their first Prem crown in 2012 – taking a role as assistant manager of the Under 16s.
The 43-year-old had a nightmare nine game spell in charge of Wigan after being appointed in November 2022.
He failed to win a match during that ill-fated stay and was sacked after less than two months at the Latics helm.
Prior to that he had forged a good reputation as a coach – and was part of Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff at Celtic and Leicester.
Now he has been given a route back into the game with his old club – working with current Under 16 coach Jamie Carr.
Former City captain Dunne did some work back at his old club at the end of last season and has now been given a permanent role.
The ex-Republic of Ireland defender will assist new Under 18s coach Oliver Reiss, who has joined from Hertha Berlin.
Ben Wilkinson – son of management legend Howard – has been rewarded for leading City to glory in the FA Youth Cup last season.
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He has been promoted to take charge of the club’s Elite Development Squad following the departure of Brian Barry Murphy.
City’s academy director Thomas Kruecken said: “I am very pleased and excited to be able to confirm our coaching structure for the new season.
“This is part of our evolution and progression looking to the future and also illustrates that we are keen to promote from within and encourage a clear career progression and pathway.
“We have enjoyed great success in recent seasons, but we want to continue to look to develop and improve.
“Continuing Manchester City Academy’s development is vital, and these appointments leave us ideally equipped to meet the challenges of next season and beyond.”