Northampton Town have strengthened the coaching structure in the club's Academy by making a number of key appointments.
Mark Lyons, who was looking after the under 18 squad, will take on the role of Assistant Academy Manager, as well being the Lead Youth Development Phase Coach, responsible for players from the age of 12 to 16.
Lee Garlick is taking on a new role of overall Head of Coaching for the Academy, overseeing the progression and development of the coaches, while Jon Brady will be joining the club on a full time basis as the club's Professional Development Coach, responsible for the under 18 squad.
Brady, who has a wealth of knowledge and contacts in Northamptonshire football and beyond, is a former professional player who appeared for Hayes, Rushden & Diamonds, Woking, Chester City, Stevenage, Hereford United, Kidderminster Harriers, Cambridge United and Kettering Town.
His coaching and managerial career saw him enjoy a successful six and a half year spell in charge of Brackley Town, and has been coaching the Cobblers under 16s for the past twelve months.
"I have been delighted with the progress we have made in recent seasons and these changes will make us even stronger," said Academy Manager Trevor Gould.
"I feel these appointments give us an excellent balance of youth and experience, of technical knowledge and of playing experience.
"We have seen three players come through to join the first team squad in recent times, and with the batch of players we have coming up through the age groups, these changes will give those players the best possible chance of following in their footsteps.
"Mark Lyons has done an excellent job as Lead Foundation Coach, he has helped develop a number of emerging players and he gained a lot of experience taking the under 18s last season. He has an excellent overall knowledge of the Academy system and our players and he is well placed to put this knowledge into practice by taking on these new roles. I will value his input as Assistant Academy Manager and Lead Youth Development Phase Coach, helping to prepare players from the age of 12 upwards for what they will experience as they progress through the ages.
"Having Jon on board full time will also be a huge help. He knows the under 16s coming through and he will work well with the enthusiasm and drive of our other coaches, Mark, Lee Garlick and Matt Chart and we are well placed to offer our young players the best possible coaching and opportunities.”
Academy products Joe Iaciofano and James Goff signed professional contracts at the end of the season, while fellow Academy graduate Shaun McWilliams made a big impression playing in the first team in the final month of the season.
They join a list of players to emerge from the Northampton Town Academy in recent seasons that includes players such as Ivan Toney, Michael Jacobs, Luke Chambers and Mark Bunn who have all gone on to play in the Premier League or Championship.
The Academy are holding open trials this summer for young players looking to join the club.