The Northampton Town Academy have strengthened their backroom staff with the appointment of former Lincoln City, Peterborough United, Leyton Orient and Colchester United defender Simon Clark as the club's new Lead Youth Development Phase coach, overseeing the development of players in the Northampton Town Academy from the age of 13 to 16.
As a player, Clark made nearly 300 senior appearances while as a coach, Clark, who has the UEFA A qualification, joined the Lincoln City Centre of Excellence in 2007 before becoming the Peterborough United Centre of Excellence co-ordinator.
He returned to Lincoln City as youth team coach, later becoming first team coach before having a spell in caretaker charge of the Lincoln City first team.
"Simon is an excellent appointment for us," he said.
"He has a wealth of experience as a player and as a coach and he has a fine record of working with young players.
"As I found when I arrived a couple of months ago, Simon will find an Academy in excellent shape with a first class infrastructure that is strengthening further and an environment to help young players become the best they possibly can be.
"We have seen seven current or former Academy players play for the first team this season so the pathway is open, and Simon will be tasked with helping us build on the excellent work that is already taking place."