Two Sunderland men given leading Newcastle United roles in major academy shake-up

Former Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt has joined Newcastle United’s academy as a sessional coach.

The 35-year-old - who played 36 times for the Black Cats - will work with the youth setup in an understudy capacity. A club announcement also confirmed ex-Sunderland manager Jack Ross will continue leading the under-21s on an interim basis following Ben Dawson’s exit in July.

Chris Moore, who was on Newcastle’s books as a youngster, has also been promoted to under-18s boss, with James Marwood arriving from Middlesbrough as his assistant. Further appointments have also been made at from under-13 to under-16 level.

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The move is the latest academy shake-up as Newcastle continue to prioritise youth development following the Saudi-backed takeover. A previously neglected area of the club, the Magpies view the academy as an important tool to help combat FFP/PSR pressures.

Five graduates earned their Premier League debut last season and Lewis Miley, who made his maiden bow in 2022-23, featured 26 times for Eddie Howe. A lengthy club statement read: “Newcastle United Academy has made new appointments to its coaching staff as the club continues to enhance its talent pathway.

“As part of the club’s development strategy, Academy director Steve Harper and his team have guided a number of young players into United’s first team squad in recent years, with five Academy players making their Premier League debut last season alone. At under-18 level, Chris Moore has been promoted to Under-18s lead coach, with James Marwood arriving from Middlesbrough to assist Chris as Under-18s player development coach.

“Earlier this summer, the club announced the arrivals of Jack Brazil and Ian Skinner as under-16s and under-14s lead coaches respectively, with Graeme Coulson moving up a year-group to become under-15s lead coach. They will be supported by a new under-13-16 goalkeeper coach, James Montgomery, who has recently retired from playing. James made 85 appearances for Gateshead during an eleven-year professional career, as well as playing in the EFL for Forest Green Rovers and Southend United.

“Ben Ascroft becomes Professional Development Phase (PDP) goalkeeper coach. Meanwhile, the club is pleased to announce the arrival of Moyo Arowolo, who has been appointed to the new role of pre-Academy/Foundation phase coach.

“At Under-21 level, Neil Winskill and Jack Ross continue to take interim charge of Newcastle United Under-21s following the departure of Ben Dawson. Former first-team goalkeeper coach Paul Barron has returned to the club as a goalkeeper coach mentor and sessional coach.

“Paul was previously with the Magpies between 2007-2010, serving under managers including Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Chris Hughton. Former professional player Liam Bridcutt has also joined the Academy team, arriving as a sessional coach. Liam made 368 senior appearances in English football, representing clubs including Brighton, Sunderland, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.”