Academy Director Wassall leaves Derby after 14 years

DERBY COUNTY have parted company with Academy Director Darren Wassall after 14 years as they instigate a restructure of their youth set-up.

The former Rams defender was appointed Academy boss in April 2009 and oversaw their elevation to Category One status in 2014. During his time at the club, 45 Academy graduates have made first-team debuts, contributing more than 1,200 appearances, the club said.

Wassall also took on the role of interim Head Coach in 2016 following the departure of Paul Clement and led the team to the Championship play-offs.

The Rams placed 39th in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2021/22 - the third lowest Category One club (behind Stoke City and Burnley). The rankings place teams according to the number of professionals they produced who played in that season (from Premier League to National League level).

In a statement, Derby said: “The time has come for the club to move in a different direction. While there is absolute commitment from David Clowes and the board to maintain Category One status for the Academy, the post of Academy Director is being restructured to the more operational role of Academy Manager in this new phase of the club’s rebuild.

“The club would like to put on record its thanks and gratitude for everything Darren has achieved at Derby County. He will always be welcome back at Pride Park.”