Brighton advertise for Academy Manager after Morling exit
Morling joined Brighton in August 2012
Written by Simon Austin — May 17, 2022
BRIGHTON are advertising for a new Academy Manager following the exit of John Morling after almost a decade.
The job advert for a new Academy Manager was posted on TGG this evening and is for someone “to provide leadership to all areas of the Academy, programmes and staff” and “drive the club’s main vision and the Academy’s part in that through operational management, strategic planning and leadership.”
Morling was appointed Academy Manager in August 2012 after being national team coach for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-16 and U17 teams, as well as their Player Development Manager.
Last season, Brighton were the top side in the Premier League for homegrown minutes. According to the CIES Football Observatory, 29.9% of their total league minutes went to club-trained players (defined as those who had spent at least three seasons with the club between the ages of 15 & 21).
Manchester United were second with 27.8% and Chelsea third with 24.5%.
Speaking on the TGG Podcast in December 2020, former Brighton Technical Director Dan Ashworth revealed that a target of 30% of Premier League minutes going to homegrown players had been set.
“This was John’s target and was up and running before I came in - for 30% of our Premier League minutes to be from homegrown players,” Ashworth said.
“It’s about having that long-term ambition for our Academy. If they continue to do the job they’re doing, and if we can continue to give opportunities, then I don’t think it’s impossible.
“I sit down with John and work out how we can try and get those 30% of minutes while helping Graham (Potter), hopefully, finish in the top 10 of the Premier League.”
Ashworth stepped down from his role in February and is now set to become Technical Director at Newcastle United.
-1.png)
