Justin Cochrane leaves Man Utd to become Brentford first-team coach
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Cochrane was Head of player Development and Coaching at Manchester United Academy
Written by Simon Austin — June 16, 2022
JUSTIN COCHRANE has left Manchester United after a year to become first-team coach at Brentford.
The 40-year-old, who has been described as “outstanding” and perhaps “the best developer in the country” by QPR Technical Director Chris Ramsey, is due to start with the Bees on Monday.
Cochrane was appointed Head of player Development and Coaching at Manchester United’s Academy last June, working primarily with the Professional Development Phase (17s to 21s).
Prior to this he worked for the Football Association for three years, leading England’s U15s, 16s and 17s, as well as being Youth Development Phase Lead.
From 2009 to 2018 he was with Tottenham, latterly as Assistant Head of Player and Coach Development, which is where he worked with Ramsey.
Speaking on the TGG Podcast, QPR’s Technical Director said: “When I worked with Justin he came in and was very open to what we wanted.
“His personality is big and empathetic and he feels what the players are feeling. His game understanding of what is required is outstanding. He has a fantastic job now, but he should easily be a manager of a club. He’s got all the qualities, has coached top level players with the FA.
"He is primed to be an assistant in a formidable job or have his own (manager’s) job.”
England boss Gareth Southgate has also name-checked the former pro player as a "really excellent young coach."
Manchester United Academy Director Nick Cox said: “Naturally, we are pleased that Justin has been able to fulfil his ambition of working in a first-team environment.
“I am proud of the world-class learning environment that we have created for our staff and take great satisfaction in seeing them progress both within the club or through external opportunities."
Last month Cochrane presented at TGG’s Individual Development Webinar, giving insights into how to manage the transition from Academy to first team.
There have been several exits from Manchester United’s Academy since the end of the season. U23s Lead Neil Wood has left to become manager of Salford City, while his assistant, Neil Ryan, has joined the Football Association, where he will lead one of the England age group teams.
Meanwhile, Head of Academy Goalkeeping Alan Fettis has left United after 11 years to become first-team goalkeeper coach at Middlesbrough.
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