McDermott leaves Spurs to become FA's Assistant Technical Director
John McDermott enjoyed a close relationship with Mauricio Pochettino
Written by Simon Austin — March 20, 2020
JOHN MCDERMOTT is leaving Tottenham after 15 years to take up the new role of Assistant Technical Director at the Football Association.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy paid tribute to his outgoing Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development, saying he had been an “integral part of everything we have sought to deliver”.
McDermott joined Spurs in 2005 and in 2016 was given ultimate responsibility for all sides beneath the first team. At the FA, he will assist Technical Director Les Reed and effectively replace Matt Crocker, the former Head of Coaching and Development, who left last November to become Director of Football Operations at Southampton.
McDermott will have overall responsibility for all of England men’s development teams up to Under-20 level, while working closely with senior manager Gareth Southgate and U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd.
“After 15 years and so many incredible experiences at Tottenham Hotspur, I’ve reached the difficult decision to take on a slightly different role and challenge at this period in my career,” McDermott said.
“I'm looking forward to working with Les, Gareth, Aidy and all the coaches and playing my part in helping our England teams to be successful. Throughout my time at Tottenham, I have continued to work in coach education, so I'm familiar with St George’s Park and the great development work that is being done.
“Leaving colleagues and players is without doubt the toughest decision I’ve had to make. The camaraderie across the club, from the Academy to the first team, makes working here such a special place.
“I may be biased, but I doubt that any other club in the country has a sense of purpose and work ethic that the Academy staff, past and present, has shown to our players. It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the best player developers in the country.
“I am so incredibly proud of all the young men whose alma mater is Tottenham Hotspur Academy. I leave with wonderful memories, and no doubt Jose and the coaching staff will lead the First Team in bringing the Club even more success – assisted in the future, I’m sure, by many of our current Academy players.”
Levy added: "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with John over such a long period of time. His contribution went beyond our Academy, he has been an integral part of everything we have sought to deliver on the football side and we will all miss his enthusiasm, insight and wisdom that he brought to his role.
"His time at the club will not just be remembered for the calibre of player he has helped to develop for our first team, of which there were many, but also each and every young player he supported who harboured dreams of having a professional career in the game, no matter what level they were ultimately able to reach.
"The influence he has had on so many of our players should not be underestimated, particularly with the level of pastoral care he has always prided himself on providing.
"On behalf of everyone, I would like to express my gratitude to John for the many years of dedication and loyal service he has given to our club. We wish him the very best in his new role at the FA.
"It is now vital that we take the necessary time and attention needed to identify the right expertise to move our Academy forward, reflecting just how important a role like this is to our club. This process has already commenced and we shall provide an update in due course."
Liverpool Academy Manager Alex Inglethorpe worked with McDermott for six years at Spurs before moving to the North West in 2012.
In an interview with Coaches Voice last year he said: "I learnt from so many good people at Tottenham. I consider John McDermott to be the best in the business at doing what he does. I was very lucky to spend the time I did with him.
“He taught me about standards. That’s not just standards of actions. It’s standards of thinking. Standards of my thinking as a coach, and being able to pass those standards on to the players I was working with.”
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