McGuinness leaves Leicester City for family reasons

PAUL McGUINNESS has left his role as Leicester City’s Head of Player Development to help care for his father Wilf, who has dementia.

McGuinness took on the new role of Head of Player Development in December last year, having worked as a National Coach Developer with the Football Association for the previous four years.

His role was to have “overall responsibility for the football development of players in the Academy from U9 to U18” and “ensure that players transitioning into the U23 squad and first team have the required technical ability and tactical knowledge to make an impact and continue their football pathway.”

However, he has now had to leave the role to help care for his father, the former Manchester United manager, who is suffering from dementia.

McGuinness is now looking for a permanent role in an Academy or at first-team level closer to his Manchester home, TGG understands. In the mean time he is available for consultancy work, coaching demonstrations and presentations, both nationally and internationally.

Prior to his time with The FA, McGuinness worked for Manchester United’s Academy for 23 years and helped 86 players progress to the first-team squad. His father was a player at United (as was his son) before becoming reserve team and then first-team manager, succeeding Sir Matt Busby.

Leicester City intend to replace McGuinness in the Head of Player Development role, TGG understands.