Travis Binnion becomes U18s lead in Man Utd Academy reshuffle
Binnion has worked for Man Utd since November 2019
Written by Training Ground Guru — August 13, 2021
TRAVIS BINNION will take Manchester United’s Under-18s this season as part of a reshuffle of roles in the Professional Development Phase.
The former Sheffield United Academy Manager, who joined United in 2019, was previously U16s lead. He will continue in his role as Head of Player Development and Coaching for the U14 to U16 age group.
United have described their new coaching structure as “increasingly flexible” and supporting “the individual development needs of each player.”
Neil Ryan moves up from the U18s to assist Neil Wood with the U23s, while Paul McShane will be a player coach with the U23s. Colin Little continues as U18s assistant.
New Head of Player Development and Coaching (U17-23) Justin Cochrane will oversee the programme across the Professional Development Phase.
Mark Dempsey, who moved from first-team assistant manager to the Academy in December 2020, will lead the “core coaching team” across the Academy, “working to educate and mentor the club’s world-class group of development coaches as well as establishing individualised plans to maximise player potential.”
Head of Academy Nick Cox said: “Throughout the Academy, we have always looked to appoint best-in-class coaching staff.
“This new structure is the ideal blend of long-standing club staff coupled with outstanding external appointments who together will implement our individualised development programme.
“It has been pleasing to see so many of our players play above their age groups in recent years. Our U18s and U23 sides have become increasingly fluid, with players regularly featuring for both teams.
“This range of experiences and game scenarios ultimately provides the best platform for players to reach their potential.
“We have a fantastic group of dedicated expert staff working across the Professional Development Phase. Between them they will work passionately to further enhance the Academy’s ability to produce world-class players capable of excelling in the first-team."
Professional Development Phase coaching:
- Mark Dempsey – Senior Academy coach
- Justin Cochrane – Head of Player Development & Coaching (U17-U23)
- Neil Wood – U23s lead
- Neil Ryan – U23s assistant
- Paul McShane – U23s player-coach
- Travis Binnion – U18s lead & Head of Player Development & Coaching (U14-U16)
- Colin Little – U18s assistant
- Alan Fettis – Head of Academy goalkeeping
- Kevin Wolfe – Academy goalkeeping coach
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