The Club is delighted to announce that Andy Welsh has been appointed to the new post of Under-21 elite development manager.

Andy, who succeeded Jim Cassell as Academy manager last September, will take responsibility for the reserves as well as providing a link between the Academy, reserves and senior squads.

Welsh said: "I'm delighted to accept a challenging role that is going to play an important part in the progress that City plan to make in line with our ambitions for the future.

"The creation of this post also demonstrates our continued commitment to the vibrant youth policy that has seen 30 Academy players graduate to the first team at this club in a dozen years."   

Andy will draw on his wide experience to fulfil his role. He joined the PFA as head coach when his playing career finished at Blackpool, then in 2000 accepted an offer to move to Leeds United.

During his four years as technical director of the Leeds Academy, three future England players - James Milner, Aaron Lennon and Scott Carson - among others came through the ranks.

On leaving Leeds he took a temporary post at Blackpool under then-manager Simon Grayson and later worked for Manchester United and Royal Antwerp before joining City in summer 2008.