Gavin Levey appointed academy manager at Swansea City
Swansea City is delighted to confirm the appointment of Gavin Levey as the club’s new academy manager.
Levey joins from Scottish side Aberdeen, a club he served with great distinction for 17 years, particularly in his role as academy director.
The 43-year-old arrives in SA1 with vast knowledge and experience in academy football, starting his career with spells at Dundee United and Ross County before joining the Dons in 2006.
Levey would later be promoted to head of academy coaching in 2015, before becoming academy director in June 2021.
He had great success at Aberdeen, with several players progressing from the academy ranks to the first team.
Levey oversaw a pathway that saw the likes of Scott McKenna and Calvin Ramsay come through the system before moving on for club-record fees to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool respectively, while current first-team regulars Connor Barron, Jack MacKenzie and Ryan Duncan also progressed through the ranks under his tutelage.
The club can also confirm that Ryan Davies – who has been in interim charge since June – will now return to the role of head of academy coaching.
“It’s a privilege to join Swansea City and lead an academy that already has a strong reputation for developing and promoting talented young footballers,” said Levey, who also holds the UEFA Pro Licence.
“There’s been a significant amount of change within the club over the summer, and by filling the existing staff vacancies we can now look forward to having more stability within the academy structure.
“From all my conversations with Andy (Coleman), Paul (Watson) and Michael (Duff), it’s clear there is an ambitious vision for the club and a lot of energy is being put behind the structures to help achieve this.
“My role will be to ensure the academy is fulfilling its objectives by adding value to the first team, whilst providing a performance environment for both youngsters and staff to thrive in.”
Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman added: “Our academy is hugely important to this football club, and we have a proud history of producing young players.
“We want that to continue and the academy is an integral part of what we are trying to achieve as part of the club’s short, medium and long-term objectives.
“Gavin’s appointment will undoubtedly strengthen us and I am looking forward to working with him.
“I also want to thank Ryan Davies for the great work he did as interim academy manager, and extend my gratitude to the entire academy staff for their tireless efforts over the past few months to deliver for our young players and Swansea City.”
Swansea City sporting director Paul Watson commented: “Gavin was the stand-out candidate and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club.
“He brings a wealth of experience that will hugely benefit both players and staff, with a proven track record of improving players that have gone on to play senior football.
“The academy has a crucial role to play within our football department and Gavin will be a brilliant addition to that area with his expertise and ability to enhance youth development at all levels.”