Swansea City confirms academy coaching restructure

Swansea City can confirm the club is to restructure its coaching resources at academy level, with the changes due to come into force from March 1.

The club are delighted to announce that Kristian O’Leary will return to the club as lead coach of the under-23s, where he will be assisted by Anthony Wright.

O’Leary played over 300 games for the club over a 15-year spell, winning three promotions during his time at both the Vetch Field and Liberty Stadium.

The former midfielder has previously coached in the club’s academy as well as in the first-team setup, while he has most recently been manager of Cymru Premier side Carmarthen Town.

Jon Grey – who had been leading the under-23 squad following the departures of Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards – will now be able to fully focus on his role of head of academy coaching.

Meanwhile, former Bristol Rovers and Newport County defender Byron Anthony has arrived at the club to be lead coach of the under-18s.

The 36-year-old, who played over 200 games in the Football League, has previously coached in the academy at Newport before going on to be academy manager at Rodney Parade.

The under-18s are at home to QPR on Saturday (February 27), with Byron starting his new role on Monday.

In a further addition to the academy structure, former Wales international Neil Roberts has taken up a position overseeing national recruitment for ages 16-21.

Swansea City’s academy director Mark Allen said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kris, Byron and Neil to the academy, with all three bringing valuable experience to an already talented group of staff.

“Allowing Jon Grey to now fully focus on the head of academy coaching role is vital to the future development of the coaching curriculum, and I’m also pleased for Anthony Wright who will be assisting Kris in the under-23s.”