Mark Kelly switches role in Portsmouth reshuffle

Kelly will take up the job player development manager, having served as academy manager for the past six years.

The former winger’s remit will see him work closely with the club’s first-team coaching and recruitment teams – as well as the academy – with a focus on developing players in the under-19 to under-23 age groups.

That’s mean he’ll help young professionals Haji Mnoga and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, as well as third-year scholars Harry Kavanagh, Alfie Stanley and Eoin Teggart.

As part of a reshuffle of the youth set-up, head of education and player care Jon Slater has been named academy manager on an interim basis.

Kelly said: ‘I’m looking forward to getting started in this new position and am excited by the challenge.

‘It’s about looking at that transitional phase between the academy and first team, including those young players who are out on loan.

‘That’s an area that needed some attention and it’s important for the growth of the club that we continue to develop.

‘I’m also pleased to be taking on a role that’s totally football-based and will see me out on the training pitches on a more regular basis.’

Chief executive Mark Catlin added: ‘Over the past few years, the role of the academy canager has evolved to become a more strategic position.

‘Mark’s strengths are his coaching, development and interaction with players and we all agree that this exciting new role is more suited to his key strengths.

‘With Jon stepping into this interim position, it gives the academy staff and players the continuity and expertise required to continue their development.

‘It also enables Mark to move into the new role and I wish him luck as he continues to develop our players of the future.’