NEWCASTLE United are on the lookout for a new Under-21s boss after the surprise exit of Diarmuid O’Carroll.
The 38-year-old only took charge of [Newcastle's](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastleunited/) Under-21s in September last year, when he replaced Ben Dawson, who'd left for Leicester City. But O’Carroll now taken up a new role as first team coach at Sparta Prague, joining the staff of new boss Brian Priske.
Former Feyenoord boss Priske was appointed Sparta Prague's new head coach last week, and has now confirmed the make-up of his support team. Sparta describe O’Carroll as Priske's 'first assistant'.
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Steve Harper, Newcastle's academy director, said: “I’d like to thank Diarmuid for his time with us leading the under-21 group.
“The opportunity to work in Europe is an exciting one for him and we wish him the best of luck as his coaching career continues.
“He is the third professional development phase coach to be headhunted from our academy for a first team senior football role in the last 12 months, which demonstrates that our academy development pathway works not just for players but for staff too.
“The process of recruiting a new Under-21s lead coach is underway.”
O’Carroll follows in the footsteps of Dawson and Graeme Carrick, who both left the Newcastle youth ranks to take up senior first team coaching positions.
Carrick is currently without a job after leaving Middlesbrough following the dismissal of his brother Michael as head coach earlier this month.
O’Carroll led Newcastle's Under-21s to a ninth-place finish in Premier League 2 last season.