Adam Lawrence, Head of Youth Player Development and Colin Little, Academy Coach at Manchester United speak as they inspect the pitch prior to the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal U18 and Manchester United U18 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)placeholder image
Adam Lawrence, Head of Youth Player Development and Colin Little, Academy Coach at Manchester United speak as they inspect the pitch prior to the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal U18 and Manchester United U18 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
The former Manchester United man is among four candidates Newcastle United are considering.
The position was made vacant last month after Diarmuid O’Carroll left to join Sparta Prague as a first-team coach.
O’Carroll joined from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren last September and helped The Young Magpies finish ninth in Premier League 2, as well as reach the quarter-finals of the National League Cup.
But less than a year into the role, the Irishman, who has previously coached at Morecambe and Northern Ireland, decided to return to senior football in the Czech Republic.
He followed in the footsteps of Ben Dawson and Graeme Carrick, who have both left the academy within the last 12 months to take up first-team coaching positions at Leicester City and Middlesbrough, respectively.
Former Manchester United man under consideration
The process to find O’Carroll’s successor began immediately after his departure. A month on, and Newcastle are close to an appointment. According to Mail Online, United’s search is down to the final four candidates. That includes Adam Lawrence, who left Manchester United in May to explore other opportunities.
Having originally joined Man United as under-16s lead coach in 2021, Lawrence enjoyed a successful two years in charge of the under-18s as he lifted three pieces of silverware during the 2023/24 season. Seven academy graduates have made their debuts since Lawrence began working in the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21).
Nick Cox, Director of Academy at Manchester United, said: “Adam has contributed greatly to our club throughout his four years at Manchester United. His passion for helping young players to maximise their potential has played an important role in the success of our Academy system.
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“We take great pride in supporting and witnessing the development of our staff, Adam is a fine example of that, moving up from the Under-16s to the Under-18s, enjoying success and now being ready to seek a new challenge in the game. The whole of the Academy thanks Adam for his service and wishes him the very best of luck for the future.”
Adam Lawrence ‘ready for next challenge’
In announcing his departure, Lawrence said: “It has been a privilege to work for Manchester United. It has been a very special few years with this group; I’ve been fortunate to work with many of this season’s Under-18s right through from the Under-16s level and witness their growth as people as well as players.
“During the last two years, all the staff across the Professional Development Phase can be very proud of the work we have done to support the players. The style of play, the focus on individual development and the culture of the Academy that we have supported; it has been a real privilege to play my part in helping the group.
“I’m now ready for the next challenge but I’ll always cherish the memories made at this great club and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the players I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
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