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Derby County have confirmed the arrival of Ben Wilkinson as the club's first team coach after he left Manchester City.
Wilkinson will join John Eustace's staff at Pride Park with Keith Downing moving to a new role as lead individual development coach.
It marks a return to Derby for Wilkinson, the son of former Leeds boss Howard, who was on the books at the club during his playing career.
Speculation over Wilkinson's move to Derby was reported by DerbyshireLive six days ago in after it emerged he was keen to move into senior football.
He was the Elite Development Squad Lead Coach at City where the 39-year-old boasts an impressive CV from his time at the Etihad.
He said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to work at this amazing football club for the last eight years.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how much this club has given me, both professionally and personally.
“I would like to thank Thomas, Txiki, Hugo and Pep for all of their support and the opportunities they have given me. This has been a part of my life that I will cherish.
“One of the greatest privileges has been working with so many talented young players and watching them progress through the Academy into senior football, both in our first team and throughout the football pyramid.
“Watching their growth and playing a small part in their journeys has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“I would like to wish Thomas and everyone at the academy continued success in the future.”
Under Wilkinson's stewardship as Under-18 Lead Coach, City became the first U18 team to win three consecutive Premier League titles, while he also secured silverware in the Under-17 Premier League Cup and the FA Youth Cup.
He then progressed to Under-21 level football, becoming the Lead Coach of City's Elite Development Squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
During his eight seasons in Manchester – a spell which followed seven years on the coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday – Wilkinson helped develop Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford.
Wilkinson's arrival means Downing will assume a new position at the club with his appointment as Lead Individual Development Coach with Keith Briggs and Sean Rush to be his assistants.
Downing is set to take charge of a new department that aims to help both first team and academy players develop.
It aims to best enable players to maximise their individual potential by supporting their growth across every aspect of professional football.
Derby's move for Wilkinson enhances the club's backroom staff with the club having appointed Ben Jones from the FA to help scout for the academy right the way to the first team.
Derby also appointed Fabian Unwin from Chelsea as Data and Analytics Lead.
What do you make of Wilkinson's arrival? Have your say HERE.
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Derby Telegraph's Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis
Derby Telegraph's Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis
The transfer window is now open, the signings are being linked and players could be heading for the exit door at Pride Park as it promises to be a pre-season of change at the club.
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