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 academy coach joins Newcastle United as under-21s lead coach.
Newcastle United have appointed Adam Lawrence as their new under-21s lead coach.
The position was made vacant in June 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.
Newcastle United confirm arrival of former Manchester United man
As O’Carroll’s successor, Newcastle have appointed Lawrence following his recent departure from Manchester United, where he was in charge of the under-18s team. Lawrence, who officially begins his new role on September 1, will be assisted by Robbie Stockdale, who had been interim charge.
During his tenure, Lawrence led his under-18s side to three pieces of silverware in the 2023-24 campaign, winning the Premier League regional and national titles as well as the Premier League Cup.
Last season, Lawrence guided his side to second in the Premier League North, while they narrowly missed out on reaching the FA Youth Cup final after losing to eventual winners Aston Villa in the semi-finals on penalties.
Alongside his role as under-18s lead coach, Lawrence also held the role of Head of Player Development (U13-U16), where he was tasked with ensuring a smooth transition for players as they began their scholarships.
Adam Lawrence on joining Newcastle United
Prior to joining Man United, Lawrence spent eight years at Charlton Athletic's academy, where he served as the club's head of coaching, as well as working within Millwall's youth system.
Lawrence said: "It's a real privilege to join Newcastle United and to lead the Under-21s squad at such an exciting time for the Academy.
Read More
"I've always believed in creating environments where young players can grow - not just as footballers, but as people - and that is something the Academy does very well.
"The club has a clear vision for development, and I'm looking forward to working with the staff and players to help each individual take the next step in their journey."
Steve Harper comments on Adam Lawrence’s appointment
Newcastle Academy Director Steve Harper said: "We are delighted to welcome Adam to Newcastle United as new Under-21s Lead Coach.
"We have carried out a thorough recruitment process to ensure we find the right person to nurture and develop our young players, and in Adam, we have an outstanding young coach joining the club.
"His record speaks for itself but results only tell part of the story. Throughout his career, he has prioritised the individual development of the young players he has worked with, and he will play a key role in supporting our talent pathway into the first team.
"I'd also like to thank Robbie Stockdale and everyone connected with the Under-21s for their hard work and collaborative approach while we recruited into this position."
Continue Reading