Newcastle United Under-21s coach Adam Lawrence has stepped down from his role just months after joining from Manchester United, with Robbie Stockdale taking interim charge.
Adam Lawrence looks on from the side.
Ex-Manchester United U18s coach Adam Lawrence has left Newcastle United.(Image: Newcastle United via Getty image)
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Former Manchester United academy coach, Adam Lawrence, has stunned Newcastle United after resigning from his position as head coach of the Premier League club's Under-21 squad.
Lawrence assumed responsibility for the Magpies' Under-21 set-up in September 2025 - arriving at the North East outfit's academy from the Reds, where he had been leading the Under-18s side.
He was at the helm on Friday night when the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough - the most recent in a series of underwhelming performances from the squad.
The club issued a statement confirming Lawrence's departure. Newcastle academy director Steve Harper said: "I'd like to thank Adam for his time with us leading the Under-21 group. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues the next step in his coaching career."
Lawrence stepped down from his role at the United academy in May after spending four years at the club, initially joining as the Under-16s lead coach.
He made the transition to the Under-18s two years later and he was lauded for earning excellent results, as well as developing the talent that bolstered the first-team options.
Lawrence was credited with aiding the progression of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Amass during his time at United. Following his departure, announced in May 2025, then academy manager Nick Cox gave a glowing reflection of his time at the club.
Cox 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.
"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."
In his parting message, Lawrence revealed that he was ready for the next challenge but, following a difficult start to life with the Magpies, he has left the club abruptly.
In July, Fletcher, who has now taken charge of United on an interim basis, following Ruben Amorim's sacking, was appointed as Lawrence's successor.
Director of football Jason Wilcox expressed his delight at bringing in the Premier League-winning ex-midfielder to help shape the futures of the budding talent in the United ranks.
Wilcox said: "We are delighted that Darren will lead our Under-18s group. He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful academy graduate and has played a key role in shaping the pathway for so many of our young players over recent years.
"Darren's excellent relationships across the entire staff will increase the strong connection between the academy and first-team, further enhancing our ability to produce world-class players ready to excel at Manchester United."