Newcastle United are looking for a new U21s manager
Former Man United under-18s coach Adam Lawrence has left Newcastle United.
Former Man United under-18s coach Adam Lawrence has left Newcastle United.(Image: Newcastle United via Getty image)
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Adam Lawrence has opened up on quitting Newcastle United after just four months heading up the club's Under-21 set-up.
The 40-year-old joined the Magpies in September, having previously been in charge of Manchester United's U18 side. He was appointed as lead coach for Newcastle's U21s, replacing Diarmuid O'Carroll who had left in the summer to become first team coach at Sparta Pargue.
Lawrence, however, tendered his resignation at the weekend and has left the club with immediate effect. He took charge of his last game at Benton on Friday night when his side lost 1-0 against neighbours Middlesbrough.
Lawrence took to LinkedIn to release a statement outlining his decision to step down from Newcastle, saying it was a 'difficult decision'.
He wrote: "I have made the decision to leave my role as U21 Player Development Lead at Newcastle United Academy.
"After being at the club for a short period of time this was a really difficult decision to make. However, there are times in life where you have to make tough choices and this is one of those moments."I would like to thank Steve Harper for the opportunity to work at such an amazing club, and wish the Academy and Club every success in the future. Newcastle is a truly special place."I look forward to exploring potential opportunities that are out there for me."
Lawrence spent four and a half years at Manchester United, starting as lead coach for their Under-16s before being promoted to U18s manager. He won three trophies in his first full season with the club and played a part in developing a number of players.
Prior to that, he spent eight years at Charlton, initially as the lead coach for Under-13-16 level before being promoted to head of coaching for Under-9s all the way through to Under-23s.
Newcastle Academy manager Steve Harper had spoken enthusiastically about Lawrence's appointment when he was announced in September, saying: "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."
Robbie Stockdale has been placed in interim charge of the U21s and will lead the team in their Premier League International Cup tie against Benfica on Tuesday.
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