Stoke City confirm new coach appointment as pre-season starts.

Dean Marney starts his new position at Clayton Wood.

Dean Marney has been hired as Stoke City’s new under-18s head coach.

The 41-year-old former Spurs, Hull, and Burnley midfielder arrives from Salford City to replace Darren Potter, who was scouted to join the first team at MK Dons earlier this summer.

Marney began his coaching career with Burnley, where he earned his UEFA A licence while working with the under-16s team, and will now oversee Stoke’s scholars with youth development coach Andy Matthews.

He stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to continue my coaching career in an elite setting, and I am extremely thankful to Jon [Walters, sports director], Gareth [Owen, academy technical director] and Paul Harris [head of academy coaching] for the chance to work in a club and academy of huge pedigree.

“Through my own playing career experiences, as well as having worked closely with the first team staff at Burnley and Salford City, I am convinced that I can pass on my understanding of the attitude required to play senior football to our young players.

“It’s a given that we’ll ask the players to give everything for the shirt every day but, equal to that, I want them to enjoy this phase of their careers and have the freedom to express themselves.” Stoke are also looking for a new academy manager following Owen’s employment change earlier this year.

Owen stated, “Dean stood out in a thorough recruitment process and displayed the humility and values that, combined with his elite playing career, will stand him in good stead to lead our young players.”

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