Academy boss Gareth Prosser to leave Wolves
Wolves have announced academy boss Gareth Prosser is to leave the club.
Prosser, who is credited with helping develop a host of young players during more than a decade at Molineux, will leave in the New Year to take up a role auditing academies within the English game.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Wolves”, said Prosser, who will remain in post until his successor is appointed.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to move onto a new challenge, especially when the club’s current trajectory is so positive and future so bright, however the opportunity to be a part of a project that will benefit the future of English football was one I had to take very seriously.
“Over my 10 years at the club we have developed a programme that puts Wolves up there with the best in the country and also had some notable successes over the years right up to the present day.”
Prosser’s new job will see him lead a new independent auditing process for academies, as part of a joint venture between the Premier League, EFL, and FA.
At Wolves, he was heavily involved in the Elite Player Performance Plan, resulting in the Wolves academy achieving category one status in 2012.
Under his leadership, category one status was retained in June 2016, with Wolves part of an elite group of only six clubs to achieve an unconditional three year licence.
He added: “As an Academy we have never become complacent, continually wanting more and finding solutions when needed along with new ways to improve further - all with the intention of supporting the club to achieve success.
“To think about all that we have achieved collectively in the last ten years is a great feeling and one that I am proud to have been involved in, and I wish everyone at Wolves, the Academy and my successor the best of luck moving forwards.”
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who is tasked with finding Prosser’s replacement, paid tribute to his impact.
“I don’t think we could have had a more professional, diligent and caring individual to look after the development of our young players over the last decade at Wolves,” he said.
