3/1 To Win
Ross Atkins has returned to Derby County to take up the position of Head Academy Goalkeeping Coach.
The 31-year-old re-joins Derby's Academy after a brief spell on Burton Albion’s first-team coaching staff.
Atkins was part of the Academy staff from 2014 until he left the club last summer to work alongside former Rams defender Jake Buxton following his appointment as Burton’s new manager.
He replaces Jason Pearcey as Head Academy Goalkeeping Coach, who recently stepped up to become part of Wayne Rooney’s first-team staff as Head Goalkeeping Coach.
Atkins is a graduate of the Rams’ youth system, as well as being a former England youth international, and made one first-team appearance for the club in May 2011 after several spells out on loan and he later went on to play non-league football.
Academy Director Darren Wassall said: “We didn’t want to lose Ross in the first place but obviously understood the Burton Albion first-team role was one he couldn’t really turn down when Jake Buxton offered it to him last summer.
“Six months later, however, we are delighted to welcome Ross back as our Head Academy Goalkeeping Coach, following Jason Pearcey’s move to the first team.
“Ross is another addition to our very talented Academy coaching team, where he will ably be assisted by Tom Turner and Tom Pressman on the goalkeeping front.”
