3/1 To Win
We would like to thank Darren Wassall for his outstanding 14-year service as both Academy Manager and Academy Director.
Darren and his team have played a major role in both the success and progress of the Academy, helping to achieve its current Category One status in 2014.
Led by Darren, the Academy has a proven track record of developing and nurturing talent and providing players for Derby County’s first team. During Darren’s time at the Club, 45 Academy graduates made their first team debuts, ultimately contributing over 1,200 appearances.
It must also be remembered that Darren took on the role of interim Head Coach, most recently in 2016 following the departure of Paul Clement and led the team to the EFL Championship Play-offs.
However, the time has come for the Club to move in a different direction. While there is absolute commitment from David Clowes and the board to maintain Category One status for the academy, the post of Academy Director is being restructured to the more operational role of Academy Manager in this new phase of the Club’s rebuild.
The Club would like to put on record its thanks and gratitude for everything Darren has achieved at Derby County. He will always be welcome back at Pride Park.
