We are delighted to announce that Chris Willmott has been appointed to be the new Head of Academy at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, which he will combine with his role as Andy Burgess’s assistant manager.
Since his playing career came to an end, Chris has been heavily involved in player development, having previously worked for Back of the Net Soccer Schools & Coaching and in a coaching role at Northampton Town. In addition to coaching in schools and for holiday courses offered by both, he has also coached in Northampton Town’s Academy and Back of the Net’s development centres.
Currently Chris runs a small coaching business that offers weekly coaching sessions and one to one sessions to players, including to some academy players from Northampton Town.
Upon his appointment, Chris commented “I’m delighted to be joining the club as first team assistant manager and head of academy. With regards to the academy role, I’m looking forward to meeting the coaches, players and parents. I want to help the club to achieve their vision of driving the academy forwards and I plan to make improvements to support our coaches and players alike.
It’s so satisfying for any football club to see players progress through the academy and into the first team. My dual role at the club gives me a great opportunity to oversee this and to show a clear pathway for our talented young footballers.”
Everyone at AFC Rushden & Diamonds would like to congratulate Chris on his appointment and we look forward to working with him going forwards.
