Nottingham Forest Confirm new Under-18s Head Coach

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of a new head coach to lead the Reds' under-18s side.

On Friday, Forest confirmed that Adam Barradell has joined the club as the under-18s' head coach and professional development phase manager.

Barradell has joined Forest from Leicester City, with whom he spent a decade in a variety of roles, including as the Foxes' under-18s head coach.

Alongside his work with Leicester, and now Forest, Barradell is also an assistant coach for Northern Ireland under-19s, on the international stage.

Speaking after news of his appointment was confirmed, Barradell revealed his excitement to join the Forest project.

“I’m delighted to be joining Nottingham Forest," he said. "To work closely with the B Team and bring the Professional Development Phase together is an exciting project, and one I can’t wait to get started on.

“Individual development is key to player progression, and it’s just as important that we develop the players as people off the pitch as well as on it.

“There’s a real ambition here to give young players a clear pathway and opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and playing my part in helping to develop future Forest players.”

Forest's head of academy, Chris McGuane, also offered his thoughts, offering high praise for Barradell.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to Nottingham Forest as our new PDP Manager and Under-18s Head Coach. He brings a wealth of experience in youth development, having spent many years working at a Category One academy as well as at international level.

“Adam’s knowledge and experience of developing the person as well as the player really stood out to us. His understanding of the Professional Development Phase will be vital as we strengthen the links between our Under-18s and the B Team, as well as our younger Youth Development Phase age groups.

“Everyone at the Academy is looking forward to working with Adam as we continue to create a pathway for our young players into the Men’s First Team.”

After a strong start to the season, Forest under-18s have struggled of late, and are winless in their last four matches, including a 6-0 Premier League Cup thrashing away to Aston Villa.

Barradell's appointment is just the latest change to the Reds' academy, after Dylan Malicheff joined as the B Team's head coach during the summer, following the departure of his predecessor, the vastly experienced Warren Joyce.

Forest under-18s next play on Saturday (24/10), when they will travel to face Everton.