Richard Dryden has been appointed as Senior Professional Development Phase Coach.
Richard has been working with Notts County since the beginning of the season, assisting Mick Halsall and the reserve team before now being appointed in a permanent position.
Speaking to Magpie PlayerHD, Richard explained what the job involves, “The role entails developing younger players, hopefully to progress into the first team. I work with the Under 18’s who step up to play in the reserves and also the pros who aren’t ready for the first team or who need games, so it’s quite a varied job.”
He added, “I’ve had a load of experience from coaching in academies, up to coaching in first teams in other clubs so I bring a lot of experience which hopefully the players can take on board.”
The Notts County FC Reserve team is new to the club this season, competing in the Final Third Development League, where they currently sit top with two victories in two, including a 10-2 thrashing of Hartlepool United. Richard Dryden explained the important role the reserve side plays in bridging the gap between the academy and the first team.
“I think it’s vital, for the past couple of years we’ve had Under 18’s but the jump up to the first team has been massive. We’ve had good Under 18’s who’ve had a good chance but they haven’t been playing enough games. But now we’ve got the development side so if those players can progress up to the age of 19, 20 or even 21 and then make that step. It will be great to get local lads in and get them into the first team.”
To watch the full interview, log onto Magpie PlayerHD.