Notts County’s head of Academy coaching Andy McMillan has described the Notts County Academy as the best he has been part of, after deciding to take up a new role with York City.
McMillan has been appointed York’s Academy manager and has returned to a club where he is listed as number two in the all-time appearance list, having made 492 appearances over 11 years as a player.
The former right-back, who arrived at Meadow Lane last summer, previously worked in the Bootham Crescent Academy coaching the Under-16s but after spells with Hull City, Lincoln City, Barnet and Notts, he has returned in the top job.
After saying his goodbyes, McMillan told the official site: “It’s been a great season with Notts and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and had it been any other club in this division I wouldn’t have taken the job.
“But, because it’s like going home, it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.
“I live in York so it’s going to be an awful lot easier for me in terms travelling and what I need to try and achieve.”
He continued: “If I can achieve anything that Mick Leonard’s achieved here then I’ll be on my way to doing a decent job.
“I’ve had five clubs now all working with the Academy, Under-21s and first teams and this, by far, is the best Academy.
“It’s run the right way, it’s strict but it’s the way that it’s got to be for the young players.
“Once they step into this environment full time they know what’s expected and if I can get this running at York City as Mick has here I’ll be well happy.
“He’s got some incredible staff who work tremendously hard and I know for a fact that Mick hasn’t had one day off since the day I walked into this building.
“He puts a tremendous amount of hours in and knows every kid’s name and it’s incredible to see.
“I’m looking forward to my new challenge!”
McMillan also paid tribute to the Notts fans who have backed the youth team at Highfields and on the road during his time at the club.
He said: “In terms of the fans that used to come and watch the games - a massive thank you to them and a massive thanks to the guys in the media department who cared about the youth department and the Academy.”
Everyone at Meadow Lane would like to wish Andy all the best in his new role at York.