We are delighted to announce that experienced coach Jonathan Hill has joined Matt Taylor's backroom staff as First team coach and Lead Professional Development Phase (PDP) Coach following Dan Green's departure.
Hill has over 35 years of experience in the game and arrives with an impressive CV, having been Academy Head Coach at both Manchester United and Manchester City between 2000 and 2012, overseeing the development of players such as Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard in his career.
Hill has also had coaching roles with the Jordan Football Association, Tromso IL and Tromsdalen UIL in Norway, as well as being the assistant coach to Rene Meulensteen in Fulham's 2013/14 Premier League campaign. He also undertook the role of Director of Football at Sheffield Wednesday between 2015 and 2016.
Having had his playing career cut short after spells with Crewe Alexandra and Rochdale, Hill went on to study Sports Science and Teaching degrees and enjoyed a successful teaching career alongside his coaching role at Manchester United, crediting seeing players he has coached go onto elite levels as the most rewarding aspect of his career. Other players he has helped develop include: Dimitar Berbatov, Scott Parker, Josh King, Leighton Baines, Moussa Dembele and Oliver Norwood.
"Matt was recommended to me by an ex-colleague of mine who was close to him and Matt kindly invited me down. I visited for a few days and was very impressed and that's where this journey began," Jon said.
"I've been very proud to contribute to the development of some world class players - I say contribute because I can't take all the credit for it. I view it a bit like Masterchef - I put my ingredients in at the right time and that's what I'll be doing here.
"I'll be working with the first team and with the academy, which is very good, and continuing the work of Dan Green so I'll be putting my flavours into it but keeping the core identity of the club.
"There's a lot of good work going on with Dan, Kevin Nicholson, Arran Pugh, Nicky Ajose...trying to get the young boys ready to take their place within the training group and then the first team."
Matt Taylor has spoken highly of his new colleague and is looking forward to what Hill will bring to the role within the training ground setup.
"I'm really pleased that Jon is joining us. Dan will be a big miss but I feel we have found a candidate to fill that hole, with his experience spanning many years and many different clubs.
"He has an educational background and has worked all over the world. It's great to have someone of his calibre in the building, and he has already been a part of the coaching staff for a few games.
"Jon has seen us play several times and is already in the building so the transition after Dan’s departure will be fluid."