Academy recruitment team "enhanced"
Rovers are investing in the future of the club’s youth development pathway with the expansion of the Academy and Emerging Talent Recruitment Department.
The strategic growth includes the creation of three new positions – Assistant Head of Academy Recruitment, Recruitment Analyst and an Emerging Talent Scout responsible for France and Africa.
Long-serving Rovers staff Michael Cribley (Head of Academy Recruitment) and Chris Brankin (Academy Recruitment Operations and Pre Academy Manager) have now been joined in the department by Finn O'Leary (Assistant Head of Recruitment), Sean Cookson (Academy Recruitment Analyst) and Raphael Sherrer (Scout Emerging Talent France and Africa).
These key additions will significantly enhance Rovers’ ability to identify and attract promising young players both locally and internationally.
Rovers’ Head of Academy, Paul Gray, said: “Strengthening our Recruitment Department is a vital investment in the future of our Academy.
“While our priority will always be to identify and support the very best local talent from the North West, expanding the team allows us to widen the net in a smart, targeted way, across the UK and abroad.
“The additions of an Assistant Head of Academy Recruitment, a dedicated Recruitment Analyst and an Emerging Talent Scout covering France and Africa give us greater reach, sharper insight and a more proactive approach to finding players who fit Blackburn Rovers and our values.
“By building greater capacity and expertise, we’re ensuring we stay ahead of the game and continue to bring in young people with the potential to thrive here.”
It was a proud moment for the Academy on Friday night, as Rovers Under-18s produced an outstanding performance to defeat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup, and there will be another notable milestone to celebrate when Rovers face Middlesbrough on Boxing Day, as it will mark 750 consecutive league games with an Academy graduate named in the matchday squad.