Staff Profiles
KEVIN THELWELL - ACADEMY MANAGER
Kevin replaced the long-serving Chris Evans as Academy boss in April 2008. Previously he had worked at Derby County where - at just 32 years of age - he became the youngest Academy Manager in the country. He briefly took the reins of the Rams' first team when they parted company with Billy Davies.
Before moving to Pride Park in 2006 Kevin was director of youth development at Preston. He also spent four years with the Welsh FA as course director for the coveted UEFA A and PRO licences for managers.
JOHN PERKINS - ASSISTANT ACADEMY MANAGER U'16-U'18 / YOUTH TEAM COACH
A former member of the coaching staff at Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough, John joined Wolves in 2000 and has been very successful in coaching and developing the Academy's apprentices. Holder of the UEFA A coaching award.
GARETH PROSSER -
A former scholar at local rivals West Bromwich Albion, Gareth joins us from
Former professional footballer with Stoke City, Port Vale and Rochdale, Tony spent a further 18 years coaching at every level for Stoke City, including a period as team manager. Has been at Wolves over ten years and has an excellent track record of identifying and recruiting talent.
BOB BENNETT - ASSISTANT RECRUITMENT OFFICER
A member of the scouting staff since 1998, Bob turned full-time at the club in 2002. Concentrates on the local recruitment programme and registration compliance and is well regarded for his diligence.
NICK LOFTUS - EDUCATION AND WELFARE OFFICER
Formerly a well respected teacher throughout the locality, and football Secretary for Wolverhampton schools. Oversees the Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, ensuring the players achieve high standards of academic, personal and social development. Joined the Academy in 2004.
ROB SHARP - HEAD OF ACADEMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Rob joined the Academy in 2002 after graduating as a Chartered Physiotherapist at Keele University. He gained experience in the NHS before becoming the overseer of the Academy's medical provision. A certified strength and conditioning specialist, he is presently studying for an MSc in Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy at Birmingham University.
PHIL
Phil joined the club in July, 2008, as assistant Academy physiotherapist with responsibility for the medical provision of those in the under-9 to under-16 age groups. Phil qualified as a physiotherapist from Manchester School of Physiotherapy in 2005. He gained experience in the NHS, specialising in musculoskeletal out-patients, before joining Wolves for his first post in football. Prior to joining us Phil has worked in a part time capacity at Bolton Wanderers and spent two years as head physiotherapist at Oldham Rugby League Football Club in National Leagues One and Two. Phil is currently undertaking his MSc degree in Manual Therapy on a part time basis which he hopes to complete by the summer of 2011.
DOCTOR JOHN IGA - ACADEMY SPORTS SCIENTISTJohn has a degree in Coaching Science and a PhD in Exercise Physiology, both from Liverpool John Moores University.He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and he is a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).Dr. Iga has extensive experience of working within professional football and has previously worked for several Championship and Premiership clubs.John joins the club after working as a University Lecturer.He is an expert in football specific fitness and arrives with a specific remit of ensuring the optimal physical preparation of all the clubs playing personnel.
JEREMY BRADLEY - ACADEMY DOCTORHighly respected General Practitioner who is a senior partner at the Albrighton Medical Practice. Recently graduated with the Diploma in Sports Medicine from Bath University, he has had full governance over the medical provision of the Academy for the past four years.
JENNIFER RICE - ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR / PA TO THE ACADEMY MANAGER
New recruit to the Academy, Jenny was formerly a Naval Writer and PA to a Naval Commander. Responsible for all Academy administrative procedures, clerical support initiatives as well as fully supporting the Academy Manager on a daily basis.
RON PICKEN - ACADEMY MATCH AND TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR
Highly valued member of staff, he ensures the highest standards of operational management in matchplay and all training sessions. Very well organised and motivated, he has been at the Academy over ten years and also provides a link to parents and guardians.
Click here for an introduction to the Academy.
Click here to see the latest Academy player profiles.
Click here for under 18s match fixtures, results and reports.
Click here to meet the Academy graduates.
Click here to see our gallery of Academy players.
