Huddersfield Town

Eyre’s promotion, from Town’s Academy, completes Manager Mark Robins’ new look First Team coaching set-up following the recent appointments of Assistant Manager Steve Thompson, Head of Goalkeeping Nick Colgan, Head of Sports Science Al Stewart and First Team Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Hughes (click HERE).

The former Rochdale Manager and Manchester City youth coach joined the Club in April 2012 as Senior Professional Development Coach and took the lead role in the development of Town’s young, emerging professionals from Under-19 to Under-21 in the Development Squad.

Under his guidance and expertise, the likes of Duane Holmes, Tommy Smith, Jordan Sinnott, Daniel Carr, Harry Bunn and Phil Billing all excelled at Under-21 level and earned First Team call-ups by Mark Robins during the 2013/14 season. Holmes and Smith made a joint total of 46 appearances in Town’s First Team last term with Smith signing a contract extension in February until the summer of 2016. Midfielder Holmes also had a loan spell at Championship side Yeovil during which he made five appearances.

Following the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and new Professional Development League in 2012, Eyre took charge of the Club’s Under-21 team and in their first season guided them to the end of season Play-Offs following a second place finish, where they were beaten by Charlton Athletic.

During the same season, Eyre was alongside Academy Manager Mark Lillis on a temporary basis for five First-Team matches following the departure of Simon Grayson. In that time, Town recorded victories against Leicester and Crystal Palace, whilst also drawing with eventual Championship league winners Cardiff City.

With Mark Robins installed as Manager, Eyre once again concentrated on Town’s Development Group. They went one better in 2013/14 lifting the U21 Professional Development 2 North title, finishing the season 10 points clear of nearest rivals Crewe Alexandra.

Eyre’s work as Senior Professional Development Coach has already seen him work with Mark Robins throughout the week at PPG Canalside and in the dugout regularly on a match day, and Mark was delighted that Steve had accepted the role:

“Steve’s work as Senior Professional Development Coach over the last two seasons has been excellent,” said Mark.

“He guided the Under-21s to the title and bringing in a resilient and winning mentality he helped develop a number of the Club’s young professionals. As their dedicated coach he has played a key part in leading five of the players that he worked with last season to their First-Team debuts.

“Steve assisted in the weekday First Team coaching on occasion last season and was able to play a role on the match day when he could around the Development Team’s schedule. He is already very known and respected within the playing group and existing staff and we all know the qualities that he will bring to the First Team set-up.

“I am delighted that he has chosen to accept the First Team Coach’s role; I am looking forward to all the staff and players getting back into action.”