Academy restructure confirmed

Manchester City have confirmed four changes to their Academy coaching set-up following Ben Wilkinson's departure to Derby County.

Wilkinson ended an eight-year stint at the club to join Jon Eustace's backroom staff at the Championship side, leaving a vacancy at the top of City's youth development structure. The Academy is viewed internally as a vital part of the organisation, having recently produced first-team talents such as Nico O'Reilly, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while also generating funds for senior signings — including the record £116 million purchase of Elliot Anderson.

Rather than look outside, Academy Director Thomas Krucken has promoted from within, preserving the possession-based style that has defined City's youth teams.

Reiss steps up to EDS role

Oliver Reiss has been appointed Head Coach of the Elite Development Squad (EDS), replacing Wilkinson. Reiss joined City in July 2024 and spent two seasons as Lead Coach of the Under-18s — the same path Wilkinson took when he moved from the U18s to the EDS in summer 2024.

Former Assistant EDS coach Lauris Coggin becomes Head Coach of the Under-18s. Meanwhile, U16-EDS Head of Coaching Jan-Moritz Lichte has left the club, with Jose Castro coming in as his replacement.

Pathway for coaches

Krucken said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Ben for his fantastic service to the Academy during his eight years at the Club in different roles and for all his exemplary work with our young players."

He added: "We're excited about the new structure and in Oliver and Lauris we have two of the most knowledgeable and intelligent coaches in youth football. Their appointments show the pathway for coaches embedded at Manchester City and the Academy, from Enzo Maresca, right through the Club."

Krucken continued: "It is part of the culture we want to have here, whether it's players or coaches, there is a real opportunity for progression. There's a huge amount of playing talent in our Academy and it's vitally important that we get the right people in place for our culture and to help their development."

Reiss joined City after a decade managing youth sides at Hertha Berlin. In his first season, he led the Under-18s to the Under-18 Premier League North title via a 21-game winning streak. The 2025/26 campaign brought the FA Youth Cup — won against local rivals Manchester United — and another regional league crown.

The internal promotions of Reiss and Coggin highlight the coaching pathway within the City Football Academy network, mirroring the route taken by Enzo Maresca, who managed the EDS before moving into senior roles.