Man City appoint Simon Davies to replace Patrick Vieira
Sunday 6 December 2015 22:18, UK
Former assistant Simon Davies is to succeed Patrick Vieira as head of Manchester City's elite development squad.
The 41-year-old had been Vieira's right-hand man but will be promoted when the Frenchman moves to MLS to take over as New York City's head coach in January.
Davies started his playing career at Manchester United before spells with Luton Town and Macclesfield Town. He was appointed as Vieira's assistant in 2013.
"It was an honour to work with Patrick and it's a privilege to take on the task of continuing the fantastic work he's undertaken with a talented and dedicated group of players," Davies told mcfc.co.uk.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick for his mentorship and guidance over the past two and a half years and to thank Txiki Begiristain and everyone at the club for this fantastic opportunity.
"I've learned a great deal as Patrick's assistant and I'm delighted to be taking this next step in my coaching career to play a part in helping to shape the footballing future of this great club.
"Our first goal is to produce players for our first-team and we have had a great start to the season in this respect with many of the EDS squad training and playing competitive football with the seniors on a regular basis.
"I look forward to this continuing over the coming weeks, months and years."
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: "This role is of the highest long-term importance to the club - the ability to knit together the Academy and the first-team to work together using the same footballing concepts is key to our success and sustainability.
"We're delighted to appoint Simon into this role and we are certain he will continue to transmit his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in to our bright young talents at City Football Academy."
Simon Davies will join Good Morning Sports Fans, which comes live from Manchester City's training ground, The City Football Academy, on Monday morning. It is one year since they opened the £250m facility and Sky Sports News HQ has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Tune in from 6am on Monday.
