Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Crainey as Professional Development Phase Assistant Lead Coach.
Crainey – who enjoyed an illustrious playing career which included been capped by Scotland 12 times at senior level – has been promoted from within the club’s academy.
The 36 year-old represented Town during the 2014-15 season, and is well known for his spells at Celtic, Leeds United and Blackpool and has worked with the younger ages in the club’s academy previously.
Crainey’s main responsibility will be to assist under 18’s head coach Nathan Rooney as well as reporting to the academy manager Ciaran Donnelly.
Donnelly added: “I’m delighted with the appointment.
“I’m sure that Stephen will add to the academy and give us a better chance of moving forward quickly. He is at the start of his coaching pathway, but his presence on the training pitch and his knowledge of the game is top draw.
“It is a great thing for Fleetwood Town to have someone like Stephen as part of our academy staff.”
Crainey said on his new role: “I’m absolutely delighted. When I got the call from Ciaran I jumped at the opportunity. Hopefully my past experiences playing at the highest level will help the youngsters at the club.
“It’s a good time now for me and Nathan Rooney to work with the players and get our ideas across. It’s important we work with the first team head coach and the under 23’s head coach so that when players move up it’s just like clockwork and they know what to expect.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and working with such a good group of lads.”