Former Cobblers manager Colin Calderwood has agreed to become the first head coach of the new Northampton Town International Football Academy.
Calderwood took the reins at Sixfields for three campaigns between 2003 and 2006, reaching the fourth-tier play-offs in successive seasons, before securing the runners-up spot in his final year in charge.
Having made more than 600 appearances for Mansfield Town, Swindon Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest during a career that also earned him 36 Scotland caps, Calderwood was appointed as Spurs’ reserve team manager after retiring from playing. He accepted his first managerial role with Northampton Town, almost 17 years ago to the day.
After achieving promotion with the Cobblers, he left for Nottingham Forest in May 2006 and has gone on to also manage Hibernian and Cambridge United, as well as hold coaching roles with Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Norwich City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
Calderwood said: “This is something different to what I’ve been used to, but it represents a worthwhile challenge for me.
“It has the freshness of a completely new project, with a different way to teach, learn and improve.
“I won’t be working with a focus on a game every Saturday but designing a structure and a syllabus to a greater extent than ever before, which is an attractive proposition. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Graham Starmer, NTFC IFA managing director, said: “The target of opening in January is fast approaching and we are very privileged that Colin will be joining us in this role and sharing his insight into the professional game.
“His knowledge and passion will enhance the quality of what we are offering considerably, and it is with great pleasure that we welcome him.
“Our students will be extremely fortunate to benefit from the experiences of someone who has more than 1,400 games as a player, coach and manager at all the professional levels of the game in England.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming our first group in 2021 and working together to grow this programme in the years ahead.”
Northampton Town International Football Academy will open in January 2021 and players are invited to register their interest now.
