SIMON GRAYSON has launched the search for a new Huddersfield Town goalkeeping coach after the “disappointing” departure of John Vaughan to Birmingham City.

The 48-year-old has linked up with former Town boss Lee Clark at St Andrews after six years in the Town job, during which time he played a key role in the development of highly-rated Alex Smithies.

Current boss Grayson – one of five Town bosses Vaughan worked alongside – said: “I would like to thank John for his hard work during my time as manager.

“We’re disappointed he’s leaving because he’s been fantastic to work with and has been a key part of a very competitive and strong goalkeeping department at the club. We all wish him the best of luck at Birmingham.

“This happens in football and the search now begins to find a new goalkeeping coach ahead of the Championship season.

“That role is such a specialist job and we’ll make sure we find the right person to keep developing the goalkeepers throughout pre-season and into the new campaign.”

Popular Londoner Vaughan, 48, played for West Ham, Fulham, Cambridge – where he helped the club win promotions from the old Fourth and Third Divisions under John Beck – Charlton, Preston and Lincoln.

He moved into coaching with York and had spells at Macclesfield and Grimsby before joining Town’s academy set-up.

He was handed first-team duties during the 2006 close-season, when Peter Jackson was manager, and later worked under Andy Ritchie and Stan Ternent as well as Clark and Grayson.