PAUL STEPHENSON is Town’s new development coach.

As revealed in the Examiner last week, the 41-year-old, who played alongside Galpharm manager Lee Clark at Newcastle and worked with him on the staff at Norwich, will provide a link between the academy and first team.

Stephenson will work closely with new academy chief Graham Mitchell, who has taken over from the now retired Gerry Murphy.

Extra backing from the chairman-elect, Dean Hoyle, has led to the appointment of Stephenson, who said: “When the role was described to me by Lee, who said I’d be working technically and tactically with young players, I was very excited.

“I know Town are a good, very well supported club who are in a good position to move forward. It is such an attractive job I jumped at the chance.

“At most clubs, first-year pros train with the older ones before finishing at lunchtime.

“As Gerry Murphy rightly identified, we need to fill that void, so they continue to develop their technique.

“We are planning to arrange specific games, such as today’s against Liverpool, to have a look at the players in action.

“I have talked to Gerry and Graham Mitchell about what is required and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”