PAUL STEPHENSON will manage Town’s reserves.

The second string return to totesport.com League East Division action against York, another of his old clubs, at Emley on Wednesday (2.00, weather permitting).

Geordie Stephenson, who also played for Millwall, Gillingham, Brentford and Hartlepool, where he had a spell as youth coach and caretaker manager, will work to continue the development of players emerging from the academy and attempt to fast-track them to the first team.

Stephenson, who was first-team coach at Norwich, has already started work.

Clark, who after the postponement of the League I clash at Bristol Rovers is already preparing for Saturday’s big home derby against Leeds, said: “I have always thought that having a development coach would be a good idea as sometimes the young players get neglected.

“It is important that we give them a lot of time on the training pitch, working with them in both the mornings and afternoons.

“There will be specific sessions laid on for the young professionals and on certain days they will be working on their own on technique and tactics.

“We need to ensure that they keep improving both as individuals and as part of a team.

“I know Paul has the same sort of beliefs as myself as to how football should be played. He has performed this role before at Hartlepool and he is a very enthusiastic coach who always has a smile on his face, which is vital.

“It is hard enough as it is as a young player, but he will always stay positive with them and will take the pressure away.”