Tue 30 Jun - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County are pleased to announce two new appointments within the club’s coaching structure.
Ben Wilkinson has joined as First Team Coach, while Keith Downing will pivot into a new role as Lead Individual Development Coach.
Wilkinson – a highly sought-after coach who was once a scholar with the Rams during his playing career – arrives from Manchester City, where he operated as Elite Development Squad Lead Coach.
The 39-year-old boasts an impressive CV from his time at the Etihad. Under his stewardship as Under-18 Lead Coach, City became the first U18 team to win three consecutive Premier League titles, while he also secured silverware in the Under-17 Premier League Cup and the FA Youth Cup.
He then progressed to Under-21 level football, becoming the Lead Coach of City's Elite Development Squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
During his eight seasons in Manchester – a spell which followed seven years on the coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday – Wilkinson helped nurture talents such as Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford.
Meanwhile, Downing will assume a new position at the club with his appointment as Lead Individual Development Coach, assisted by Keith Briggs and Sean Rush.
Downing is set to take charge of a new department, established as the next step in enhancing the club’s delivery of individual development plans for both First Team and Academy players.
The strategy, built in alignment with John Eustace, aims to best enable players to maximise their individual potential by supporting their growth across every aspect of professional football.
Downing’s knowledge of Derby County, alongside his expert experience across both the EFL and within England’s youth set-ups, makes him the perfect choice to head the development of players and coaching staff alike.
Both will start their respective roles from Thursday (July 2), as the Rams begin their pre-season preparations.
