Paul Nevin will help coach England's team during next month's matches against the U.S. and Croatia.GETTY IMAGES
The FA "recruited a group of black and ethnic minority coaches" to work with the senior England squad and the U21s, "fulfilling a commitment to increase the diversity" of the coaching setup, according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion first-team coach Paul Nevin will help coach Gareth Southgate’s squad for next month’s internationals against the U.S. and Croatia. Former League Championship side Ipswich Town assistant manager Terry Connor "has been lined up" to work with Aidy Boothroyd’s U21 squad for this month’s European Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Scotland. Former England defender Sol Campbell "will join up" with the U21s for next month’s games, while Chelsea’s loan technical coach, Eddie Newton, "is also set to join the group" along with West Bromwich Albion Manager Darren Moore. Southgate will not have an additional coach with him for this month’s UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and Spain. The move is part of the FA’s three-year diversity and inclusivity plan, "In Pursuit of Progress," which launched this year when it committed to assign a BAME coach to all 28 England teams (LONDON TIMES, 10/3). REUTERS' Christian Radnedge reported the creation of "In Pursuit of Progress" followed "fierce criticism of the FA’s lack of diversity," particularly from former non-exec director and board member Heather Rabbatts, who "stood down last year citing a lack of progress on the issue." Outgoing FA Technical Dir Dan Ashworth said, "While we recognize English football has a long way to go in boosting diversity across our coaching community, this is a step in the right direction. There are a lot of talented coaches who just need the opportunity." Nevin said that he was "absolutely delighted" to get the call to work with Southgate's England squad (REUTERS, 10/3).
