The club is delighted to announce the appointment of the new Professional Development Phase Lead, Chukwuma Akuneto.
Chuks is an experienced coach, working previously at clubs including FC United of Manchester, where he spent time as both Youth Team Manager and a First team coach.
He also coached the Under-18s team at Stockport County, which was his most recent coaching role before joining Latics.
He has been training with the team for around two months now and is settling in to his new position, getting to know the players and the rest of the academy staff.
After working with the lads throughout his time here so far, he has developed ambitious objectives for the first season in his new role.
“I am really enjoying it. It’s a big opportunity and at the same time it’s a challenge that I relish,” he proclaimed. “Everyone has been extremely helpful, and I am settling in well. I am very hopeful for the season ahead.
“The goal is to win every game. That should be the target every season. You must aim high.”
Chuks understands the huge importance of youth development at the club and believes his experience can help to further the progress of the players.
He stated: “It’s always important for a club to develop their homegrown talents as these are the players that will help to build a legacy.
“These boys will eventually be in the first team so of course it is very important.”
One of Chuks’ colleagues within the academy is the recently reappointed Paul Murray. Chukwuma has really enjoyed working with him so far and the two of them are already working well together.
“He has given me everything I’ve needed to work and he’s always there if I need any help,” he said. “So far it has been great, and I can’t wait to continue working with him in the future.”
Paul has also spoke positively on Chuks, expressing his delight on the appointment of such an experienced coach and commenting on what he can bring to the team this season.
He explained: “It's an important factor that he had a playing career himself because it means he has experience that he can pass on to the team. He's worked with a lot of age groups which is also beneficial."
"He's a great guy, full of charisma and its a learning pathway for him now to help produce some players for the first team."