MARTIN Drury has this afternoon been appointed lead development coach at City.

The former Park Avenue boss is highly thought of at Valley Parade after joining the club in 2016 and most recently worked alongside Michael Collins to coach the under-18s.

After being forced to retire from playing at 28 because of a serious knee injury, Drury passed his coaching qualifications and earned his UEFA “A” licence last year.

Drury said: “In simple terms, it is my responsibility, along with the coaching staff, to ensure the transition from the under-18s to the first team is as seamless as possible. We want to make sure players are given the opportunity to progress as soon as they’re ready.”

Chairman Edin Rahic believe Drury’s appointment is a step in the right direction for the club as they champion the opportunities for younger players.

He said: “Martin is a top young coach, who we believe can have a positive impact on the pathway for young players at the club.

“We want Bradford City to be a club which attracts talented young players and give them the best possible chance of making it in the professional game.

“Having Martin in this position means we will be able to monitor the progress of all our young players from the under-nine age group right up to the young professionals.

“It’s important for someone close to our head coach to have knowledge of all the players in the system.

“The first-team head coach will, of course, be primarily focussed on developing his squad. But Martin will be able to provide information on all the up and coming players, in every position, at every age group.”

Rahic and co-owner Stefan Rupp see youth development as a key part of their long-term strategy at Valley Parade and creating a route through the age-group ranks up to the senior side.

Drury added: “It’s a great signal of intent from the club to the community that we want to get a good mix of the best young players, but also local lads through the door and into the first-team.

“We want to find a different way of working, whereby everyone at the club works together to create a real pathway for talent.

“This is from the part-time academy coaches right through to the first-team.

“We’re already attracting players who have had real interest from other clubs but have chosen to sign for Bradford City. This can only be a positive step for the club in the long-term.”

Sam Collins had previously held the development coach role but had been increasingly involved with first-team coaching duties in recent months.

His position and that of goalkeeping coach Steve Banks and fitness coach Chris Short will be clarified once a new head coach is appointed.