Manchester City unveil three new managerial appointments as 352-appearance defender returns to club

Manchester City have announced the return of former players Richard Dunne and Kolo Toure as part of major managerial changes at the City Football Academy.

The Sky Blues have confirmed a series of new management appointments at the City Football Academy ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with significant changes to the leadership of Manchester City’s academy teams for the upcoming season.

Manchester City’s first-team clinched a fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, alongside winning both the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during another historic campaign, meanwhile the Blues’ Under-18s also enjoyed silverware success.

The Manchester City Under-18s won the prestigious FA Youth Cup at the Etihad Stadium, beating Leeds United 4-0, courtesy of second-half goals from Justin Oboavwoduo, Jaden Heskey, Stephen Mfuni and Matty Warhurst.

The Under-18 side also reached the Premier League Cup Final during the recent campaign, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village, with Manchester City having won the U18s Premier League Cup twice in the past six years.

The Under-18s will be under new management for the 2024/25 season, with Manchester City having announced the appointment of Oliver Reiss as manager, after Ben Wilkinson replaced Brian Barry-Murphy as EDS head coach.

The 41-year-old will depart Hertha BSC after 17 years to take charge of the Blues’ academy outfit from next season, with Reiss to be accompanied by former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne as his assistant.

Dunne made 352 appearances for Manchester City between 2000 and 2009, making 345 starts and scoring eight goals during 10 seasons with the Sky Blues, playing at both Maine Road and the Etihad Stadium.

The Irishman returns to the Manchester City set-up alongside fellow defender Kolo Toure, who has been named as assistant coach with the Under-16s – returning to management for the first time since a disastrous spell at Wigan.

Discussing Manchester City’s new academy coaching structure, director Thomas Kruecken said: “I am very pleased and excited to be able to confirm our coaching structure for the new season.

“This is part of our evolution and progression looking to the future and also illustrates that we are keen to promote from within and encourage a clear career progression and pathway. We have enjoyed great success in recent seasons, but we want to continue to look to develop and improve.

“Continuing Manchester City Academy’s development is vital, and these appointments leave us ideally equipped to meet the challenges of next season and beyond.”