It remains to be seen whether Tottenham hang onto all of their key players throughout the summer transfer window this season, but it has already been confirmed that they will lose an important member of staff.
The FA announced today that Tottenham’s current head of academy, John McDermott, is to leave the North London club to join them in June.
The Football Association have named McDermott as their new assistant technical director at St George’s Park from this summer onwards.
McDermott spent 15 years at Tottenham in charge of the academy and youth player development, during which time he oversaw the rise of a number of key players.
Harry Kane, Harry Winks, Nabil Bentaleb, Andros Townsend, Ryan Mason, Jake Livermore, and more went on to bridge the gap between the academy and the first-team.
McDermott claimed that it was a difficult decision for him to leave Tottenham, while Daniel Levy paid testament to the man.
McDermott said (Tottenham): “After 15 years and so many incredible experiences at Tottenham Hotspur, I’ve reached the difficult decision to take on a slightly different role and challenge at this period in my career.
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“I am extremely grateful to the Board who have entrusted and supported me and our Academy staff throughout my tenure.
“Leaving colleagues and players is, without doubt, the toughest decision I’ve had to make; the camaraderie across the Club, from the Academy to the First Team, makes working here such a special place.
“I may be biased, but I doubt that any other club in the country has a sense of purpose and work ethic that the Academy staff, past and present, has shown to our players. It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the best player developers in the country.
“Our staff have relentlessly modelled and dedicated themselves to igniting and nurturing a passion for football in our young players – and to instil the highest standards of behaviours, competitiveness and style both on and off the pitch. I know through experience of meeting these players when they’re older and they return to visit us or even work as staff – those who embraced these standards recognise their importance for their career and life beyond football.
“I am so incredibly proud of all the young men whose alma mater is Tottenham Hotspur Academy.
“I leave with wonderful memories, and no doubt Jose and the coaching staff will lead the First Team in bringing the Club even more success – assisted in the future, I’m sure, by many of our current Academy players.”
Daniel Levy added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with John over such a long period of time. His contribution went beyond our Academy, he has been an integral part of everything we have sought to deliver on the football side and we will all miss his enthusiasm, insight and wisdom that he brought to his role.
“His time at the Club will not just be remembered for the calibre of player he has helped to develop for our First Team, of which there were many, but also each and every young player he supported who harboured dreams of having a professional career in the game, no matter what level they were ultimately able to reach. The influence he has had on so many of our players should not be underestimated, particularly with the level of pastoral care he has always prided himself on providing.
“On behalf of everyone, I would like to express my gratitude to John for the many years of dedication and loyal service he has given to our Club. We wish him the very best in his new role at the FA.
“It is now vital that we take the necessary time and attention needed to identify the right expertise to move our Academy forward, reflecting just how important a role like this is to our Club. This process has already commenced and we shall provide an update in due course.”
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