Kinder to take Blackburn post
Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that Head of Youth Development Eric Kinder will be leaving Brunton Park with immediate effect to take up the U21 and Reserve team coaching position with Blackburn Rovers.
Kinder joined United from the Blackburn Academy in the summer of 2006 and has produced a string of players for the first team squad throughout his tenure.
The current squad has eight professionals in its number – Mark Beck, Mark Gillespie, Brandon Gwinnutt, Jack Lynch, Brad Potts, Alex Salmon, Dave Symington and Josh Todd – who have all come through the youth ranks to earn their first deals.
The team reached the Youth Alliance Cup national final for the first time in its history last season and famously beat Manchester United in an exciting FA Youth Cup fourth round meeting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson in January 2008.
“It’s my hometown club and the team I support, so from that perspective it’s an obvious decision to make,” Kinder said.
“However, it hasn’t been as easy as that. I’ve had a wonderful time here and I’ve met some fantastic people, and it’s not easy to leave it behind at all.
“What I have to say is that it’s a fantastic opportunity for me and it’s one I can’t ignore. Carlisle United is a great club, with really good people behind the scenes, and I know it will go from strength to strength.
“The manager knows what he wants to achieve and he has the determination to make it happen. The first team and youth results will be the first ones I look for every weekend.”
Managing director John Nixon said: "Everyone at the club is sorry to see Eric go but I speak for us all when I say that we wish him well.
"His contribution to youth development at Brunton Park has been invaluable and his work and dedication has laid the foundations for many years to come.
"We wish him every success as he moves on to his new challenge."
We’ll have full reaction from Eric Kinder later this week.
