Newcastle United have announced a shake-up of their academy coaching staff.
Neil Redfearn will take up the role of Under-23s head coach at the club's Little Benton Academy. Redfearn will replace Ben Dawson in coaching the young Magpies, who reached the Premier League 2 division two play-off final and Premier League Cup final last term.
Redfearn brings a wealth of experience, having helped to develop a number of first team players during his time with Leeds United's Academy and making more than 700 Football League appearances during his playing career. He has also managed both Leeds and Rotherham United in the Championship.
Dawson will become the Academy's head of coaching, predominantly looking after the professional development phase from under-17 to under-23 level. Mark Atkinson also joins the club as assistant head of coaching, moving from his head of coaching role at Sunderland, and will be working with the coaching staff and players up to under-16 level.
Newcastle United academy manager Joe Joyce told nufc.co.uk: "Ben moving into the position of head of coaching is something where he can really focus on the coaching programme, coaching methodology and coach development, implementing his ideas on how the player development programme will evolve in the coming seasons.
"To assist him doing that, we have brought in Mark who has a very good reputation and will bring a different perspective. He will support Ben to enhance what we are doing at our schoolboy level."
Former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has been named as the new loan coordinator.
Joyce said: "We are pleased to welcome Shola, who needs no introduction. To have him looking after the players who are a step away from first team football is a great addition to the player development programme.
"He will be able to pass on his experience both as a coach and a player, and can educate the lads in what it takes to make the transition into first team football."
Ian Bogie - a former Newcastle midfielder who has enjoyed a long and successful career as a player and as a coach - has been promoted from his part-time position as Under-14 coach to the full-time role of Under-16 lead coach.
