By Darragh Feeley
Kieron Lovelady has become England’s youngest first-team coach inside Europe’s top 10 domestic leagues following his appointment at Turkish Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor. Lovelady will be working alongside experienced Turkish manager Mustafa Alper Avci.
At just 27, Lovelady joins the club from Manchester City, where he spent three seasons working within the academy set-up.
Before working in the academy at Manchester City Kieron previously worked at Preston North End and Rochdale FC.
Lovelady’s journey into coaching began at just 18 years old when he took charge of Southport FC Under 18s, leading them to the North West Youth Alliance League title and a successful FA Youth Cup campaign.
During Kieron’s spell at Southport FC one of his players, Kyle Jameson, gained a professional contract at Chelsea FC and now plays in the Football League for Newport County.
By the age of 20, he had secured another league title, this time with Warrington Town U21s.
He further honed his expertise at the prestigious Robbie Fowler Academy in Liverpool, where he worked as U19 head coach and analyst before making the transition into professional academies.
Now, not long after completing his Masters Degree in Elite Coaching Practice, he takes on his first senior first-team role at Adana Demirspor.
Lovelady’s appointment is a testament to his talent, dedication, and rapid development in the coaching world. His journey from grassroots football to the elite European stage marks him as one of England’s most promising young coaches.
Speaking on his new role, Kieron Lovelady said:
“It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of Adana Demirspor’s first-team set-up.
“I’m excited to contribute to the club’s ambitions and continue my development as a coach at the highest level. I’m grateful for the experiences that have brought me to this point and look forward to embracing this new challenge.”
Lovelady’s first game as part of the Adana coaching staff will be at home to Kasimpassa followed by a trip to play European giants Galatasaray.
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