​Manchester City have announced four changes to their Academy coaching structure following Ben Wilkinson’s departure to Derby County to join Jon Eustace’s first-team setup. The move comes as part of a broader restructuring of the club’s development model, which has long been a central pillar of City’s operations and has produced players such as Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer while also funding senior signings, including the record £116 million purchase of Elliot Anderson.
To preserve the club’s possession-based philosophy and avoid importing external tactical blueprints, Academy Director Thomas Krucken has opted for an internal elevation, highlighting the success of those already embedded within City’s system. Oliver Reiss has been appointed Head Coach of the Elite Development Squad (EDS), succeeding Wilkinson after his eight-year stint and transition to Derby County’s first team. Reiss, who joined City in July 2024 and previously served two seasons as Lead Coach of the Under-18s, follows Wilkinson’s own move from the Under-18s to the EDS in 2024.
In addition, Lauris Coggin, formerly the Assistant EDS coach, becomes the new Head Coach of the Under-18s. Jan-Moritz Lichte, who led the U16-EDS, has departed the club and has been replaced by Jose Castro. Krucken spoke warmly of Wilkinson’s service, saying, “Ben gave eight years of outstanding service to the Academy in various roles, and his work with our young players has been exemplary.” He added, “We’re excited about the new structure, and with Oliver and Lauris we have two of the most knowledgeable and intelligent coaches in youth football. Their appointments demonstrate the progression pathway for coaches within Manchester City and the Academy, from Enzo Maresca’s era onward.”