Charlton Athletic are pleased to announce that Danny Senda, Jason Pearce and Chris Lock have been given new roles in staffing changes within the club’s academy structure.
Following the departure of Hamza Serrar, who has moved to become Academy Technical Director at Al Jazira, Senda has been promoted to become Senior Professional Development Phase (PDP) Lead Coach, with a key responsibility of overseeing the technical and tactical development of PDP players aged 17-21.
Academy Director Steve Avory said: “Dan has been doing a very good job this season in terms of his leadership and proving his qualities as a leader with our U18s. He will take the overall lead of the Professional Development Phase, in terms of his leadership of the coaches as well as the overall development programme but his main priority will be to lead the U21s. He’s worked with a lot of the players before, so I thought it was a seamless transition and the best way forward.”
Senda said: “I’m incredibly pleased to be honest. Obviously I came to the club a few years ago as U23s assistant coach with Antony Hayes. I’ve progressed during my time here and I’m really proud to have the responsibility at what is a fantastic academy.”
With Senda taking full control of the U17-21 phase, Jason Pearce will become the U18s' Lead Coach. Pearce had been Senda’s assistant with the U18s and also supported Hayes during his time as Caretaker Manager of the men’s first-team in a busy few months since retiring as a player in the summer.
Avory, who has been impressed by Pearce, said: “Jason has worked a bit assisting Anthony Hayes with the men’s first-team. I made it clear to him and the others that I was keen to get him back as long as that’s what the club was agreeable to and Jason wanted to come back to the academy to continue his coaching development and journey.
"I know he’s very much been enjoying assisting with the U18s and although he’s only been in the position six months, I felt he’s shown enough qualities already in how he works day-to-day that he could definitely take over that leadership role.”
Pearce said: “I’m delighted by the opportunity. The most important thing for me is trying to get as many players around the U21s and men’s first-team as I can. I think the U18s are a very talented group, so I’m looking forward to building on what has been a good first half of the season.”
Chris Lock, the club’s U16s coach, will assist Pearce with the U18s on an interim basis.
Avory said: “Chris has been doing a good job the past couple of years with our U16s in their journey towards a scholarship. He’ll continue to work with our U16s in the evenings but he’s also able to give some time to assist Jason at U18 level.”
Speaking of Serrar's departure, Avory said: "Hamza came to us seven years ago and has been a real asset in his time here. He has played an important role in the development of our academy players and we wish him the best for the future in his exciting new role abroad. He will be missed but we're fortunate, in Danny and Jason, to have two talented coaches ready to make the step up."
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club's academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
(Transcription by Dominik Zielinski)
