Legendary former Manchester City captain returns to Club in new coaching role

Redaction Willow Austin with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-03-09 12:00:00

Manchester City has announced the return of their former captain Richard Dunne, who has taken on a new role within the club’s Academy system. The former Republic of Ireland international and current TNT Sports pundit joins a list of Manchester City icons who have been recognized for their long-term dedication to the club with a role in its current operations.

Another Manchester City legend, Shaun Goater, has also become a permanent member of the club’s women’s team, working closely with manager Gareth Taylor on the attacking strategies of the Women’s Super League side.

There are reports that former club captain Fernandinho has been offered a coaching role within the club as well, indicating a trend of inviting former players to work alongside Manchester City’s staff.

In the latest development, according to Jack Gaughan of MailSport, Richard Dunne has started a new role as a youth development coach in Manchester City’s academy. The 44-year-old has begun working with the club’s Under-16s squad on a temporary basis.

During his tenure at Manchester City, spanning 10 seasons before the ownership change under Abu Dhabi United Group and City Football Group, Richard Dunne made over 350 appearances and scored eight goals. He was a key figure in the team’s English Division One success in the 2001/02 season, alongside notable players like Ali Benarbia, Sun Jihai, and Stuart Pearce.

The club may continue to support the coaching aspirations of other former first-team players in the future. Players like Ilkay Gundogan are eyeing coaching roles while still actively playing. Manchester City’s commitment to nurturing talent within its ranks, both on and off the field, is evident in its efforts to bring back former players into coaching roles.

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