Liverpool’s Diggle named as the Academy Manager at Leeds United.
Martin Diggle from Liverpool has been selected as Leeds United’s new Academy Manager.
Diggle spent nearly five years at Liverpool, serving as their Head of Coach Development and offering support to coaches throughout their Academy. Prior to joining Liverpool in July 2019, he worked at the Football Association for nine years, where he held the position of Head of Professional Game Coach Development. His responsibilities included delivering professional game qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD), overseeing over 30 technical staff, and collaborating with various organizations such as UEFA, the PFA, Premier League, EFL, and LMA on coach development initiatives. Diggle, who holds UEFA A and Advanced Youth Award coaching qualifications, has also coached at Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
At Leeds, he assumes the role previously held by Adam Underwood, who was promoted to Head of Football Operations in July 2023. Underwood served as Academy Manager from 2009 and played a pivotal role in Leeds achieving Category One Academy status in 2020.
The appointment of Diggle is part of a reorganization following the club’s takeover by 49ers Enterprises. As part of this restructuring, Gretar Steinsson joined from Tottenham as Technical Director.
Leeds Academy staff were recently informed of Diggle’s appointment, and he is expected to commence his duties at the club in the middle of the next month. In the Academy Productivity Rankings for the 2021/22 season, Leeds placed eighth.
