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Birmingham City getting help for the future as they make big adjustment to the academy

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It’s a role that might not seem that important right now, but could prove very important to the future of the club.

The club announced on Monday that former Lead Youth Development Phase Coach Mike Dodds has taken up a new role within the club, as he will now take on the role of Head of the Professional Development Phase, a totally new position within the club, that is designed to help players transition through the academy teams (U16, U18 and U23).

Now whilst the title may be rather long-winded and could probably have been shortened to something that is less of a mouthful, I do think that this is going to be a very important job at the club over the next few years and even further afield.

I’ve spoken before about the importance of cohesion between the academy and the first-team and how Steve Spooner needs to keep his place in the new coaching setup when new men are brought in to help Aitor Karanka, and this job could have just as big an impact.

Will any young players see first-team action next season?

Yes

No

If the club is to carry on its recent policy of promoting youth, something I’m very much in favour of, then there might be a couple of players who could transition very quickly through the ranks quicker than usual. And ensuring that they are handled properly, and put in the correct age groups at the right time for their ability to get them ready for the senior side as soon as possible is going to be crucial to their development.

Having someone to help oversee that process will be a major boost in making sure that happens, and who knows, we might see a few more Jude Bellingham’s in the side sooner rather than later.

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