Former Cardiff City captain Darren Purse has been named the club's new under-23s manager.
Cardiff have been on the lookout for someone to take the reins after Steve Morison was promoted to first-team manager after doing a stellar job at under-23s level over the last 18 months or so.
When Morison was named as Mick McCarthy's permanent successor last month a job advert was sent out and it took little time for the Bluebirds to find their man.
The former centre back, 44, played 123 times for Cardiff after being appointed captain following his arrival in 2005.
Purse is the latest former City captain and centre back to return to the club after Mark Hudson joined Morison's coaching staff alongside Tom Ramasut last month.
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Speaking of the appointment, Cardiff City CEO, Ken Choo, said: “To be able to welcome Darren back to our club in this critical position is something I’m extremely happy to be announcing today.
“City supporters know Darren and what he brought as a player in terms of professionalism and commitment. Having somebody with that experience and personality working with our young players will be invaluable as we look to bring more exciting talent through in the coming years.”
Head of Academy, David Hughes, added: “We are delighted that Darren is returning to Cardiff City to influence and support our young players on their development pathway. Instilling core values such as those which Darren had as a player is essential in preparing players for first team football.
“Darren epitomised the club’s values as a former club captain and as a coach will be a role model for all. We are delighted to have him back at the club and in the Academy’s coaching team.”
Cardiff City under-23s are currently top of the Professional Development League 2 table, having won an astonishing 11 of their 12 games this season.
Purse's previous youth coaching experience includes helping to set up the Malcolm Arnold Academy in Northampton in 2014 and working as under-16s and under-19s coach at Oxford United in recent years.
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