The FA are delighted to formally announce the appointment of Noel Blake as FA National Coach. Blake will, officially, join the existing National Coaches on Sunday 25 February and work as part the Coaching staff with talented young English players in the Youth teams.

Initially Blake will be Assistant Coach of the U16 and U19 teams and will start with a trip to Slovenia for a friendly, U16 game being played at FC Koper on Tuesday 27 February. The delivery of coach education will also be a major aspect of Noel's role and he will be assisting with the delivery of the UEFA A Licence, UEFA Pro-Licence and Youth Coaches Course from the age of 17 through to 21.

The FA's Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, is thrilled with the appointment: "Noel joins The FA from his previous role at Stoke City as Academy Manager and brings with him a wealth of experience of working with both senior and more recently, talented young players.

"He has an excellent understanding of the Academy and Centres of Excellence system and is committed to assisting The FA in improving the level of service to coaches at professional clubs to enhance player development in England. We are confident that Noel will make a considerable contribution to The FA coach development and in-service programme."

Ray Clemence, Head of National Teams, added: "We welcome Noel Blake to the FA Coaching staff and wish him every success in his new role. We know from interview that Noel is passionate about the development of young players and will work hard to ensure England Youth Players are given the best possible introduction to International Football.

"It is especially pleasing to have Noel on board as we embark on an important year for English Youth teams with the U17s, U19s and U21s all participating in either UEFA qualification or tournament events. We are also delighted that Noel brings all his educational experience and research to our coach education programme."