We are delighted to confirm the appointment of John McDermott as our new assistant technical director.
McDermott will play a leadership role in the strategic direction of the technical division at St. George’s Park as a world-leading performance, research and education centre.
In supporting technical director Les Reed, he will also have overall responsibility for all England men’s development teams up to U20 level and work closely with Gareth Southgate and Aidy Boothroyd in their roles leading the men’s seniors and U21s respectively.
He moves to the national football centre from Tottenham Hotspur, where he was the head of academy coaching and player development and responsible for all sides below the Premier League club’s first team. The new position means he will be returning to The FA, having spent time as a national coach prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.
“The chance to work at the FA again is one I couldn’t turn down, particularly in this role," said McDermott.
"After 15 years at Tottenham Hotspur, where I've built incredible relationships with the players and the staff, it is a wrench to leave so many really good people but this is a brilliant opportunity.
“I'm looking forward to working with Les, Gareth, Aidy and all the coaches and playing my part in helping our England teams to be successful. Throughout my time at Tottenham Hotspur, I have continued to work in coach education so I'm familiar with St. George’s Park and the great development work that is being done."
Reed added: “This has been a very thorough search and I am delighted we've managed to secure the services of someone of John’s calibre. He is very highly regarded for his work across English football, as well as overseas. I know he will complement and strengthen the team we have in place at St. George’s Park across our coaching staff and all key performance areas.
“I would like to thank Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur for their cooperation in this process and it underlines the strong connection we have with them as a leading Premier League club.
"As a former national coach, John will bring experience as well as fresh ideas to the crucial responsibility we have to develop talented young players on the pathway to the seniors. I'm sure he will hit the ground running as we move into an exciting period for England teams on the pitch.”
McDermott, who will take up his new position in June and represent The FA on the UEFA Football Committee, has worked with many of the brightest young players and coaches in the game.
In his 15 years at Tottenham Hotspur, these included future England internationals Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Steven Caulker, Andros Townsend, Jake Livermore, Harry Winks and Ryan Mason, as well as a considerable number currently in the Young Lions pipeline.
He has also helped develop the careers of many coaches including Fulham manager Scott Parker and his assistant, Matt Wells, plus Liverpool academy manager Alex Inglethorpe. McDermott has also worked closely with Tim Sherwood, Mauricio Pochettino and then José Mourinho in support of the Spurs first team.
Prior to his work with Tottenham Hotspur and The FA, McDermott began his coaching career with Watford and worked his way up through the ranks to become their academy manager.
