Former Blues defender Jon Harley will work with our youth team after six years coaching with the younger age groups. Harley himself graduated from our Academy and went on to make 42 appearances for the first team between 1996 and 2001, lifting the FA Cup in 2000.

Harley’s predecessor, Ed Brand, steps up to assistant Edwards with our development squad and Under-19s. A former Chelsea youth team defender who captained the Blues in the FA Youth Cup, Brand has spent the past two seasons as assistant to Jody Morris, in which time the youth team won every competition they were involved in.

Brand and Edwards will be in the dugout for our opening game of the campaign on Tuesday 7 August against Swindon Town in the Checkatrade Trophy. Kick-off at the County Ground is 7.45pm and tickets can be purchased on the day at the ground priced at £8 for adults, £5 for over-65s, students and under-18s, and £2 for under-11s.