Jim Cassell

Jim Cassell is the creator of one of the most successful British talent pools. From 1997 to 2013 he was a key figure in the Manchester City FC Youth Academy, nurturing top stars such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. In total, 39 of his Academy graduates have played in the Premier League. Throughout the entirety of his career, Cassell has overseen the development of over 120 graduates who have progressed to the highest level of professional football, and 24 of these players have gone onto represent their country at full International level. Cassell left Manchester City in 2013 and is now an independent football development consultant who has worked as far afield as China, Malaysia and South Africa.