Former Wigan Athletic and Newcastle United man joins 'old-boy network' at Preston North End
Former Wigan Athletic star Ryan Taylor has joined the coaching staff at Championship outfit Preston North End.
The 41-year-old utility man made 63 appearances for Latics after joining them from Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2005, shortly after the Paul Jewell's side won promotion to the Premiership.
He left for Newcastle United in January 2009, as part of the deal which saw Charles N'Zogbia make the opposite journey to join Steve Bruce's Latics.
Ironically, three of the six goals Taylor – a set-piece specialist – scored for Latics came against the Magpies.
Taylor joins fellow Latics old-boys Mike Pollitt (goalkeeping coach) and Andy Liddell (fitness coach) at Deepdale.
"Preston North End are delighted to announce Ryan Taylor has joined the club as an Academy coach," a PNE statement read.
"The former Newcastle United defender, who made more than 350 appearances during his playing career, has been appointed as the club’s new Lead Development Phase coach for the U19 age group.
"Ryan – a UEFA A License coach – will be assisted by Ryan McNally, who has been involved in the PNE Academy set-up as a coach since 2019.
"John Welsh has been appointed as the club’s Lead Senior Professional Development Phase U21 coach.
"This new role will see the former PNE midfielder work within a more formal U21 setup, with the team – made up of young professionals and scholars – taking part in the Central League and Premier League Cup throughout the season.
"This restructuring comes following the departure of Andy Fensome, who is moving on to pursue a new opportunity working within the United States.
"Fenners made more than 100 appearances as a player during his time at North End and has served over a decade working within the club’s Academy, playing a key role in the development of hundreds of young players. Fenners leaves with the sincere thanks and best wishes of everyone at the club.
"Elsewhere, Ollie Ras has joined as Lead Foundation Phase coach, working with young players between the U8 and U11 age groups. Ollie arrives with previous experience of working as a Lead PDP coach."