Yahoo News Stoke City move quickly to appoint highly-rated new first team coach
Stoke City have moved quickly to bring in Chris Cohen from Lincoln City as a new assistant head coach.
Cohen is seen as an important Steven Schumacher-backed club appointment for the back room team following the departure of Paul Gallagher, which was announced earlier this week. The 37-year-old former Nottingham Forest midfielder has been with Lincoln since November last year, assistant to Michael Skubala and guiding a young side to the fringes of the League One play-offs.
He had previously worked alongside his friend Nathan Jones at Luton Town and Southampton, having made an early start to his coaching career after needing to hang up his boots early as a player due to injury. He earned his Pro Licence, the highest qualification available, two years ago.
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Schumacher now has his coaching set-up complete ahead of a July 1 start for pre-season. Mark Hughes is also assistant head coach and Peter Cavanagh, who is first team coach, as well as keeper coach Darren Behcet, travelled up with him from Plymouth as well as head of performance Elliot Turner. Alex Morris - who joined from Crewe as a club appointment last summer - stepped over from the under-21s to focus more on the senior team in the spring.
Sporting director Jon Walters said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to Stoke City. He has an excellent reputation within the game and his work is highly regarded by coaches, players and club owners alike.
“Chris works very closely with players on an individual basis to help develop their attributes for the team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him coaching at Stoke City and offering guidance to the talented players we undoubtedly have within our squad.”
Cohen came through the ranks at West Ham and played alongside Jones at Yeovil before joining Forest in 2007. He would become a fans' favourite at the City Ground as he made just over 300 appearances before being appointed to run their under-23s side.
It is clear he was held in high regard at Lincoln.
Their director of football Jez George said: “Chris is someone of the highest calibre who leaves with the respect and thanks of everyone at the club. He contributed hugely last season in supporting Michael and Tom (Shaw, coach) but, even more importantly, in supporting and helping the players.
“We always had the understanding that Chris would look at options in the Championship or higher if we were not promoted, so he absolutely leaves with our best wishes. He is always welcome at the LNER Stadium and we wish him well with his next role.”
