Glan Letheren Highly Experienced Talent Scout & Coach
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GLAN LETHEREN HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TALENT SCOUT & COACH Pro Licence Goalkeeping A Licence & 07886 654 494 ) [email protected] www.topcatchgoalkeeping.co.uk PERSONAL PROFILE o A highly experienced football scout and coach who transitioned from a successful playing career in England to academy recruitment and player development with clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Southampton and Swansea City o Currently managing his own business and providing independent consultancy in the identification and coaching of talented young players within developing football markets such as Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Scandinavia and the Caribbean o A forward thinking and engaging individual with an extensive network of contacts in the game, a reputation for nurturing talent, and the professional commitment to helping clubs achieve their specific short and long term objectives SCOUTING / COACHING CAREER TopCatch Goalkeeping Owner / Director/ Chief Scout 2010 - Present Southampton FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 2009 - 2010 Manchester United FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 2006 - 2008 Leeds United FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 1996 - 2001 TopCatch Goalkeeping Owner / Director / Head Coach / Consultant 2010 - Present Chester City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2006 - 2007 Leicester City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2005 - 2006 Exeter City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2002 - 2003 Swansea City AFC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 1999 - 2001 Wales National Team U17 Goalkeeping Coach 2002 - 2006 U12, U14 & U16 Goalkeeping Coach 2002 - 2006 Women’s Team Manager 2001 - 2002 CURRENT ROLE TopCatch Goalkeeping Owner / Director / Chief Scout / Head Coach / Consultant 2010 - Present • Travel across the world to countries including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Haiti and St Lucia to unearth local young talent with the potential to succeed in the Premier League and give them opportunities in the professional game • Ensure that each goalkeeper and outfield player is provided the platform they need to develop both on and off the pitch by both focusing on extensive technical progression and fostering an holistic learning environment • Contribute to the players’ coaching and development to ensure they have the guidance and support necessary to succeed • Help the players secure trials and generate interest from elite clubs in England and across Europe through the use of an extensive network of contacts in the game • Liaise with Academy Managers and other club staff to assess their player requirements and tailor scouting trips accordingly • Work on a consultancy basis with clubs including Swansea City FC, Liverpool FC and Fulham FC • Manage and oversee general running of the company while undertaking Director, Chief Scout, Head Coach and Consultant duties • TopCatch Goalkeeping (Web link) Key Achievements: Developed a number of players who have progressed to play for or trial at professional clubs, including: 4 Cooper Skerry: Signed a contract with 4 Jaimie Cogman: Scouted and Leeds United FC aged 17 having been identified while playing at scouted while playing at Brisbane City Brisbane Roar FC’s U16 squad in FC’s U16 squad in Queensland, Queensland, Australia. Signed a Australia contract with Cardiff City FC aged 17 4 Alex Borto: Scouted while playing at 4 Christopher Brady: Developed at Cedar Stars Academy U13’s in the Chicago Fire Soccer Academy in the USA. Progressed to have trials for USA. Scouted and brought to the UK Manchester United FC and Fulham for very successful trials. Signed with FC, signed a contract with Fulham FC Southampton FC 4 Alex Cisak: Moved to Leicester City from Australian semi-pro side 4 Matthew Freese: Invited to South Hobart. Most recently Manchester United FC for trials played for Sydney FC having enjoyed having been developed while playing a career at Burnley FC and Oldham at Philadelphia Union in the USA Athletic FC amongst other clubs. Has represented Australia at U20 level 4 Aleks Gogic: Signed a contract with 4 David Chokheli: Had been invited Reading aged 17 from an academy on trial with Leicester City after being program affiliated with the New York coached in Stavanger, Norway. Now Red Bulls. Currently plays for at Hinna Fotball in Norway Jacksonville Armada FC in the USA PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Southampton FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 2009 - 2010 Manchester United FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 2006 - 2008 Leeds United FC Chief Academy Scout - Wales 1996 - 2001 • Scouted potential academy players at semi-pro, junior and schoolboy level throughout the Wales region • Worked with academy and club management to help define and implement a cohesive recruitment strategy that ensured identified players possessed the necessary attributes to succeed within the club philosophy • Built relationships with coaches and other scouts to remain fully aware of emerging talent within the region and facilitate the recruitment process Chester City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2006 - 2007 Leicester City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2005 - 2006 Exeter City FC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 2002 - 2003 Swansea City AFC First Team Goalkeeping Coach 1999 - 2001 Wales National Team Youth Goalkeeping Coach 2002 - 2006 • Led the delivery of a goalkeeper coaching programme designed to improve their shot stopping, decision making when dealing with set pieces, ability to control their defence, core strength, reactions and flexibility • Liaised with the first team management team to understand team tactics and tailor the coaching programme accordingly • Coached one-to-one and on a group basis to ensure each goalkeeper made fundamental improvements to their game • Contributed to player scouting and opposition analysis through the assessment of goalkeeper capabilities Key Achievements o Played a key role in the development of a number of senior international goalkeepers, including: Ian Walker (England); Kevin Pressman (England); Roger Freestone (Wales); Wayne Hennessey (Wales); as well as his own son Kyle Letheren (Wales) PROFESSIONAL PLAYING CAREER • Glan played for numerous clubs over the course of a long and successful playing career, including Leeds United FC, Chelsea FC, Chesterfield FC, Notts County FC, Scunthorpe FC and Swansea City FC • Debuted in the UEFA Cup for Leeds United and was part of the squad for the 1974/75 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich • Represented Wales at U17, U19 and U21 level as well as being a part of the full senior squad MANAGERS WORKED WITH Glan has played and worked under a number of highly experienced and successful managers, learning crucial lessons on the game that have allowed him to hone his own coaching style. These managers include: • Brian Clough • Don Revie • Micky Adams • Jimmy Armfield • Ian Rush • John Toshack • Eamonn Dolan • Paul Hart • John Hollins • John Cornforth PHOTO REEL KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Talent ID: Possesses a considerable track record in recognising potential at all age levels and positions, balancing focus between their on field capabilities and off field attitude depending on their development stage. Works closely with clubs to understand their short and long term player requirements in order to recommend the most potentially beneficial players. Goalkeeper Coaching: Specialises in leading the progression of goalkeepers by applying years of experience as a professional player. Ensures they are able to command their box and organise a defence as well as being skilled shot stoppers, and stays up to date with football’s evolution to ensure young keepers can excel with its changing demands of the position. Player Development: Adept at providing young players the technical support and professional guidance they need to excel both on and off the pitch at an elite level. Instils discipline and commitment as well as building each player’s match intelligence, positional awareness and physical performance. International Experience: Having travelled across the world to unearth undiscovered talent, is well positioned to identify and explore new markets with strong player potential. Comfortable adapting to different cultures and environments through a respectful approach and an appreciation of different traditions, social expectations, religious beliefs, etc. Communication: Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills when building relationships with players and coaches of differing nationalities. Able to break down language barriers by using football as a common ground, engaging with each individual and taking the time to understand their specific motivations. References are available upon request from: o Huw Jenkins: Swansea City FC Chairman o Craig Brown: Former Scotland National Team Manager.