Stoke appoints Jack Higgins as new academy director

Stoke City has appointed Jack Higgins as the club's new academy director, effective immediately. The 34-year-old previously served as the manager of Fleetwood Town's academy, where he achieved Category Two status in 2023. Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters emphasized Higgins' experience in developing players and connecting academy efforts to first-team football. Additionally, Sam Stockley will take charge of the under-21 side as the head of professional development phase, further enhancing the academy's structure.

• 11:36 AMYahoo Sports — Stoke name Higgins as new academy director