Matthew Etherington and Simon Davies have left the football club and become the new management team at Crawley Town.
Peterborough United under 21 manager Matthew Etherington and assistant manager Simon Davies have today (Sunday) been appointed as the new management team of Sky Bet League Two side Crawley Town.
The pair, who were graduates of the club Academy as players, made over 100 appearances between them at the football club before departing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2000, going on to both have excellent careers at the highest level.
Etherington was named the under 18s boss at the Weston Homes Stadium in July 2018 with Davies joining him as assistant several months later. The pair secured the Youth Alliance League title in their first season and backed it up the following campaign, becoming the first management duo in the club’s history to secure back-to-back titles at that age group.
Both Matthew and Simon played key roles in the progression of the academy programme to Category 2, becoming U21 manager and assistant respectively whilst continuing to develop a large number of players who have gone onto receive professional contracts and to become regular first team players.
Following the departure of Mark Robson as assistant manager last season, Matthew stepped into provide great support to Darren Ferguson with Simon also stepping into a first team coaching role from January.
The pair took first team charge for the Championship fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage following the departure of Darren Ferguson last season before continuing to take charge of the clubs under 21 squad following the appointment of Grant McCann.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony said: “I personally want to thank Matthew and Simon for the incredible work they did with our 18’s, resulting in titles and success, not to mention seeing many youngsters go into the first team off the back of that success. After a great period running the 21’s, it is time for them both to step out into the management world and I wish them great success at Crawley, who have got themselves two amazing coaches and Posh legends.”
Co-owner Jason Neale said: "The appointments of Matthew and Simon underline what the club have achieved over the last few years. Players and staff can develop their careers in the academy before achieving greater success, either with our first team or elsewhere. We wish them much success."
Academy Director Kieran Scarff said “Both Matthew and Simon have provided outstanding support for me personally, the wider group of staff and most importantly the players they have worked with and developed. The quality of their work has continuously shone through and it is no surprise that their knowledge, experience and potential has attracted the interest of other clubs. I am delighted for them both that they now have the opportunity to progress into first-team management. It is another example of the importance we give to the development of our staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them both and to wish them all the very best in the next chapter of their careers.
Director of Football Barry Fry added: “I want to thank Matthew and Simon for their work both on and off the pitch at the football club and wish them every success in their new adventure at Crawley Town.”
The club would like to take this opportunity to thank both Matthew and Simon for their incredible work within the Academy and wish them the very best of luck at Crawley Town Football Club.