Julian Darby has been appointed the new head coach of Wanderers’ Under-21 side.
Darby steps up his from his role in charge of the Youth Team to lead the senior Academy side, which previously operated as the B Team, as Senior Professional Development Phase Coach.
Darby replaces Andy Taylor following his departure at the end of last season and will work alongside another former Wanderers’ midfielder in Andrew Tutte, who continues in his coaching role with the U21s.
Danny Clarke, previously Darby’s assistant with the youth team, will take charge of the Under-18s as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach, with Andy Parrish moving up within the academy set-up to support Clarke.
The changes illustrate the coaching pathway now in place within the Whites’ academy and are seen as key appointments in continuing to improve the development of young players and further establish and a build a successful transition between academy and first-team football.
Darby previously made that step as a young player with Wanderers before going on to a enjoy a lengthy first-team career with the Whites and now takes on another key role in his lengthy association with the club.
Wanderers’ Head of Academy, Dave Gardiner, said: “It’s important as an academy that we continue to move forward and build upon the great foundations that have been put in place over the last few seasons, including the work done by Andy Taylor, and there's no better person than Julian Darby to step in now and do this job.
“The great working relationship he already has with Danny Clark – and it’s also great for Andy Parish to step up and support Danny – will make this work and he knows all the young players that are coming through.
“He's had great success with them previously and knows how to get the best out of them and hopefully he'll now push them even further this season and ultimately get them closer to the first team.
“As Sporting Director, Fergal (Harkin) has been really clear in what he wants from myself and the academy and I can now that share that with Julian for us to ultimately try and get these players on that first-team pitch.
“Toby Ritchie was a great example of that last year. Julian has a pivotal role in getting him onto that pitch and we’re hoping now we can produce more of those moments.”
The appointment of Darby as head of the U21s continues a remarkable Wanderers’ career for the 58-year-old as he takes on another vital role in player development.
Farnworth-born Darby came through the youth ranks with Wanderers after studying at Bolton School and after graduating to the senior set-up in 1986 played almost 350 senior games for the Whites in a seven-year first-team career.
He returned to Wanderers to coach in the Academy set-up and after working through the age groups led the U18s to a league and cup treble, including the EFL Youth Alliance League title, in 2025.
He also had a spell as caretaker-manager of the first team in January, 2025 following the exit of Ian Evatt as manager, guiding the Whites to back-to-back League One wins ahead of the appointment of Steven Schumacher as head coach.
“This is the one that I've not done,” said Darby, who oversaw the return to pre-season training for the U21s today (Tuesday). “I've done all the way from the under-nines up, and obviously I've done two games with the first team, so this is the one job I've yet to do. I’m excited about the prospect and hopefully we'll have a successful time.
“Bridging this gap is probably the hardest part of it. You can be the best player at under-18s, but when you go to the first team, it's totally, totally different. You have to stand up and start playing against men to see where you are with your football, so it'll be a good test for them.
“I've worked with all these boys before. Probably the majority of the 21s this year will be the boys I had two years ago when we had a successful season and from the U18s last year those who have moved on to be a first-year pro. Unfortunately, they've got me again for the next year or two!
“It’s fantastic for the club being in the Championship but makes it harder for the lads. They've got to become Championship players now rather than League One players, which is a big step up, but I believe in them. They've just got to back themselves and let’s see what happens.”
