Kristjaan Speakman

[Deleted member 31333]

Academy manager since 2011. Probably helped bring through Bellingham, Demarai Gray and Nathan Redmond.

Aren’t they blues fans and local to the area anyways though?

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

We are SAFC but the cynic in me is curious why he's leaving a job for a club in a lower division...

It's a promotion.

 

[wigwams]

There are many in the league above I wouldn't take. Irrespective of league were in we are safc and should strive for excellence. Even though we haven't had it! This says more about our future to be honest and it's not looking good sadly

How so?

 

[SAFC_Jack]

There are many in the league above I wouldn't take. Irrespective of league were in we are safc and should strive for excellence. Even though we haven't had it! This says more about our future to be honest and it's not looking good sadly

Have a read about him, it’s not underwhelming just because you don’t know who he is.

 

[Red]

There are many in the league above I wouldn't take. Irrespective of league were in we are safc and should strive for excellence. Even though we haven't had it! This says more about our future to be honest and it's not looking good sadly

Very well thought of apparently.

 

[6inarow]

Seems a step up from what we've had previously and maybe a sign of the takeover taking shape.

Well....he hasnt come from Eastleigh so that confirms the clubs getting taken over

 

[Stuff]

"Formally an Academy Coach at Derby County FC, he has been on the coaching staff at Blues since 2006, and was promoted to the key role of Academy manager in January 2011.

He possesses the UEFA Pro Licence, the UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award, as well as a Business Management degree and the Certificate in Education accumulating in a unique blend of academic and professional qualifications.

Responsible for the strategic direction of the Academy and the coaching delivery, Speakman leads an Academy Management Team on the operation of the Youth Department.

During his time at Birmingham City FC he has overseen the recruitment and development of no less than 18 Academy graduates, who have gone on to play for the Club's First Team."

fwiw, I'm not sure we will see a better CV

 

[SAFC_Jack]

Aren’t they blues fans and local to the area anyways though?

They still need bringing through to realise their potential, and someone needs to spot that potential.

 

[Scootsie]

Reading about him this sounds like a very good appointment.

I know that you can read stuff that makes Congerton and Di Fanti sound good as well, but still.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

Likely a few others who have played in the Premier League, though unsure on the timelines.

Demarai Gray and Jack Butland for two.

 

[SAFC_Jack]

Demarai Gray and Jack Butland for two.

Redmond as well perhaps?

 

[sessafc]

It’s a gamble but it’s an appointment based on some logic, and almost a good gamble like. Has my support this appointment in theory, I’d prefer it if he was running our academy mind

we have category 1 I don’t think people realise what agood job that is

much better than appointing schwarz

I'd say this job would give him authority over the academy anyway. It would be nice to have someone at the club who understands the importance of our young players.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

There are many in the league above I wouldn't take. Irrespective of league were in we are safc and should strive for excellence. Even though we haven't had it! This says more about our future to be honest and it's not looking good sadly

Living up to your handle, I see.

 

[SAFC_Jack]

Reading about him this sounds like a very good appointment.

I know that you can read stuff that makes Congerton and Di Fanti sound good as well, but still.

Not sure you can read anything good about Di Fanti.

 

[Helmerroids]

Sounds vaguely exotic, some good talent has come through the Brum ranks, no aspirations for space travel though as far as I can tell.

It’s a tentative from me

 

[The Rat]

Demarai Gray and Jack Butland for two.

Helps when your owner doesn’t sell them off when they’re 16 for 250 k doesn’t it?

I'd say this job would give him authority over the academy anyway. It would be nice to have someone at the club who understands the importance of our young players.

yeah fair point that mate

 

[dj_hans]

Demarai Gray and Jack Butland for two.

There are a few highly rated young players in the current Birmingham squad too.

 

[North of the Smoke]

New Technical Director according to this

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Is he mates with gus?

 

[SAFC_Jack]

Is he mates with gus?

No.

 

[KJNMackem]

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