Accrington Stanley have added an FA Cup winner to their Academy staff.
Willie Donachie is the Foundation Phase Lead Coach at the Academy and is aiming to help to bring the next generation of footballers through to the Stanley first team.
“I came as the Technical Skills Lead in the summer and am now the leading the Foundation Phase, which means I work with Steve Morgan and the Under 16s as well as working with the Under 9-12s," said former Scotland international Willie.
“I enjoy working with Academy children as it's so varied, working with children from 9-16-years-old is quite diverse but it's interesting and rewarding.
“You see a nine-year-old turn up with a huge smile on their face, ready to learn, and it keeps you young. Then the 16-year-olds are looking to the first team and, at a place like Accrington, there are no egos, they are just genuinely honest nice lads. It's superb to see their progress.
“I know in football, if you are ambitious and work hard you can make massive strides."
Academy Head of Coaching Duncan Fearnhead said: “Willie's knowledge and experience will be a huge advantage to Accrington Stanley and he will help with the technical side of the game."
Willie, who won the FA Cup with Everton, brings with him a wealth of experience.
His playing career included Manchester City, Oldham, Everton and Burnley while he also played in America.
He has coached at Everton and Ipswich as well as in Antigua among other places.
Willie added: "I am grateful to Duncan and the Accrington Stanley board for giving me this opportunity. A lot of mature coaches don't always get the chance now but here they appreciate my experience and I feel I have a lot of knowledge to pass on.”