Wakefield College’s talented footballers were given a further boost this week when ex Barnsley and Celtic midfielder and current Wakefield FC (WFC) Manager Ronnie Glavin was announced as the new Head Coach of its Football Development Centre (FDC).

The appointment will see Ronnie oversee training and match days for both the men’s and girl’s football teams, bringing with him a wealth of football experience spanning more than four decades. During this time Ronnie won an international cap for Scotland, and also won the Scottish League Championship on three separate occasions with Celtic in the 1970s. Ronnie went on to play for Barnsley FC, scoring 73 goals in 182 appearances in the 1980s.

Programme Area Manager for Sport and Public Services at Wakefield College, Mel Henshall said: ”We are delighted that Ronnie Glavin has taken up the post of Head Coach with our FDC. Ronnie is a top class coach, with a proven track record, and this appointment will ensure that all students in our FDC receive the best possible coaching during their time at College. This appointment will also ensure that there is a much closer link between the College’s players and Wakefield FC’s junior and senior set up.

Ronnie’s appointment is another example of the growing bond between the College and Wakefield FC, which is working on several levels to raise the profile of football and Further Education in the District. We are sure that the College’s FDC will now go from strength to strength, and prove to be an attractive option for young players who are looking to develop their footballing career, and their education at the same time.”


Wakefield FC Director, Pete Bevils, commented: “WFC is delighted to further develop its relationship with Wakefield College. A football culture is very much needed in Wakefield and is in fact growing. Ronnie’s appointment as Head Coach of the Football Development Centre should be a major boost to the College. I am confident that his undoubted and proven coaching ability will see the College continue to prosper in the footballing arena.”

Mr Bevils also announced details of a major new football initiative for the District. Pete said: “We have started Project Football Culture this week, to boost the awareness of football throughout the City, and the appointment of Ronnie can only further our aim of raising the profile of the game in the region. Hopefully we will start to see more Wakefield FC shirts and merchandise around the City, once the people of Wakefield get behind their football club. We are trying hard to put Wakefield on the football map and we’re hoping other forward thinking major organisations will look to back our joint efforts.”

This latest development further cements the new partnership between Wakefield College and Wakefield FC which was signed last year.