Ex-Sunderland backroom staff member Robbie Stockdale has been appointed as Newcastle United’s U21s lead coach.

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of former Sunderland backroom staff member Robbie Stockdale as the club’s permanent U21s lead coach.

The 46-year-old had taken interim charge of the Magpies’ development side following Adam Lawrence’s departure from the club earlier this year. Stockdale’s predecessor had only arrived on Tyneside last summer, but sealed his exit just months later, and would eventually join former side Manchester United as part of the reshuffle that saw Michael Carrick arrive in the dugout at Old Trafford on an temporary basis.

Stockdale will now assume a permanent role at Newcastle, and will oversee Friday evening’s Premier League 2 fixture against Blackburn Rovers. On his appointment, the ex-Sunderland man said: “It’s a real privilege to take on this role on a permanent basis.

“I’ve loved working with the players and staff over the last year and I’m proud of the progress the group has made. It’s a fantastic environment to be part of and I’m looking forward to continuing the work we’ve started and helping our young players take the next steps on their journey towards first-team football.”

Newcastle academy director Steve Harper added: “Robbie has been an excellent addition to the Academy since joining and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he continues to develop in this role. He has amassed a wealth of playing and coaching experience that he passes on to our young players every day, and he has built an outstanding relationship with the group. They respond to him, trust him and understand the standards he sets.

“He has a clear understanding of what the pathway needs to look like for our players to progress into a first-team environment, and he works extremely well with staff across the football club to support that journey.”

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What is Robbie Stockdale’s previous coaching experience?

After hanging up his boots on a playing career that included stints with the likes of Middlesbrough, Rotherham United, Tranmere Rovers, and Grimsby Town, amongst others, Stockdale began his career in dugout as a youth coach - and eventual first team caretaker manager - at the Mariners.

From there, he joined Sunderland - initially as an academy coach, before moving onto an assistant caretaker position alongside interim manager Kevin Ball. After that brief stint, Stockdale would enjoy a positive spell in charge of the U21s, and would even be appointed acting first team head coach in the wake of Dick Advocaat’s departure from the club. Following Sam Allardyce’s arrival on Wearside, he was promoted to a first team coaching role, and would stay at the club during the tenures of David Moyes, Simon Grayson, and Chris Coleman, assuming caretaker responsibilities on several occasions.

Since then, Stockdale has worked for the likes of Hibernian, West Brom, Rochdale, Hull City, MK Dons, Gillingham, and Barrow.

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