Rovers head of Academy Kieran Scarff has spoken of his pride at his time at the organisation, after agreeing to take up a similar position at another club.
He has overseen almost two-and-a-half years of positive development at Cantley Park, with a recent EFL audit confirming Rovers’ as one of the leading category three Academies in the country.
Kieran said: “I am very proud of the success of the Academy here at Rovers as we went from failing a previous audit to being recognised as leading the way.
“With a brilliant team of staff the people we have coming out of the Academy at 18 are much more than just players - they are well-rounded young men ready to face the world.”
Rovers chief executive Gavin Baldwin said: “Kieran has played a key role in the success of our Academy in recent years, and it is no surprise to see other clubs covet him and want him to replicate that for them.
“Although we didn’t want to lose him, it provides him with an opportunity to be closer to home and spend more time with his family while continuing to make a difference. We wish him well.”
Rovers manager Grant McCann added: “Scarffy is someone I’ve worked with both at Peterborough and here at Rovers, he is an excellent coach who has made a great contribution to the development of our young players and staff.
“You only have to look at the fact the U18s are sitting top of the table after a fantastic opening to the season to see the impact he is having on the pitch for us, which is also being seen in the regular progression of players into our U23 and first-team squads.”