Charlton appoint Tom Pell as new academy boss – Steve Avory becomes academy director

Charlton have appointed Tom Pell as their new academy manager, with Steve Avory becoming academy director.

Pell has spent the last 16 year spell in Cambridge United’s academy and had been heading up the department from April 2018 after Mark Bonner took on a permanent first-team coaching role.

The U’s had confirmed at the start of April that Pell was leaving his post but did not reveal his next step would be to join the Addicks.

Pell said: “It feels fantastic, I am really excited for the opportunity and really grateful to Steve and the owner as well. I have been at my previous club for a really long period of time, the new challenge is an exciting one and something I am really looking forward to.

“A massive pull for me is that the club has a rich history of producing players, anyone that works within academy football, you want to work at a club where there is a pathway.”

Avory said: “Tom brings to the club the experience of being in a very similar role at Cambridge United.

“He comes highly recommended and has a good reputation, certainly within the academy circuit which we are operating in. I have noticed how much more productive Cambridge’s academy have become on the pitch with their performance levels, as well as successfully bringing young players through their system there and Tom has been a part of that.” 

Pell was an academy player from the age of eight at Peterborough United, and left there at 16 for Cambridge.

Pell’s arrival comes ahead of the departure of head of academy business operations Ruth Corry, who is set to take up a role at The FA working with England’s senior teams.

Avory said: “Ruth has contributed so much during her time at the academy. I am very grateful for her support to me in the business and operational aspects of the academy. Every department in our set up owes a lot to Ruth for their organisation and progress during her time at the club. We wish her all the best in her future role with the FA.”

U’s sporting director Ben Strang, speaking in April when Pell’s departure was confirmed along with head of performance Matt Walker, said: “Tom has worked with our youngest and oldest academy players, and everything in between.

“He’s immensely respected and well liked, not only at Cambridge United but across the academy landscape in this country.

“He has led our academy terrifically as academy manager for the past four years and developed hugely as a leader and strategic thinker.

“Naturally, both will be hard acts to follow. They have both shown enormous humility, leadership and work ethic over the years. But we can take pride from the fact that our staff are so highly regarded in the game and will be moving on to great new roles.”