Danny Senda and Jason Pearce land Charlton promotions as Hamza Serrar takes new job in Abu Dhabi

Charlton have appointed Danny Senda as their new senior professional development phase lead coach – with Hamza Serra leaving to become academy technical director at Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira Club.

Senda will oversee the technical and tactical development of players aged between 17-21.

Former Addicks centre-back Jason Pearce, who retired in the summer, has taken Senda’s old role as U18 lead coach.

Academy director Steve Avory said: “Dan has been doing a very good job this season in terms of his leadership and proving his qualities as a leader with our U18s. He will take the overall lead of the professional development phase, in terms of his leadership of the coaches as well as the overall development programme but his main priority will be to lead the U21s. He’s worked with a lot of the players before, so I thought it was a seamless transition and the best way forward.

“Jason has worked a bit assisting Anthony Hayes with the men’s first-team. I made it clear to him and the others that I was keen to get him back as long as that’s what the club was agreeable to and Jason wanted to come back to the academy to continue his coaching development and journey.

“I know he’s very much been enjoying assisting with the U18s and although he’s only been in the position six months, I felt he’s shown enough qualities already in how he works day-to-day that he could definitely take over that leadership role.”

Senda said: “I’m incredibly pleased to be honest. Obviously I came to the club a few years ago as U23s assistant coach with Anthony Hayes. I’ve progressed during my time here and I’m really proud to have the responsibility at what is a fantastic academy.”

Pearce said: “I’m delighted by the opportunity. The most important thing for me is trying to get as many players around the U21s and men’s first-team as I can. I think the U18s are a very talented group, so I’m looking forward to building on what has been a good first half of the season.”

Chris Lock, the club’s U16s coach, will assist Pearce with the U18s on an interim basis.

Avory said: “Chris has been doing a good job the past couple of years with our U16s in their journey towards a scholarship. He’ll continue to work with our U16s in the evenings but he’s also able to give some time to assist Jason at U18 level.”

Speaking of Serrar’s departure, Avory said: “Hamza came to us seven years ago and has been a real asset in his time here. He has played an important role in the development of our academy players and we wish him the best for the future in his exciting new role abroad. He will be missed but we’re fortunate, in Danny and Jason, to have two talented coaches ready to make the step up.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD