Anthony Hayes takes charge of U23s as part of Charlton Athletic academy job changes

Anthony Hayes has been appointed U23 senior professional development lead coach at Charlton Athletic.

It is one of a number of staffing changes to the League One club’s academy structure.

Hamza Serrar has been named senior professional development lead coach (U18). Rhys Williams is the new academy head of coaching for U9s to U23s with David Chatwin becoming the lead youth development phase coach for U12-U16.

Hayes, pictured, is highly-regarded and steps into the void left by Jason Euell, promoted to first-team coach after Nigel Adkins succeeded Lee Bowyer as manager of the senior team.

“We want to make sure there is a pathway for the players at this football club – we also want to make sure there is a clear pathway for the coaches,” Adkins told the South London Press.

“Being the lead of an age group is beneficial for them, rather than an assistant somewhere. It’s about all-round professional development.

“Anthony had an excellent season with the U18s and some of them may step into the U23s, so they are progressing with the same coach, and having that link with the first team.

After working at Brentford for five years, Hayes moved to SE7 in the summer of 2016, initially working with the U15s and U16s before being promoted to lead professional development coach in 2019.

The Irishman has excelled overseeing the club’s U18s side this season, culminating with the young Addicks storming to the Professional Development League 2 South title and reaching the national play-off final.