Former Rotherham United midfielder joins Doncaster Rovers coaching team after Ryan Cresswell exit
Doncaster Rovers have added a former Rotherham United midfielder to their coaching team at youth level
Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Jamie Yates as the club’s new Lead Professional Development Phase Coach at Under-18 level.
Yates assumes the role a month after the departure of Ryan Cresswell, who recently left the Club Doncaster Sports Village to take on a position as Chief Operating Officer of Rotherham United’s Women’s Team.
“I’m really excited,” Yates told club media following the announcement.
“It's been a mad few days speaking to the other staff. I've played against the club quite a lot over the years. First as a player and then and then coached against them quite a lot across different age groups.
“So, knowing the style of play, knowing some of the staff, that really excites me, and it didn't take long after a few conversations to be convinced that this was right for me.”
Yates, who was born in Sheffield, started his professional career at Rotherham United, featuring 34 times for the Millers between 2006 and 2009.
He spent the majority of his career in non-league playing for the likes of Alfreton, Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity, North Ferriby and Matlock Town before returning home to become player/coach of Sheffield FC, a role which involved working closely with the club's youth system in partnership with Leeds United.
Yates worked as football development officer at Rotherham whilst also working as assistant coach at Sheffield FC under Cresswell, who he is now succeeding at the Club Doncaster Sports Village.
The move marks a step up for Yates, who up until recently was working Lead Youth Development Phase coach at Under-16 level.
Yates added: “I'm aware that it is a step up, but I feel it's a natural step up. It's something that I've always wanted to do and now I feel that the time is right. I've worked alongside other 18s groups just recently so I do have some experience going into it but working with young players feels as though that's my expertise if you like.”
The appointment will see Yates work closely with Head of Player Development, Brett Partner - along with a whole host of talented young footballers including Dylan Hartley, Jonny Tomlinson, Ashton Swales and Ethan Hodgett among others, with the quartet being among those to get a taste of first team action in the EFL Trophy.
His arrival also coincides nicely with the start of Doncaster’s FA Youth Cup campaign, with the first round taking place on Wednesday against Blyth Spartans at Croft Park.