Mark Jackson promoted to Leeds United first-team coach
Leeds United under-23s coach Mark Jackson has been promoted to the first-team staff under new manager Jesse Marsch, it has been confirmed.
The 44-year-old former Whites defender had been in charge of the age-group squad since 2020 when he replaced Huddersfield-bound Carlos Corberan.
American Marsch was appointed on Monday (28 February) to replace Marcelo Bielsa who was sacked following the Tottenham defeat, and was followed in exiting the club by his backroom staff.
One of the issues towards the end of the Argentine’s reign was the opportunities for highly-rated younger members of the squad, and Joe Donnohue’s reporting suggests that could now improve.
Writing on his personal Twitter account LeedsLive journalist Donnohue said: “Pleased to see Mark Jackson promoted to first-team affairs.
“Dedicated coach, who has contributed to the development of Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Sam Greenwood among several others over past two seasons with the 23s.
“Worked with Charlie Cresswell at lower age groups, too.”
Badly needed
Despite the emotion attached to the departure of the extremely popular Bielsa, this move might indicate an improvement in at least one important area.
Although the squad has been ravaged with injuries all season, the former manager appeared loath to turn to his youngsters.
Fans were crying out to see more of Gelhardt week after week but the 66-year-old repeatedly preferred Tyler Roberts.
During the frustrating January transfer window, even as the pursuit of Brenden Aaronson failed and no reinforcements came in, Drameh pushed through a loan move to Cardiff due to the lack of a pathway into the United first time.
As Gelhardt has done for the most part in his limited opportunities at Elland Road, Drameh has performed well, with his manager in Wales Steve Morison glad the full-back could not be recalled in light of his form (Wales Online).
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously explained on The Phil Hay Show podcast, that the gap between the first team and the number of u23s being established in the group was an issue that was contributing to a potential Bielsa exit.
With this in mind, it appears that the club has moved to address the gap, and fans may be able to look forward to greater exposure to the developing talent.
In other Leeds United news, Henry Winter has shared what the clubs fans have done in the wake of Bielsa leaving.