Hull City’s Head of Academy coaching Matt Hare has left to join the FA, as announced by their official club website.

Hull City have cut ties with the coach after 17 years of service to the Championship side.

Hare, who officially left last week, has been appointed as Club Talent Pathway Manager with the FA.

He has told the Tigers’ website: “I take away immense pride. I have seen the academy grow and grow over the last 17 years from category three into category two into a number of first-team appearances and international appearances.

“There’s definitely real pride from myself and it is what I will be taking away. Hopefully, the success the academy has had over a number of years can continue. My first day feels like yesterday. I still love coaching and love working for the football club, but when you put it into perspective that my first game for the football club had Jacob Greaves in as an Under-9, it shows how long it has been.

“There are a lot of other people that contribute to these boys’ successes and that is a big collective effort from the staff over a number of years. There is a lot of work that goes in down in the younger ages with the success stories that we have. There is massive family support and we can’t take that for granted.”

Hull City

Hull City were founded in the East Riding of Yorkshire back in 1904. The Tigers first played their football at Boothferry Park before moving to the MKM Stadium in 2002. The Humberside outfit have played five seasons in the Premier League since then and played Europa League football in 2014 after reaching the FA Cup final the season prior.

His new position with the FA will be focused on academies across the northern region and helping more girls get into football.

Hare worked with every age group with the Tigers before becoming Head of Academy Coaching back in 2021.

He holds a UEFA A License and prior to his move to Hull City, he worked at Selby College.

The Tigers’ Academy Manager Richard Naylor has said: “Matt has been integral in helping the academy develop and progress over the last few years. He always put player development at the heart of everything he did during his 17 years here.

“Matt was well liked and respected by both players and staff and we thank him for everything he has done.”

What now?

Hull City have a decision to make on who to replace Hare with, whether that be an external candidate or promoting someone from within.

The East Yorkshire outfit have made a slow start to the new season and haven’t won in their first five league fixtures.

Tim Walter’s side are under pressure to start getting results and face Stoke City away on Friday.