Brentford FC is pleased to announce that Stephen Torpey will become the club’s new academy director.

Torpey will take on the role from January next year after departing Manchester City.

Currently in the role of head of academy coaching at City, Torpey will bring a wealth of experience within an elite academy environment having also worked within Liverpool’s youth set-up.

Torpey first stepped into academy football coaching on Merseyside to work for Liverpool in 2008 where he was a lead foundation coach, working with multiple age groups before departing for City in 2014.

He then worked his way up to become head of academy coaching at the Manchester club, who have won multiple trophies at youth level in recent seasons. 

Torpey has played a role in the progression of some of City’s best young players who have progressed into the first team with the English champions, or gone on to play professional football away from the north west. 

Discussing Torpey’s appointment, director of football Phil Giles said: “The appointment of an academy director is a key step as we progress towards a full re-opening of our Academy in time for the 2024/25 season.

“Given the importance of the role, we invested a significant amount of time and energy into finding the right person for the job, and in Stephen we believe we have done so.

“It was important for us to find someone who has a track record of developing young football players at a high level.

“In addition, running a successful academy is ever more complicated by the significant regulatory and compliance requirements needed to provide a safe and happy environment for the young players, and Stephen has significant experience in this area too.

“I’m sure Stephen will be an excellent appointment and look forward to him getting started in the new year.”