CHELTENHAM Town have confirmed the departure of their UEFA A License coach Pete Haynes, who is joining Saints’ under-18s.

Haynes's exit comes after 14 years with the Robins, initially coaching part-time as a 16-18-year-old having joined the academy himself as a player.

With Carl Martin’s promotion to the first-team to work under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Haynes will support Mikey Harris as the new under-18s individual player coach.

He has worked with every age group from pre-academy to first team and has led the Professional Development Phase for the past four years.

Upon his departure, Haynes sent this farewell message to his former club: “I just want to say a massive thank you for the opportunities I’ve been given on and off the pitch with the support of a fantastic chairman in David Bloxham, Paul Godfrey the club secretary and Micky Moore the director of football.

“They’ve given me unwavering support in my journey and development. It has been a fantastic grounding which will hopefully stand me in good stead in my next chapter at one of the most prestigious academies in the country.”

Haynes and his new Saints under-18s side will be, under the stewardship of Harris, looking to retain their Under-18 Premier League South title won last season.

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