Cambridge United

Martin Davies has joined Swansea City following eight years at Cambridge United as Goalkeeper Coach, working at every level of the Club's football operation.

Davies re-joined the U's back in 2008, initially part-time within the Youth Development Scheme, having made 16 appearances for the Club during his playing career.  He progressed to a full-time role within the Academy and then First Team, being instrumental in the development of Will Norris and a number of young goalkeepers within the Academy.

His time with the U's has also seen him as a key member of the First Team coaching staff which achieved promotion back to the Football League in 2014.

Martin departs the U's to take up a position at his hometown and boyhood club Swansea City as their U23 Goalkeeper Coach.

Cambridge United CEO Jez George commented on Davies' contribution during his time with the club: “Martin is a fantastic man of the highest integrity, an incredible work ethic, eye for detail and desire to teach.

“He has a huge contribution to the development of Will Norris over the last four years and we thank him for his overall contribution during his time with the club. Whilst we are disappointed to lose him, Martin leaves us with our sincere best wishes to pursue a role at Swansea City.”

The U's have moved quickly to find a suitable replacement, with Kevin Pilkington's appointment.  With previous experience across a playing and coaching career which has spanned 25 years, and having worked with Shaun (Derry, Manager) at Notts County, Pilkington has been identified as the ideal candidate to become the Club's First Team Goalkeeper Coach.

Meanwhile, Mick Halsall also joins the Club as First Team Coach bringing a wealth of experience from a 20-year coaching career in which he has undertaken a number of roles working with first team and academy players.

Both appointments will begin working with the first team with immediate effect.

Jez George added: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Kevin and Mick.  We thank Notts County for allowing Kevin to take up this position so quickly and we could not have recruited a better replacement for Martin Davies. He has worked with Shaun previously and comes to us with an excellent reputation within the game.

“Mick’s appointment fills a role that we have been discussing for some time.  He will add a wealth of knowledge and experience to our first team coaching staff, will be an excellent foil for Shaun and Joe (Dunne, Assistant Manager), and will further strengthen the developmental pathway for our young players. Mick is a proper football man, a great character and showed a real desire to join the Club.

"We welcome them both to Cambridge United and look forward to working with them."