PRESTON North End has appointed a new Youth Development Officer to lead the on-going development of the youth set-up at Deepdale.

John Stephenson, who organised the Academy at Reading Football Club, has been brought in to work alongside Simon Davey and Gary Peters who have both had a hand in improving the youth set-up considerably.

Tony Scholes, PNE's chief executive, was happy with the appointment.

He said: "With the escalation of transfer fees, it is now more important that ever to attract your own talent and nurture them these days.

"Preston North End will remain committed to improving the youth system and John Stephenson will be responsible for setting the strategy for youth development for the next three to five years."

As part of his role, John will be setting up development centres in the Preston area to widen the search for young talent.

John Stephenson said: "Preston is a great club and they already have some brilliant youngsters who I will look forward to working with.

"Gary Peters and Simon Davey have done an excellent job and I now look forward to taking Preston North End's youth system to the next level."

Manager David Moyes, added: "We are very pleased to have someone of John's calibre joining the team. The development of the youth system at the club is very important for the future.

"We want to emulate what clubs like Crewe Alexandra and Manchester United have done for some years."