Rovers have added a senior foundation phase coach to their Academy ranks.

It was one of two new roles created to assist the club’s head of coaching Tony Carss as Rovers shape the backroom team within their Academy.

As per Training Ground Guru, Paul Gray has taken up the SFP position, joining the club after a spell with Norwegian club Glimt. That followed five years as foundation phase coach at Preston North End between 2015 and 2020.

John Prince is also a former North End coach, he having taken on the youth development phase coaching position in April.

Gray’s previous clubs include Blackpool and Accrington, while he coached up to Under-12 age group teams at Glimt in Norway.

Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “My adventure in Norway has come to an end for the moment. With the continuing uncertainty over travel restrictions and quarantine rules, family has to come first. 

“I would like to thank Gregg Broughton, Orjan Berg and all the wonderful people at FK BODØ/GLIMT for making me feel so welcome and giving me the opportunity to work at such a fantastic football club. The future is very bright.

“I am very much looking forward to my next role back in the UK.”

Rovers have this week seen Simon Cooper, head of Academy recruitment, leave to join Stoke City in a similar position, while the club are also searching for an Under-23s manager after the departure of Billy Barr.

Barr has joined Salford City as assistant manager to Gary Bowyer.

Mike Sheron, Under-18s boss, took the side for the Lancashire Senior Cup final win over Wigan Athletic where he was assisted by Ryan Kidd.