Yeovil Town are delighted to announce that Chris Hargreaves has signed as our first team manager.
Signing a two-year deal, Hargreaves arrives with a strong coaching pedigree, holding a UEFA PRO Licence and fifteen years experience in coaching roles.
Beginning his coaching career at Exeter City, our new manager played a vital role within the youth set-up, helping develop the likes of Ollie Watkins, Matt Grimes and Matt Jay, igniting his strong reputation for developing players.
In 2011, he moved to Dorset to join Eddie Howe’s coaching department at AFC Bournemouth. As a first team coach, the Cherries won promotion to the Championship. During his spell on the South Coast, he helped nurture the likes of Harry Cornick and Jayden Stockley, whilst being on the coaching team working with players such as Matt Ritchie, Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels, and Ryan Fraser.
Hargreaves also boasts management experience within the National League, taking the reins at Torquay United in 2014. During his spell, Hargreaves led the Gulls to the FA Trophy semi-final and recruited a number of gems from the lower leagues who went on to play in the Football League such as Angus MacDonald, as well as giving debuts to a number of young, up and coming players, such as Baily Cargill and Aiden O’Brien.
Following this, Hargreaves spent a number of years at Bristol Rovers in a variety of roles. Firstly as chief scout, as the Club were promoted to League One. He then moved onto a role within the Development Squad, helping them win the Central League and earning seven players their first team debut.
The success with the development squad saw him given the role as assistant manager, taking over when the side were four points adrift of safety. By the end of the season, an upturn in form saw the Gas finish in 15th.
Since 2019, he has been the academy manager at Rovers, working with the U18’s & U23’s on a daily basis. Successes include selling two graduates to Premier League sides for record fees, alongside moving a number of players, including Alfie Kilgour and Luca Hoole, into the first team picture.
In his playing days, Hargreaves made over 650 appearances in the professional game and was a promotion specialist in the National League. Firstly with Torquay, whom he captained to a play-off final victory at Wembley and then with Oxford United just 12 months later. In total, he earned five promotions throughout his career and wore the captains armband at three clubs.
Some may also recognise Hargreaves for his regular appearances as a pundit on BT Sport, covering National League & FA Cup fixtures.
Speaking to ytfc.net, our new manager said; “It feels fantastic to be here. I’m delighted to be at such a brilliant football club.
“Yeovil Town has an immense fan base and a great history, I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
A full interview with Chris is available on our YouTube channel, linked HERE.
Welcome to Somerset, Chris!
Images: PPAUK
