This week saw another pro player come into the academy at Manchester to share his experience and knowledge with the young players. Brian Wilson, currently a first team player at league one side Oldham Athletic, visited the academy to lead the boys in a series of sessions as part of his coach education route with the professional Footballers Association.
Brian is currently on his UEFA B licence of the coaching ladder. Brian is currently the Oldham’s longest serving player after joining the club in 2014.The defender signed a two-year contract under Lee Johnson before extending that in 2016 for a further year. He started his career at Stoke City before joining Cheltenham Town. The full back impressed at Whaddon Road, making just under 150 appearances in a three year spell. Despite not being known for his goal scoring exploits, he notched 18 goals for Cheltenham Town before earning a move to Bristol City. His time at Bristol City did not go as planned and he only played 60 games for the Robins. However, a move to Colchester United followed and he was named club captain. In a four year spell, he made 163 appearances before moving back north.
Brian signed for Oldham in 2014 and became a fan’s favourite due to his consistent performances. He scored his first goal for Oldham against Bradford City in January 2017, slotting home from the edge of the box. Having impressed Brian was offered a new one-year contract at the end of the 2016/17 season.
Brian’s session at the academy is just one of many previous and future planned sessions by current and ex professional players. These are excellent opportunities for the players on the academy to meet people in the game, game knowledge from the coaching and Q&A’s but also to get noticed. All of the guest coaches are currently working in or will be working in professional clubs around the area.
