Tottenham Hotspur are set to lose highly-rated coach Stuart Lewis after he accepted an opportunity to join Ipswich Town’s first-team staff.
The 38-year-old currently works as Tottenham’s first-team academy transition coach, helping young players adapt to senior training under Roberto De Zerbi.
However, football.london reports that Ipswich approached Spurs over Lewis this summer. He has now decided to join Gary O’Neil’s coaching team following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Lewis gained his UEFA Pro Licence this year and views the move as the next stage of his development. The Ipswich role will allow him to work with senior players regularly rather than operating primarily between the academy and first team.
Tottenham lose important academy link
Lewis was promoted into his current position last summer after four successful years as Tottenham’s under-18 head coach.
His sides won the Under-18 Premier League Cup three times and lifted the Under-17 competition twice. Lewis also helped develop Mikey Moore, Jamie Donley, Will Lankshear, Alfie Dorrington and Luca Williams-Barnett before their senior debuts.
His departure leaves Spurs needing to replace an important connection between De Zerbi’s squad and the academy.
Tottenham have already lost highly-rated defender Elijah Upson to Arsenal after the teenager rejected a professional contract. Retaining a clear pathway remains important as several academy players push for first-team opportunities.
Lewis is not leaving following a reported disagreement with De Zerbi. Ipswich are offering a more conventional first-team coaching position and a chance to continue his rise through senior football.
Spurs must now decide whether to appoint a direct replacement or distribute Lewis’ responsibilities across De Zerbi’s existing staff.
His departure represents recognition of Tottenham’s coaching development. It also removes a respected figure who played a major role in producing the club’s latest academy generation.
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