Former Manchester United ‘keeper Gary Walsh has had his exit from his position as goalkeeping coach at Hull to a coaching role at Aston Villa confirmed.
He joins Stephen Clemence in joining Steve Bruce at Villa Park.
Bruce moved quickly to secure Clemence when he was appointed at Aston Villa in October with Walsh (who it was hoped would stay) now following him, which means the only member of the coaching staff that brought Hull back into the Premier League is Mike Phelan who is of course now the boss of City.
A statement confirming the 48-year-old’s exit on the official website read.
‘The club would like to place on record its thanks to goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh, who has opted to leave the KCOM Stadium to take up a role with Aston Villa. Having joined the Tigers during the 2011/12 season, Walsh was part of the coaching staff during the most successful period in the club’s history, assisting in two promotions to the Premier League as well as the 2014 run to our first-ever FA Cup final appearance.’
This went on to thank him for his involvement at the KCOM Stadium with his replacement being sought.
‘The former Manchester United goalkeeper was in the Tigers’ dug-out for the final time during Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Watford and leaves with our very best wishes for the future. The process to recruit a replacement is now underway.’
Phelan’s appointment of Neil McDonald as his assistant was thought to leave him looking for at least one more coaching appointment but he’ll obviously need at least two now after losing Walsh, who has been with Hull since his arrival under Nicky Barmby in 2011.
