'Truly special' - Former Man Utd man issues farewell message as Newcastle United 'decision' made official
Newcastle United are searching for a new Under-21s lead coach following the confirmation of Adam Lawrence’s departure on Sunday.
Newcastle United are looking for a fifth permanent Under-21s lead coach since the takeover following Adam Lawrence’s departure.
Lawrence joined Newcastle’s academy from Manchester United in September, but has now stepped down after four months in the role, with the side sitting 24th out of 29 teams in the Premier League 2.
Former Sunderland caretaker manager Robbie Stockdale, who has previously been tipped to take the role permanently, will take interim charge or Newcastle Under-21s during the recruitment process.
NUFC club statement confirms departure
A statement issued by Newcastle United confirmed Lawrence’s departure, it read: Adam Lawrence has chosen to step down from his role as Lead Coach of Newcastle United Under -21s.
“Lawrence took charge of the Magpies’ Under- 21 side in September 2025, joining Magpies' Academy from Manchester United, where he was Lead Coach for the club's Under-18s side.”
“Newcastle United Academy Director, Steve Harper, said: ‘I’d like to thank Adam for his time with us leading the Under- 21 group.
‘We wish him the best of luck as he pursues the next step in his coaching career.’
“Robbie Stockdale will take interim charge of United's under-21s while the process of recruiting a new lead coach takes place.”
Since the 2021 takeover of Newcastle, the club’s first-team coaching set up has been consistent with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, but it’s a different story at Under-21s level.
Elliott Dickman was appointed as Under-21s lead coach shortly after the takeover but stepped down from the role after 14 months. Ben Dawson was then moved into the position once again but left to join Leicester City in 2024.
Lawrence’s predecessor, Diarmuid O’Carroll, was appointed in the role last season but left at the end of the campaign to join Sparta Prague.
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Adam Lawrence issues statement after NUFC departure confirmed
Lawrence’s departure comes shortly after Newcastle Under-21s' 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at Whitley Park on Friday evening.
But Lawrence took to LinkedIn to state that he made the decision to step down from his role as ‘an amazing club’.
“I have made the decision to leave my role as U21 Player Development Lead at Newcastle United Academy,” Lawrence wrote.
“After being at the club for a short period of time this was a really difficult decision to make. However, there are times in life where you have to make tough choices and this is one of those moments.
“I would like to thank Steve Harper for the opportunity to work at such an amazing club, and wish the Academy and Club every success in the future. Newcastle is a truly special place.
“I look forward to exploring potential opportunities that are out there for me.”