Barradell spent the past ten years at Leicester City, progressing from work with the Under-16s to become head coach of the Under-18s, a position he held for seven years. He also works as assistant coach of Northern Ireland’s Under-19s.
The appointment gives Forest one coach responsible for the Professional Development Phase and the Under-18s, with the club aiming to strengthen the connection between its youth teams and the B Team.
“I’m delighted to be joining Nottingham Forest. To work closely with the B Team and bring the Professional Development Phase together is an exciting project, and one I can’t wait to get started on,” Barradell said.
“Individual development is key to player progression, and it’s just as important that we develop the players as people off the pitch as well as on it.
“There’s a real ambition here to give young players a clear pathway and opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and playing my part in helping to develop future Forest players.”
Forest head of academy Chris McGuane said Barradell’s experience across academy and international football had made him a strong fit for the role.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to Nottingham Forest as our new PDP Manager and Under-18s Head Coach. He brings a wealth of experience in youth development, having spent many years working at a Category One academy as well as at international level,” McGuane said.
He added that Barradell’s understanding of both personal and football development had stood out during the appointment process. The club expects his knowledge of the Professional Development Phase to help connect the Under-18s with the B Team and younger Youth Development Phase age groups.
“Everyone at the Academy is looking forward to working with Adam as we continue to create a pathway for our young players into the Men’s First Team,” McGuane said.
Forest’s announcement places the development pathway at the centre of Barradell’s remit, with the new coach set to work across age groups rather than focus solely on the Under-18s. His experience at Leicester and with Northern Ireland’s youth setup will now inform that work at the City Ground.