Sheffield United Set to Part Ways With Coach Who Has Been Key Figure in Developing Conveyor Belt of Talent | OneFootball

Sheffield United are set to part ways with long-serving striker coach Jack Lester this summer, according to recent reports from The Star.

The departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both Lester and the club, with the Sheffield-born coach playing a key role in the development of attacking talent since joining the Blades in 2019.

Jack Lester Helped Develop Several Young Attacking Talents at Sheffield United

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Iliman Ndiaye of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship between Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United at John Smith’s Stadium on May 04, 2023 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Lester, who initially arrived as part of the academy set-up, has steadily risen through the ranks to become an important figure in the first-team coaching staff. His work has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of Blades forwards, many of whom have gone on to gain international attention or secure high-profile moves.

During his time in the development squad and the first team, Lester helped bring through exciting youth prospects such as Iliman Ndiaye, Daniel Jebbison, Will Osula, Louie Marsh, Antwoine Hackford, and Will Lankshear, many of which have progressed from academy football to senior appearances, and the likes of Ndiaye, Lankshear and Osula have gone on to earn moves to the Premier League. More recently, he had also been involved in the development of promising Scottish duo Jevan Beattie and Ryan Oné.

Wilder’s Farewell Message to Sheffield United Supporters

This change is following the exit of manager Chris Wilder last week, alongside Alan Knill and Matt Prestridge. Wilder later released a heartfelt statement, thanking those who supported his second spell in charge:

“It is with great regret that my time at Sheffield United has come to an end.

I’d like to thank Stephen Bettis and Prince Abdullah for bringing me back to the club and giving me the opportunity to rebuild the team and take this great club forward.

I’d also like to thank all the staff at the club, everyone behind the scenes that you don’t often see, and, of course, the players who put in a monumental effort last season, it has been a pleasure working with you, your desire and commitment was unquestionable and I have no doubt you will have great success in the future.

To the fans, I’m obviously disappointed to be leaving, particularly because we were so close to getting back to the Premier League. I’m a Sheffielder through and through, I love this club and this city and that feeling will never change. I depart with some cherished memories and feel proud to be talked about in the same manner that special Sheffield United managers are remembered – leading this team over 300 times will remain an incredible part of my life. This is a heartfelt thank you for all your support.

Lastly, I’d like to wish Steven Rosen, Helmy Eltouky and the board all the very best moving forward.

Up The Blades!”

Ruben Selles to Add Two Former Hull Coaches to Backroom Staff

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Ruben Selles, Manager of Hull City celebrates at the final whistle the Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth FC and Hull City AFC at Fratton Park on May 03, 2025 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

New manager Ruben Selles is now overseeing a significant transition period. With Lester’s exit confirmed, the Spaniard is expected to bring in a more experienced coach to complement his vision and style of play. Two of his former colleagues, assistant James Oliver-Pearce and technical coach Tobias Loveland, will follow him from Hull City to South Yorkshire as part of his new backroom setup.

Oliver-Pearce previously worked with Selles at both Reading and Hull, and boasts over a decade of experience at AFC Wimbledon in various coaching capacities. Loveland, meanwhile, first teamed up with Selles during the latter’s time at Southampton in 2023, having spent four years as a senior technical analyst at Bristol City before transitioning into coaching roles at the Saints and later Reading and Hull.