Darren Way Joins Fleetwood Town

Darren Way has left his post as manager of Argyle Under-18s to join Fleetwood Town as their new first-team assistant manager.

Fleetwood have appointed Lee Johnson as their new boss, and he has moved to bring in Darren, his long-time former team-mate, to be his number two.

Way and Johnson played together for many years in midfield at Yeovil Town, under the management of Lee’s father Gary Johnson, who is currently manager of Torquay United.

Darren went on be a coach and manager at Yeovil, before starting his role in Argyle’s Academy in January 2020, at the club he grew up supporting, as a Plymothian.

In his time as Under-18s manager, Darren has overseen consistently strong results, including the Greens winning the Merit League in 2020/21 and 2021/22. Crucially, his period at the helm has seen several young talents emerge through the Academy, becoming young professionals, with many more in the pipeline.

In the short-term, Under-18s assistant manager James Bradley will take charge of team affairs, backed by experienced goalkeeping coach Rhys Wilmot.

“We are sad to see Darren depart, but he leaves with our very best wishes,” Argyle Academy Manager Phil Stokes said. “He has been an exceptional coach for our Under-18s over the last few years, helping to enhance and develop our players as footballers and as people.

“We have had consistent success in terms of results and progression in competitions, as well seeing numerous players graduate into becoming professionals and making their Argyle debuts.

“We thank Darren for all of his important work at Home Park and wish him well for the future.”

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip said: “Darren has done a brilliant job with our Under-18s, and I would like to wish him all the best for his new venture, alongside Lee Johnson at Fleetwood.

“Darren has been an integral part of our Academy strategy for several years, during which the Academy has developed considerably.

“It is a vital part of the football club, and we have taken a great deal of care over ensuring a pathway, overseen by Kevin Nancekivell, is in place for talented youngsters to develop into players to benefit our first team.

“We have an excellent team of coaches throughout our Academy system, of which Darren was a key member. We hope things go well for him at Fleetwood, and he will always be very welcome at Home Park.”