Alex Gibson, one of the Blues’ first Academy coaches, has left the Club after 12 years' service.

Alex helped former Academy Director Jim Cassell transform City’s youth system into one of the best in Europe, with 31 graduates progressing to the senior side during that time.

He helped nurture players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips and Vladimir Weiss as well as other youngsters who didn’t make the grade with City but have gone on to play elsewhere.

Gibson has now decided to call time on his association with the Blues and seek a fresh challenge, though he does so with a heavy heart.

“It was a very difficult decision to make,” he said. “Before I came to City I was with the FA, working with the national teams, and that was a tough role to walk away from, too.

"But it proved to be a great move to City. I’ve have 12 fantastic years here during which the coaching team enjoyed great success at the Academy, and long may that continue.”

Alex latterly took on an international brief and his last assignment was in New York as the Blues established a bond with the youngsters of Spanish Harlem and elsewhere.

He said: "I’m leaving for purely personal reasons. The Club have been fantastic with me, but I just feel it’s time now to change and seek a final career challenge before I retire.

“I’ll always cherish our FA Youth Cup win in 2008 against Chelsea – that will stay with me forever. I’ll miss working with the lads, but I hope to call in from time to time."