We are pleased to confirm that Julian Darby has joined Uwe Rosler’s backroom staff as the club’s new first-team coach.

Darby previously held the same position at Championship rivals Nottingham Forest, where he worked alongside the current United assistant Rob Kelly.

The 47-year-old has also worked at Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End during his coaching career so far.

His playing days as a midfielder, which were brought to a close upon retirement in 2001, saw Darby represent Bolton, Coventry City, West Brom, Preston, Rotherham United and Carlisle United.

Darby is the latest recruit to the coaching staff at Thorp Arch, following the arrivals of Kelly and goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis earlier this summer.

Rosler said: "Rob recommended Julian – they’ve worked with each other before so it’s a very good dynamic between them two.

"There’s a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm out on the training field – I think that is absolutely needed.

"I’m also very happy with Richard Hartis. I know him from Norway and I also knew him from Man United.

"He has experience and knowledge on the training pitch but also knows about creating that winning environment."