Manchester City sources believe Stephen Torpey actually invented the club’s development model before leaving for Brentford.
That is according to The Athletic.
So, what has been said about Manchester City and Stephen Torpey? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, this is far from comparable to the likes of Erling Haaland leaving Manchester City, although it still sounds as if the treble winners have lost a key cog in the 52-year-old.
The Athletic explain how sources close to Manchester City state that Torpey was actually the one who devised the development tool currently being used at the Etihad Stadium.
It places a focus on “data profiles which enable different players at different ages to be compared to each other at different periods of their young careers” – it also help to clearly showcase strengths and weaknesses.
Now – however – Manchester City will have to live without Torpey.
The man from Islington has now left his role as Head of Academy Coaching at Manchester City to become Academy Director at Brentford, as revealed by the Bees on their official website.
It is not explained why Torpey chose to leave Manchester City.
However, it sounds as if the Citizens have lost a real gem.
The Athletic add that Torpey is believed to be the only man in England in possession of both the Premier League Elite Head of Coaching badge and the new Premier League Academy Leaders qualification.
That speaks volumes about his qualifications, and while this is highly unlikely to make Manchester City collapse, there will now have to be a reshuffle in the City Football Academy.
Manchester City must continue the work of Stephen Torpey
Torpey gave Manchester City the blueprints for a successful model, with the likes of Oscar Bobb – who said Erling Haaland always helps him – and Romeo Lavia emerging from the City Football Group in recent times.
While the brain behind the development operation has now left, Manchester City can still continue to carry out the plans he implemented.
Given the success of Torpey’s ideas, the treble winners would be wise to do exactly that.
