FORMER Colchester United head coach Hayden Mullins has been appointed as Fulham's new under-21 coach.

The 44-year-old, who parted company with the U's in January, 2022 after eight months in charge, has taken up his new role at the Premier League club having most recently coached on the international scene with Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mullins told the Fulham website: "It's a fantastic Academy.

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"I'm well aware of the players that have come through and gone on and have been sold and knocking on the door of the first team at the moment.

 

"I'm fully aware of how the good work in the Academy is working and some fantastic staff.

"My first day was brilliant; a lot of people coming up to me, introducing themselves and making me feel at home really.

"I've got a real good feel of the club from day one.

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"It feels like a fantastic family club and I'm pleased to be here."

Mullins took charge of 32 matches as Colchester's permanent head coach in all competitions, having previously served as both interim boss and assistant head coach at the JobServe Community Stadium.

He secured eight wins, eight draws and 16 defeats during his time as the U's permanent boss.

Gazette:

Mullins had landed the Colchester job on a permanent basis, having impressed while in interim charge in the final weeks of the 2020-21 League Two season.

Mullins, working alongside first-team advisor Paul Tisdale, helped steer the U’s to Football League safety after leading them to three wins, three draws and two defeats in his eight games in temporary charge.

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The former Watford caretaker boss had taken the helm with the U’s lying just four points above the relegation zone, having won only one of their previous 25 matches.

 

Since leaving his Colchester role, Mullins has also coached at National League outfit Woking.

Fulham's Academy Director Sean Cullen told the club's website: "We are delighted that Hayden has joined the Academy as Under-21s Head Coach.

"He brings with him experience as a player, coach and manager that will further compliment our programme.

"Hayden’s track record as a youth developer is second to none, and we believe he will support our players achieve their individual potential, whilst also ensuring our Under-21s are competitive."