Simon Davies has been promoted to the position of Head of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad, after succeeding Patrick Vieira in the role following the Frenchman's decision to take charge of New York City FC.
Davies was Vieira's former assistant at City, helping the club's youngsters to a PREMIER LEAGUE International Cup title, while the side top Group D in the UEFA Youth League this season.
The 41-year-old - who gained one cap for Wales - will hope to continue his fine record with the club now he has been appointed the head of the EDS squad, and the former Macclesfield Town and Bangor City midfielder paid tribute to Vieira following the announcement.
'It was an honour to work with Patrick and it's a privilege to take on the task of continuing the fantastic work he's undertaken with a talented and dedicated group of players,' said Davies, who hung up his boots in 2007.
'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick for his mentorship and guidance over the past two and a half years and to thank Txiki Begiristain and everyone at the club for this fantastic opportunity.
'I've learned a great deal as Patrick's assistant and I'm delighted to be taking this next step in my coaching career to play a part in helping to shape the footballing future of this great club.
'Our first goal is to produce players for our first-team and we have had a great start to the season in this respect with many of the EDS squad training and playing competitive football with the seniors on a regular basis.
'I look forward to this continuing over the coming weeks, months and years.'
Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira agreed a deal to become the head coach of New York City FC last month, after leaving his post at City's Elite Development Squad.
The 39-year-old is preparing himself for his first senior job in football management, after retiring as a player in 2011 while at Manchester City.
Davies helped guide the Under 19s to the knock-out stages of the Youth League in three consecutive seasons, and the club's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain believes it is the perfect time for the man who arrived at the club in 2010 to take on greater responsibilities.
'In the five years Simon has been at Manchester City FC, he has proved that he's a first-class coach with a strong understanding of our core footballing principles and the ability to inspire and educate our young footballers,' Begiristain said.
'This role is of the highest long-term importance to the club – the ability to knit together the Academy and the first-team to work together using the same footballing concepts is key to our success and sustainability.
'We're delighted to appoint Simon into this role and we are certain he will continue to transmit his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in to our bright young talents at City Football Academy.'