Meet The IFG TEam:
Coaches & Staff
Academy Management
ROBert Smethurst
Director / Chairman
Robert, an accomplished entrepreneur, started in the motor trade and ran his car sales garage for a decade. He ventured into technology, creating an award-winning logistics website, earning Gold & Bronze in the 2016 NEBC Awards. A finalist in the 2015 Digital Entrepreneur Awards, he later sold his logistics company to AutoTrader in 2017, staying as a Consultant for 12 months. In 2022, he won the North-East Cheshire ‘Business of the Year’ Gold Award. Running the Pro Football Academy, he earned Lloyds Bank Business of the Year in 2019.
Robbie Savage
Director Of Football
Robbie, a renowned former Premier League and international footballer, transitioned into an award-winning pundit. Starting as a youth player with Manchester United in the Class of ‘92, he later played for Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, and Derby County, where he finished his career. Captaining four Premier League clubs and his country, he played 350 Premier League games, totaling 631 in all competitions. Robbie, who played for Wales 39 times, experienced notable managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O’Neill.
Anthony Curran
Academy Manager
Bio coming soon
Matthew Morgan
Academy Director
With a UEFA A License in Coaching Football, UEFA B License in Coaching Futsal, and an FA Youth Award, Matthew is a seasoned sports professional. Holding a Master of Arts (MA) in Sports Coaching and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sports, Society & Development, Matthew has a comprehensive academic background.
COACHES
Gareth Gray
Head Goalkeeper Coach
In coaching, he’s a notable Goalkeeping Coach, recognised at institutions like the Manchester City Development Centre and Preston North End Academy. Holding UEFA C qualifications for outfield and goalkeeping, Gareth’s dual expertise positions him as a valuable asset in player development and football program success.
Francesco Landucci
U19 Head Coach
Hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Francesco Landucci, with 12+ years of coaching experience, holds a Football Management degree from Instituto Tecnológico de Fútbol and a National Ecuadorian Pro Licence. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, his global journey spans grassroots to professional tiers. Managing roles at Barcelona – Ecuador U16, Emelec Reserves, CS Patria (third division), and Atletico Porteño (second division), Francesco later served as Assistant Manager at Guayaquil City and contributed to Ecuador’s U20 National Team.
Danny Whittaker
U19 Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Alex Marr
U20 Head Coach
UEFA B qualified coach Alex Marr brings a unique blend of education and experience to football. His MSc in Football Coaching and Analysis, coupled with a BSc in Physics with Astrophysics, highlights analytical thinking and scientific acumen.
Alex coached Chorley Women, Fylde Women, and Skelmersdale United Men, taking a leadership role as the Head of Junior Academy at Fylde. Committed to player development at grassroots and competitive levels, Alex Marr stands as a dedicated professional, shaping football’s future through his diverse skill set and coaching expertise.