MARTIN Dobson, rejected by Bolton Wanderers as a teenager, has returned to Burnden Park to produce the stars of the future.

The former England international, a derby rival during his successful days as manager of Bury, has been appointed by Colin Todd as the club's first full-time Youth Development Officer.

He will be responsible for finding and nurturing talent from Under 10s level, through the Burnden school of excellence and producing players who will eventually take their place among the professional ranks.

Jimmy Dewsnip, who has carried out the duties on a part-time basis, stays on in the same capacity and will work under Dobson.

Todd says the appointment is a major step in the right direction and, irrespective of Wanderers' current plight, signals the progress the club is determined to make at all levels.

"Every club needs a full-time YDO and Martin is a man who knows the area well himself and is recognised and respected by people," the Burnden boss explained. "It's not something that will work overnight but it's essential that this club produces home grown talent. Standards have improved in recent years on that score but we can't say we've produced very much ourselves."

Dobson, who managed Bristol Rovers for a short time after a successful five-year reign at Bury, has been working for four years as a freelance football coach in schools in the Burnley area.

He said today: "It's exciting times with the new stadium being only 15 months or so away, but youth development is something of a minefield.

"There were around 108 schools in the Bolton area, at the last count, and I'm writing to them all to outline my plans.

"We aim to do everything right. We want the best people here; they will be coached to the highest standard and their welfare will be of paramount importance." Reflecting on his rejection by Wanderers at the age of 18 after just one season as a professional, he said, philosophically: "What goes around comes around.

"I remember I was very disappointed to be shown the door but I moved from a second division club to a first division club, Burnley. It gave me a kick up the backside but I never looked back."

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