Dmitri Halajko has officially stepped down from his position as Sporting Director at Colchester United to take on a new role as the Academy Director at Ipswich Town. Halajko’s appointment marks a significant move in his career, as he steps into a leadership role with the responsibility of overseeing and enhancing Ipswich Town’s Academy operations.
Halajko is set to replace Dean Wright, who departed the club in June after two years of service, leaving by mutual consent. Wright’s exit left a crucial vacancy within the club’s Academy, one that Halajko is poised to fill starting on Monday. With a robust background in coaching and development, Halajko brings a wealth of experience to Ipswich Town, having previously held Professional Development Phase coaching roles at esteemed clubs like Norwich City, Leicester City, and West Ham United. Additionally, he served as a Coaching Manager at the Premier League, where he further honed his skills in player development and coaching management.
In July 2022, Halajko was appointed as the first-ever Sporting Director of League Two side Colchester United. During his tenure, Colchester finished 20th in the 2022/23 season and 22nd in the 2023/24 season. Despite the challenges faced, Halajko’s contributions to Colchester were notable, particularly in his efforts to improve the club’s sporting operations and player development strategies.
Ipswich Town’s Chairman, Mark Ashton, spoke highly of Halajko’s appointment, emphasizing the thorough recruitment process led by Chief Operating Officer Luke Werhun and Director of Football Operations Gary Probert. Ashton expressed his confidence in Halajko, stating, “After an extensive recruitment process, Dmitri stood out for his proven track record of producing high-level players and his extensive experience in the industry. We knew he would be an excellent fit for us.”
Ashton further highlighted Halajko’s impressive career, noting his senior leadership roles within Premier League clubs and Category One Academies. “Dmitri will now help us to drive standards and support our ambition of achieving Category One Academy status,” Ashton added. “His experience will be invaluable in building on the progress we’ve already made, ensuring continuous improvement in our players, people, and programs.”
Halajko’s arrival at Ipswich Town signifies a new chapter for the club’s Academy, as they strive to reach new heights in player development and operational excellence. His extensive background and leadership qualities are expected to make a significant impact on the club’s future success.
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