Hull City can confirm that Neil Sullivan has retired from his role as Head of Academy Goalkeeping.
The former Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United and Scotland goalkeeper first joined the coaching team at the academy in 2020, following a seven season coaching career at Leeds, at both first team and academy levels.
Overseeing a number of goalkeepers that have been developed by the academy, including graduates Harvey Cartwright and David Robson who made their respected debuts for the first team, the 54-year-old has retired from his role with the club following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
“It was a difficult decision to come out of something that I have been doing since I was sixteen; it was similar to when I finished playing, I felt it was the right time to do it. I felt that it was an ideal time to leave football,” said Sullivan.
“I have enjoyed my time at the club. It has been a great experience for me. A lot of good goalkeepers have come through the system while I have been there and I have been very fortunate to work with the people I did. I have been lucky with the staff and they have all been great for me throughout my time at the club. I look back with a great deal of pleasure that I was involved in the club. It is a good club, a great club, and the staff all want the best for the academy.”
“Neil is a great guy, great character and it will be someone who I will miss working with, and I’m very pleased with what he has brought to the club and I want to pass on my many thanks for his hard work and dedication,” added Academy Manager Richard Naylor.
“I had previously worked and played with ‘Sully’ prior to Hull so I knew what he was like from when we appointed him. We knew the strengths he would bring and that has come with his experience, which has been invaluable for the young lads.
“He leaves the goalkeeping department in a really positive place with the ground work that Neil has done with the players. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him and I am sure all the staff can exercise that.”
The club would like to thank Neil for all his hard work at the club and wish him all the best for the future.
