Academy director Stephen Torpey to depart Brentford | OneFootball

Stephen Torpey will depart Brentford to become Manchester United’s new academy director.

Having joined the Bees during the 2023/24 season, Torpey has been a key figure in shaping the Academy’s redevelopment, overseeing its return to Category Two status and the reintroduction of age groups from under-9 to under-16.

He will remain at the club while serving his notice period.

Torpey oversaw the introduction and embedding of a clear Academy purpose - to be the most caring and progressive academy in the world.

This guiding principle has shaped the day-to-day culture across the programme, influencing recruitment, development, and retention of both players and staff.

Everyone who has passed through the Academy during his tenure has engaged with and helped uphold that vision.

He has also played a central role in the redevelopment of Brentford’s Academy since its relaunch in 2022. Under his leadership, the club regained Category Two status and reintroduced the under-9 to under-16 age groups, marking a major milestone in Brentford’s long-term player development strategy.

Torpey played a key role in aligning the Academy with the existing B-team structure, creating a seamless pathway that bridges the development journey between youth and senior football.

His collaborative approach extended across departments, working closely with coaching, recruitment, player care, and the club’s communications and performance teams.