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Stuart Lewis’ coaching career with Tottenham has moved up another level.
Lewis, the former Gillingham, Ebbsfleet, Maidstone and Dover midfielder, is the new coach of Spurs under-18s.
He’s been rewarded for a successful three-year spell as full-time coach of the under-16s, during which time he worked with the likes of Harvey White and Dane Scarlett.
The former Spurs academy player had previously worked part-time on the coaching staff of his boyhood club before hanging up his boots in 2019, aged 31.
Lewis’ new job came as part of a double announcement by Spurs, who confirmed Ryan Mason - caretaker boss following Jose Mourinho’s sacking - would return to his role as head of player development in the academy.
Spurs academy manager Dean Rastrick said: “Ryan’s return to the academy allows him to continue his outstanding work as a coach and player developer - something he is passionate about - and with Stuart stepping into the role of under-18s coach, we have a strong leadership team in place to aid the progress of our young players as they make the transition from the youth phase into the senior end of the academy.
“Something’s that very important to us is that both Ryan and Stuart have come through the system here and they’re strong believers in our principles behind youth development.”
Lewis told KentOnline last year he had turned down chances to come out retirement to concentrate on coaching.
He had just seen Scarlett become the youngest player in Tottenham’s history after making his debut in a Europa League tie, aged 16 years and 247 days.
“As coaches, it’s a brilliant feeling to see those boys you’ve spent a lot of hours with get that opportunity,” Lewis said.
“It’s what you work for, so these players can kick on and hopefully make a living out of football.”