Richard Walker is thrilled to be taking the next step on his coaching journey as Wolves under-21 head coach, and believes the future is bright for his group of youngsters.
Walker stepped into the role in the summer following the departure of James Collins but did so with 16 years of coaching experience under his belt, with three of them coming with the Old Gold’s under-18s in recent years, meaning he’s already worked closed with many of the now under-21 group.
The former Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale defender gained extensive coaching experience at Stoke City, and will now be trusted, on a permanent basis, with Wolves’ oldest academy talents on their crucial final stage of development towards senior football.
On stepping up to the role
“I’m really pleased. It’s obviously a step up in my career and my journey, and one that I'm really enjoying. The players have been a breath of fresh air and bought into everything we're trying to do in terms of the environment and how we want to go about our business. The staff likewise, so it's been really enjoyable experience.
“From day one, I'm all in. My mindset was always that this is long-term, and it was great to finalise everything and for that to be made public. The staff and players have brought real energy and enthusiasm to what we want to do, and I can see signs of progress.
“The environment we have within the football club is to develop people. First and foremost it has to be the players, but we can develop staff too. Jon [Hunter-Barrett] gives people the right level of challenge and the sufficient level of support. As staff, it's important that we challenge each other in the right way, so we progress and develop.”
On his skills and experience
“I back myself fully. I had a good playing career that meant I played at Championship level, as well as League One and Two. It was a humble playing career – I had to work hard to have the career that I had. I've got the insights as a player, but then as a coach, I've got 16 years of working from under-11s all the way up our first-team as a caretaker on three separate occasions, operating with international and Premier League players. So even the man management aspects during those moments have to be stronger than any other, because you're effectively a supply teacher. If you're not on it, they'll find you out.
“I’ve got a decent toolbox that I can dive into and make sure that I produce what the players need for the right time and in the right session. I also believe I've got interpersonal skills that allow me to connect with players and I've got relationships with a lot of this group from working with them previously. A lot of the players helped us to our highest league finish for the under-18s ever and got us to a Premier League Cup final. I’ve got fond memories and I believe I know how to get the best of the group we're working with.”
On the differences between 18s and 21s
“For me, every level you go up, the tactical side of the game becomes even more important. There are certain elements of football that will always be tried and tested in terms of winning duels, competing, bravery to take the ball, but the next layer is the tactical side of the game.
“We're dealing with professionals on the next run of the ladder, and ultimately the final step before embarking on hopefully first-team football. They have a lot more maturity but have still got things to improve on. They’re closer to the finished article, and therefore the depth and the knowledge and information that they need has to be even more refined at this stage.”
Two of our under-21s have been called up to their respective nations for the upcoming international break 🌍
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) September 21, 2026
England U19s - Wes Okoduwa
Northern Ireland U21s - Josh Gracey
Under-18s Leon Huxley, Ashton Williams and Jacob Dean-Ford will also represent Wales U17s, Wales U18s… pic.twitter.com/BFdjBOkmZO
On the 21s season
“We've had some really good wins. We topped the group in the Premier League Cup, with victories against Burnley and Preston, and two clean sheets. In the National League Trophy, that's notoriously difficult for under-21s, we went away to Wealdstone and put in a fantastic display, and beat them 3-1, and one of our scorers was 15. There are some real positives in terms of performances and results
“On the flip side, we met a rampant Man City side in the Premier League 2 and a really strong Southampton team, who were top of the league, and we acquitted ourselves fine in both games. At Stoke we let ourselves down and the players know that, but they've been competitive in every other game.
“The players are progressing. The group's been hindered by a few injuries and a few emissions for different reasons. But we’re in a healthy place and looking positive in terms of what the future holds for the players within the football club.”
