Chief amongst Jim’s achievements will always be the FA Youth Cup success in 2008, when Chelsea were vanquished in the final, and the production line of first team players that came out of Platt Lane at a time when self-sufficiency in the transfer market was the only option.
Familiar Premier League and international stars Shaun Wright-Phillips, Daniel Sturridge, Stephen Ireland, Micah Richards, Joey Barton and Nedum Onuoha all came through a hot-house overseen by Jim and many more are still currently plying their trade through the divisions.
Having had his own career, which started and ended at Bury, cut abruptly short by injury, Cassell turned to scouting and coaching before joining City from Oldham where he hooked up with long-time friends Joe Royle and Willie Donachie who were charged with reviving the first team’s failing fortunes.
All three men worked closely on the Blues revival from shared accommodation at a cramped Platt Lane where ‘planning and preparation’ became Cassell’s mantra.
Having served in a managerial capacity in local Government whilst out of football, Cassell always maintained a healthy perspective and level-headedness where football is concerned and related easily to his young charges.
After a re-organisation of the Blues Academy in 2009 Jim became an integral part of the international department that spread City’s football and coaching philosophy far and wide.
He also became a football evangelist guest speaking at soccer seminars on all continents.
Now it is time for another change of direction for Jim who will be accompanied by the sincere thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Club.
