Former professional footballer and manager Paul Dickov has joined the Laurus Trust as their Head of Sporting Excellence.

Paul played as a forward from 1990 to 2011, starting his career with Arsenal, where he won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1994, before moving to Manchester City in 1996. Whilst at City, Paul experienced two promotions and two relegations, playing in three different divisions, and famously scoring the injury time equalising goal that paved the way for Manchester City’s promotion in 1999. He joined Oldham Athletic in 2010 as Player/Manager and later managed Doncaster Rovers. Paul represented Scotland ten times.

The Laurus Trust is a new multi-academy trust in the North-West of England with Cheadle Hulme High School as its founder academy. The Trust currently has two Free Schools in the pre-opening phase – Cheadle Hulme Primary School and a second High School, Laurus Cheadle Hulme.

Paul will work with the Trust’s staff and students as a coach and mentor to help embed their belief that physical activity and competition, both inter and intra school, are vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical, social and emotional health. The Trust wants students to approach competition with optimism and vitality and to understand that hard work and commitment lead to a greater chance of success.

The Laurus Trust is supported by the Law Family Educational Trust (LFET) – established by Andrew Law, a former pupil of Cheadle Hulme High School.

Linda Magrath, Executive Head teacher of Cheadle Hulme High School said:

“We’re delighted to have Paul Dickov as our Head of Sporting Excellence. Paul brings unique skills and experience to the competitive and sporting element of the work of the Laurus Trust. He has represented his sport at the highest level and understands what it takes to succeed. His input will be invaluable for students and staff.”