Darryl Flahavan is set to leave Plymouth Argyle to become Sheffield Wednesday’s new goalkeeping coach.
The 46-year-old will continue with the Pilgrims while a replacement is sourced, with local reports indicating the move is driven in part by a desire to be closer to family in the Midlands.
Change in the Argyle backroom
Flahavan joined Argyle as first-team goalkeeping coach in January 2024 and has since worked under four head coaches — Ian Foster, Wayne Rooney, Miron Muslic and now Tom Cleverley — overseeing a unit that has included Michael Cooper, Conor Hazard and Dan Grimshaw among others. His impending departure opens an important vacancy for Cleverley, appointed in June, as Argyle try to maintain momentum after a recent uptick in performances.
The move would mark a Hillsborough return for Flahavan, who previously held the same post with Wednesday during the Garry Monk era. Interest from S6 first surfaced earlier this month and has gathered pace in recent days, with multiple local outlets and reporters aligning on the direction of travel.
Flahavan’s Playing Career
Flahavan began his career at Southampton but made his name at Southend United, where he played 356 times and was central to back-to-back promotions, famously starring in a League Cup win over Manchester United. He later joined Crystal Palace in 2008, making limited appearances before loans with Leeds United and Oldham Athletic, impressing during 20 games with the Latics.
A short spell at Portsmouth followed, though he did not feature competitively. Flahavan then signed for AFC Bournemouth in 2011, playing regularly before injury curtailed his progress. He finished his career with Crawley Town, departing in early 2016.
Why Wednesday want him
For Wednesday, the attraction is proven EFL experience and continuity. Flahavan has worked at a range of clubs — including Leeds, Middlesbrough and Birmingham — and is known for detailed, technique-first sessions and match-specific preparation. With Henrik Pedersen reshaping his staff, adding a familiar face who understands the rhythms of League One is a logical piece of business.
However, it’s not a mvoe without risk for the former stopper. Wednesday are a basket case club who have recent promoted youth team players to fill squad gaps, and they’re the favourites to drop into League One next season.
Writer’s View
This is a significant shift for both clubs. Plymouth lose a trusted coach who has overseen the development of some high-quality goalkeepers, while Sheffield Wednesday gain a figure with a strong reputation and knowledge of their set-up. For Flahavan, the move appears as much about personal circumstances as professional ambition, underlining how family considerations often shape football careers.
Argyle’s priority will be ensuring a smooth transition to avoid disrupting what has become a solid part of their backroom team, while Wednesday will hope his return provides stability in a season where consistency will be vital.
