Atlanta United have reportedly picked a youth academy director

Atlanta United are set to make their next big staff hiring. No it's not a first team manager yet, but it's almost as important. According to Doug Roberson of the AJC, the club are set to hire Richard Money as the club's youth academy director.

While the appointment isn't official by any means, the report states that the 60-year-old Money has shot to the top of the list of candidates for the job. An official announcement isn't expected for another month's time due to visa issues.

Not only does he boast an impressive playing record having won the 1980-81 European Cup with Liverpool, but his coaching history is just as shining.

His coaching career includes stints in roles at Scunthorpe United, Manchester City, Coventry City, Walsall, and Cambridge United, the team that Atlanta United President Darren Eales grew up following because it was based in his hometown. Money also led teams in Sweden and Australia.

His academy and youth coaching experience includes stints at English clubs Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Coventry City.

Atlanta United is expected to invest a lot of money, time, and effort into their youth academy. Carlos Bocanegra has stated in the past that he hopes the academy will become one of the best in the world. It only makes sense for the club to hire an experienced candidate. It seems like they have found their man in Richard Money. We shall see if the signing comes to fruition soon.