Log In

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Forgot Password?

Sign Up

Password will be generated and sent to your email address.

Javier Alonso Delgado excels as Crystal Palace U18s Head Coach

  • The skilled coach joined Crystal Palace from Atlético de Madrid in July 2025, following a headhunt by Football Careers
  • His squad won the U18 Premier League Cup for the first time in club history and reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1997
Image: Crystal Palace FC

We’re delighted to have managed the recruitment process for the U18 Head Coach position at Crystal Palace FC.

Before beginning the search, Football Careers consulted with Crystal Palace’s Academy to discuss the ideal candidate profile for the position. It was determined that the club wanted an individual with an outstanding track record at the U17 to U19 levels and a strong style of play aligned with modern elite youth football.

After an intensive headhunting campaign, we identified Javier Alonso Delgado as an excellent candidate for the role, and he was appointed in July 2025.

Prior to joining Palace, Javier was U17s Head Coach and Head of Youth Players’ Department of Individual Development at Atlético de Madrid. He joined Atlético in 2017, initially working with the U12s and eventually coaching across multiple age groups.

During his time with Atlético, Javier led the U15s to a league title and helped them win several youth tournaments. While in charge of Atlético de Madrid Juvenil B — the club’s U17 squad — Javier set new club records for league points (85) and goals scored (106) at that level.

Now, Javier is implementing his brand of high-intensity, attack-minded football at Crystal Palace.

His squad opened the 2025/26 U18 Premier League South season with a resounding 8-0 win against Birmingham City and progressed through the year in strong form, ultimately securing a fifth-place league finish and scoring 74 goals.

Javier’s U18s have seen unprecedented cup success, defeating Manchester United on penalties to clinch the U18 Premier League Cup for the first time in club history on 22 April 2026. His team also reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1997. 

Commenting on the recruitment process, Javier said:

“Football Careers were always there to assist me with everything throughout the process. They advised me on how to make my interview presentation as strong as possible, and they were a great help in getting me the job. I only have good things to say about their team and the company.”

Ben Stevens, former Assistant Sporting Director at Crystal Palace FC, commented:

“Working with Football Careers on the recruitment of our U18 Head Coach was an excellent experience. The thorough headhunting process brought a number of high-calibre candidates, leading to the appointment of Javier Alonso Delgado from Atlético Madrid. Their understanding of the football landscape, attention to detail, and ability to manage a professional and discreet search made the process smooth and efficient. We’re very pleased with the outcome and the level of support that Football Careers provided throughout.”

We’re pleased to see Javier and Crystal Palace’s U18s excelling together, and we look forward to watching their progress over the coming seasons.

Keep up to date with the latest news
from Football Careers

including recent placements, in-depth interviews with our clients, career advice segments, guest columns, and more. Our members can access exclusive content centred around working in the world of football, created by the people who know it best.

    I can’t thank Football Careers enough for the professional CV they created for me. The attention to detail is outstanding and the design is eye-catching. I really appreciate all of the support and guidance their team has given me over the years.

    Robbie Fowler, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

    Football Careers knew every detail about the role I was interested in and gave me comprehensive advice on how to prepare for a successful interview. The team was attentive and took time to answer all my questions. The knowledge they’ve shared with me has helped me secure a new role and it will be invaluable in my future career.

    Selmen Sassi, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

    I would like to thank Football Careers for their professional preparation of my CV and PowerPoint presentation. Without their input, I wouldn’t have found the recent job opportunities that have come my way. I would highly recommend Football Careers to anyone involved in football.

    Frank Sinclair, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

    I’ve had my CV and LinkedIn profile done by Football Careers. They’ve helped me out, they’ve offered me advice and guidance, and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. I would recommend them to any coach.

    Diarmuid O'Carroll, Assistant Manager & Former Professional Footballer

    Football Careers does fantastic work. So happy to be a part of such a professional agency and thankful for their help!

    Éamon Zayed, Head Coach & Former Professional Footballer

    Football Careers worked tirelessly to create a top-quality CV and philosophy documents that perfectly capture my ideas on how to run a football club. They have been a joy to work with from the very beginning and their outstanding final products have already proven to be a very useful career tool.

    Derek Adams, First Team Manager

    Football Careers has helped me greatly with my football CV and my management brochure. They’re very professional and the design of the documents is fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for a couple of years now and I would highly recommend them.

    Pa-Modou Kah, Head Coach & Former Professional Footballer

    Football Careers were a huge support to me in my transition from playing to coaching. A first-class service to those who are looking to give themselves the best opportunity for face-to-face interviews.

    Paddy McCourt, Assistant Manager

    Top service once again from Football Careers, thanks for all of your help with updating my CV.

    Clint Hill, Assistant Manager & Former Professional Footballer

    Thanks to Football Careers for their help over the years. I highly recommend their services!

    Stevie Grieve, First Team Manager

    A big thank you to Football Careers for the yearly update of my CV. If you’re looking for a CV, get in touch. Best in the business!

    Ross Ballantyne, Head of Academy Goalkeeping

    Since utilising my CV, I have had interviews at a number of English Premier League and SPFL clubs before accepting a role in the USA. It is definitely a service which I will continue to use.

    Graeme Henderson

    The team members at Football Careers are very approachable and they have excellent knowledge of the football industry. I received a highly professional service from them and I now have a detailed, eye-catching CV that any employer would be attracted to.

    Kevin Nicholson, Club Services Manager

    Football Careers helped me successfully apply for my first full-time coaching job. They provide a fantastic, professional service with a great final product. The team is a pleasure to deal with and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided.

    Luke Chadwick, Head Coach & Franchise Owner

    Working with Football Careers has opened up new opportunities for me. I am delighted with the quality of their service and the results that I received. The work produced by the team has been consistently excellent and I strongly recommend their services to any ambitious coaches.

    Jose Gomez

    Football Careers’ membership features have been a great help to me over the years. The job board is fantastic. It’s quick and easy to use, and there is a wide range of jobs available that are based all over the world. Being an Elite Hosted member gives me unlimited access to the job board, so I can apply for as many roles as I like.

    Jordan Tait, Lead PDP Coach

    I would highly recommend Football Careers. Following a consultation, I was provided with a new professional CV and LinkedIn profile as well as very useful interview coaching. Given the highly competitive football job market, the support they offer is invaluable.

    Barry Horgan, Research Manager & Sports Scientist

    I highly recommend becoming a member of Football Careers. You’ll receive the benefits and opportunities you seek in football. The services offer good value for money and above all, give you the access and tools you need to apply for high-level positions globally.

    Niall Connolly, Director of Coaching

    Fantastic service and professionalism of the highest order! Top-class staff who go the extra mile with a personal and professional approach. I highly recommend Football Careers, thank you always!

    Dave Rogers, YDP Lead Coach

    Thanks to Football Careers for the brilliant CV and cover letter to help with my future. First-class service and an unbelievable, new-look CV! I thoroughly recommend them, thanks again.

    Ross Stormonth, Assistant Manager

    Thank you to Football Careers for your quality products and outstanding service. I highly recommend them to any football professionals.

    Paul Gray, Academy Manager

    I would highly recommend Football Careers to anyone looking to obtain a CV of outstanding quality and attention to detail. I have just received mine and it’s first-class.

    Darren Murphy, First Team Manager

    A massive thank you to Football Careers for redesigning and updating my CV. If you’re looking to give your career prospects a boost, I would highly recommend getting in touch with them.

    Brian McDermott, YDP Coach

    Become A Member

    Create an account and access a limited number of the latest sports vacancies. Apply for up to five directly from your profile.

    Or, become a full member and gain additional benefits including access to all listings on the Job Board, your own candidate page and access to all news articles and expert career advice for a small monthly fee.