BLACKBURN Rovers U18s head coach Brian Carey is set to be named assistant manager to new Chesterfield boss Dean Saunders.

Carey was number two to former Rovers first-team coach Saunders in his previous roles in charge of Wrexham, Doncaster and Wolves.

The ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker took over the Chesterfield hotseat last month after former Accrington Stanley manager Paul Cook left to take control of Portsmouth.

And it is expected that Saunders will be joined at the League One outfit by Carey once compensation between the clubs can be agreed.

Rovers have already started the process of replacing the ex-Republic of Ireland international.

As well as Carey’s position, they are also advertising for an U18s assistant coach, a role occupied by Gary Finley this season.

It is set to be a summer of change at Rovers’ Category One academy.

There will be a new U21s head coach, head of recruitment and lead goalkeeper coach next season.

The lead goalkeeper coach role will be filled by Carlisle United’s Ben Benson.

It was revealed yesterday that Eric Kinder, who was named as Rovers’ head of academy in March, had gone back to his former club to appoint the 25-year-old.

“Eric Kinder spoke to Carlisle United to ask permission to speak to me about the vacancy, then I got a call asking if I would be interested,” Benson told the Cumberland News.

“I really didn’t expect it. I was very happy doing what I was doing, working with some very good people, and Carlisle has been a big part of my life for eight years.

“But it’s a good opportunity to go to another good club and work with someone I know very well. I might never get this opportunity again.”

Kinder, who has vacated his previous role as Rovers’ U21s head coach, said: “Ben always impressed me with his enthusiasm and desire to be successful.

“He has done the hard bit by getting his qualifications and is someone who does everything right and wants to better himself.

“Carlisle have been very good about it and I'm looking forward to working with him again.”