Leeds United: Darby set to be named as new first team coach

The Lancastrian’s last coaching appointment was at Nottingham Forest, but he left the City Ground following Billy Davies’ axing in March 2014 alongside fellow back-room staff members David Kelly and Pete Williams.

Bolton-born Darby, 47, also served under Davies during their time together at Preston and Derby.

Darby’s coaching career began at Deepdale and he became first-team coach under Davies before linking up with the Scot when he left for the Rams in 2006.

He followed Davies to the City Ground in January 2009, only to leave following his departure and the appointment of Steve McLaren in June 2011.

Following spells with hometown club Bolton as an under-16s academy coach, he assisted former Trotters’ team mate Jimmy Phillips during his brief stint as caretaker manager following Owen Coyle’s sacking in October 2012.

He returned for a second spell at Forest as first-team coach to Davies in February 2013 and spent 13 months with the Reds.

Darby is well known to Whites’ assistant head coach Rob Kelly from their time together in the East Midlands.

In his playing days, Darby was a midfielder with Bolton, Coventry, West Brom, Preston and Carlisle.