DM Elite was founded to create an environment where young players can thrive and achieve their full potential. Our programmes emphasise technical skill development, character-building, and teamwork both on and off the pitch.
MEET THE TEAM
Why do you coach the way you coach?
“To enhance the lives of children both on and off the pitch – life lessons wrapped up in a learning environment where every session is centred around the players’ development. In return, I feel privileged and humbled in watching the players grow in confidence and belief. Playing a small but important part in any child’s development is a wonderful feeling.”
DARREN MURRAY
HEAD COACH
DM ELITE COACHING
Darren murray
FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
Darren is the driving force behind DM Elite, bringing over 28 years of experience coaching youth football at the highest levels. As a UEFA Pro Licence and UEFA Youth A Licensed coach, he combines elite-level expertise with a passion for developing players both on and off the pitch.
Known for his dedication to player development, Darren creates a supportive yet challenging environment where young players can thrive. His focus on technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience ensures players are prepared to excel not only on the pitch but in all areas of life.
EXPERIENCE
Heart of Midlothian FC
U16s + U19s Head Coach
Reserve Team Coach
Interim 1st Team Coach
Player Development Manager
Head of Coach Education
Coventry City FC
U18 Head Coach
Reserve Team Coach
First Team Coach
Box Soccer
Head of Coaching
Head of Coach Education
CREDENTIALS
UEFA PRO Licence
UEFA A Licence
UEFA Elite Youth A Licence
UEFA B Licence
declan fergus
HEAD OF TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
Declan is a passionate and highly experienced youth coach dedicated to developing players on and off the pitch.
With a UEFA Youth A Licence and a proven track record of coaching success, he plays a key role in shaping the future of young footballers at DM Elite.
Declan’s focus on technical precision and tactical development ensures players gain the skills needed to excel at all levels of the game.
EXPERIENCE
Heart of Midlothian FC
Academy Coach U12’s-U15’s
Falkirk FC
Lead Professional Phase Coach U16’s-U18’s
Lochend YFC
Head Coach
Under 15’s Scottish Cup Winners
CREDENTIALS
UEFA A Licence
UEFA Elite Youth A Licence
UEFA B Licence
SFA Advanced Children’s Licence
PATRICK CLEGG
HEAD COACH - PERTH
Patrick is an experienced UEFA A Licence coach and former professional footballer with a passion for developing players through elite-level training and high-performance standards.
With over 340 senior career appearances, including spells at Arsenal and 188 SPL matches, Patrick brings a wealth of top-flight experience to the DM Elite coaching team. His coaching career spans roles at St Johnstone and Dundee United academies, as well as senior management at St Patrick’s Athletic, Dundalk, and Brechin City.
Patrick’s sessions focus on intelligent football, technical excellence, and building confident players ready to make an impact at all levels of the game.
EXPERIENCE
340 Professional Career Appearances
188 SPL Appearances
inc 1x Scottish Cup Winner + 1x Runner Up
3 First Team Appearences - Arsenal FC
Dundalk FC - Assistant Manager
St Patrick’s Athletic Assistant Manager
Brechin City Manager
2x European Qualification Campaigns
1x FAI Cup Winners
St Johnstone FC U14s Academy Coach
Dundee United FC U14s Academy Coach
CREDENTIALS
UEFA A Licence
UEFA Pro Licence
HNC in Coaching & Development of Sport
BRIAN REID
HEAD COACH - GLASGOW
Brian is an accomplished UEFA Pro Licence coach and former professional defender with over 20 years of playing and coaching experience. Currently leading DM Elite Coaching in Glasgow, Brian blends elite tactical understanding with a passion for developing young talents in structured, high-performance environments.
EXPERIENCE
Playing Career (1988–2007)
Central/Defender at Greenock Morton, Rangers, Burnley, Dunfermline Athletic, Blackpool, Falkirk, Queen of the South, and Ayr United
Over 323 senior career appearances  
Coaching & Managerial Career
Manager of Ayr United (2007–2012), achieving promotion via play-offs twice

Manager of Global FC & Philippines U23 (2013–2014), helping achieve strong league performances 
Led Nuneaton Town, Coventry City U18s, Stranraer, and served as assistant at Pafos FC before most recently managing Albion Rovers (2020–2023)
CREDENTIALS
UEFA Pro Licence
 
Successful manager with promotions and playoff victories, both in Scotland and abroad
OUR MISSION:
Our mission is to develop young footballers who are disciplined, resilient, and team-focused. Training at DM Elite is built on patience, empathy, and attention to detail, ensuring every player feels supported.
OUR Values:
Resilience: Learning to overcome setbacks and grow stronger.
Discipline: Building consistency and focus in every session.
Teamwork: Creating a “we before me” mentality on and off the pitch.
Empathy: Supporting others and fostering kindness among teammates.
OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:
Our training philosophy is built on three core principles: Attention, Intensity, and Intent. These values form the foundation of every session, ensuring players maximise their development both on and off the pitch.
Attention: Players are encouraged to stay fully engaged and focused, making the most of every moment in training.
Intensity: High-energy sessions challenge players to push their limits, building resilience and elevating their performance.
Intent: Every drill and exercise is designed with a purpose, helping players understand how to apply their skills effectively in game scenarios.
One of our unique training philosophies is to push players beyond their comfort zones through carefully crafted sessions and coach guidance. By encouraging critical thinking during training, we help players develop the ability to make decision making on the pitch an automatic process.
This approach fosters a high-performance mindset, enabling players to grow technically, tactically, and mentally. It’s more than just football - it’s about preparing players for success in all aspects of life.
TRIANGLE OF TEACHING
WHY CHOOSE DM ELITE?
Players and parents choose DM Elite for the elite-level training that combines technical skills with life lessons. The programme develops not just players but well-rounded individuals who carry what they learn into all aspects of their lives.
Through a focus on discipline, resilience, and teamwork, players gain the confidence to tackle challenges both on and off the pitch. Parents see their children not only improve in football but also grow into more confident, focused, and determined individuals, prepared to excel in school, sports, life, and beyond.