He became full-time in 1990 under Colin Todd, initially as youth development officer. He is now responsible for scouting from the ages of nine up to 19.

Ron was coach at highly successful youth team Hilda Park, where former pros including Rioch, Todd, Ritchie Pitt, Ian Bowyer and Irving Nattrass sent their kids to play.

Among his discoveries are Stewart Downing, Andrew Davies, Lee Cattermole, Graham Kavanagh, Alan Moore, Curtis Fleming, Mark Summerbell and many of the stars of the 2003 and 2004 FA Youth Cup final squads.