James Shan

Coaching career Shan was a part of the coaching staff at his local club Birmingham City, coaching various age groups in the club's academy set-up.

In 2006, Shan joined the coaching staff of West Bromwich Albion, working with the club's under-7s age group. He later worked as manager of the under-18, under-21 and under-23 sides, before joining the first-team coaching staff at the end of the 2017–18 season. In March 2019 he was appointed caretaker manager following the sacking of Darren Moore, leading the club to a 3–0 victory against Swansea City in his first game in charge. In April 2019 it was announced that Shan would remain as caretaker manager until the end of the 2018–19 season.

On 28 June 2019, Shan left West Bromwich Albion following Slaven Bilić's appointment as head coach.

On 6 December 2019, Shan was appointed as the interim manager of Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North, leaving on 11 February 2020. The following day he was announced as new manager of Solihull Moors of the National League. He was linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday following their appointment of Darren Moore, and a day later he was relieved of his duties with Solihull Moors.

He was appointed assistant manager of Rochdale in July 2021. He left the club in August 2022.

On 30 September 2022 it was announced by Darren Moore that Shan had joined Sheffield Wednesday as a member of their technical team. He left Sheffield Wednesday on 19 June 2023, with manager Darren Moore and the rest of his backroom staff.

On 21 September 2023, he re-united with Moore once again as part of the new coaching staff at Championship side Huddersfield Town.

In March 2024, Shan joined Swindon Town as assistant first-team coach.

On 12 July 2024, Shan joined Aston Villa Academy as the Under-18 Head Coach. On 5 May 2025, Shan guided Aston Villa U18s to their fifth overall FA Youth Cup title, with a 3–1 victory at Villa Park against Manchester City U18s. On 17 May, Aston Villa U18s won a second final against Manchester City to be crowned U18 National Champions of the Professional Development League.

On 12 June 2025, Shan was promoted to Head Coach of Aston Villa's Under-21 squad, replacing the outgoing Josep Gombau.

Personal life As of March 2019, Shan has three sons.

Managerial statistics

+ Managerial record by team and tenure TeamFromToRecord West Bromwich Albion (caretaker)9 March 201928 June 2019 Kidderminster Harriers (interim)6 December 201911 February 2020 Solihull Moors12 February 202010 March 2021 Career total —

Honours Aston Villa U18

Professional U18 Development League National Champions: 2024–25 FA Youth Cup Winners: 2024–25