Ilkeston have lured Steve Chettle away from Nottingham Forest to run their Academy and act as assistant to Kevin Wilson.
Chettle will serve a period of notice as Forest's Under-18 coach before joining the Robins next month.
His son Callum, a midfielder, has figured regularly in the Ilkeston first-team this season.
Chettle made 415 appearances for Forest and had a spell at Burton Albion before ending his career with Ilkeston Town.
Robins chairman Dave Mantle said: "It's a massive appointment for us and although we really need someone in now to work alongside Kevin, it will be worth the wait.
"We knew when Darren Caskey left us last month to join Gateshead that he would be an incredibly tough act to follow but Steve is perfect for the role.
"He's a hugely experienced youth coach with a great knowledge of young players in this region and it's ideal for both parties that he also wants to be involved at senior level.
"Steve expressed an interest as soon as he discovered that we had a vacancy and it's an added bonus that he'll be able to hit the ground running because he has been to many of our games this season to see Callum in action.
"The whole philosophy of our club is based around discovering and developing young players and it's a testament to what we are trying to do that Steve is prepared to leave Nottingham Forest and join us."
