Sparkes joined the Royals as Assistant Manager in July 2023, once again working as part of Rubén Sellés' background staff. 

Qualified as a UEFA A Licence coach, he began his coaching career in his native Wales as a youth coach with hometown club Swansea City nearly two decades ago.

Andrew spent six years coaching in the MLS with New York Red Bulls and another season in Austria with FC Red Bull Salzburg before rejoining the Swans in 2012-13 as their U21s Goalkeeping Coach for six seasons.

After a stint in South Africa with Orlando Pirates in 2018, he made his move to the Premier League in July 2019; he joined Ralph Hasenhuttl’s staff as First Team Goalkeeping Coach before becoming a Set Piece Coach under Sellés at St Mary’s. 

Along with Sellés, Sparkes left the Saints in June 2023 following their relegation after four years at the club, before reuniting with the Spaniard at Bearwood a month later.