As the Development Squad’s first season approaches its conclusion, Head Coach Nicky Adams looks back on the team’s maiden campaign, following a good result against the league leaders yesterday.
Prior to Wednesday’s fixture, FC United of Manchester sat top of the league having not lost all season, but a goal from Owen Osaghar and two from Job Dengoue secured all three points at Little Wembley.
It follows months of hard work from Nicky and his team, who’ve had to put the graft in from the trials in the summer up to the present.
“I’m really pleased for the lads getting a fantastic result against FC United, I think it shows how far they’ve come from the start of the year.
“FC United are a really good team, they’re top of the league, and have a lot of lads who are a couple of years older than ours.
“That’s their first loss of the season.
“When they played us at the start of the campaign, they beat us quite comfortably, at a time when our lads were very inexperienced, had just left school and had only trained together for a few weeks.
“The result shows where hard work can get you, and that’s what I told them after the game.
“We were the much better side and played some really good football.
"I’m really pleased for them.”
The former Latics winger has been working with players, aiming to develop their footballing ability and skills as part of the two-year course.
And with Theo Andrew making the step from Development Squad to Youth Team earlier in the year, it’s something Nicky is keen to continue into next season.
“I’ve told the lads that this season isn’t about results, they’re all young lads, around 16, and are going up against teams who’ve been established for a few years.
“What’s key for me is what they take on board, how they improve, and what they get out of it.
“I’ve told them they’ve got to keep learning and improving with every training session.
“I tell them to go out there and be the best version of themselves.
“It’s been difficult at times for them, playing against physically stronger teams, but they’ve dealt with it brilliantly.”
Having guided the first crop of players from grassroots to fair competitors in the National League Youth Alliance, Nicky’s sole focus is on bolstering the squad’s ability with the addition of the 2024/25 intake.
“The first major thing we had to understand when the lads came in is that they were from grassroots, and were stepping up into an environment where they’re playing against academies.
“We got them to play against our own main youth team, to try and integrate them better, and that benefitted us for sure.
“Playing against top players will only make our lads better, a good test and challenge will enhance their ability.
“We want to provide players with the facilities and platform to make progress, a few have already made the step up to the youth team, being involved with them, which is great.
“I’m excited for next year, we’ve got a lot of good young players who are going to join us, so there’ll be competition for places.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re first or second year, if you’re good enough and work hard, you’ll play.
“They’ll be in the team on merit.
“No one will be handed anything because of how old they are.
The Development Squad are next in action against Farsley Celtic on 13th March at Little Wembley.
Kick-off is at 2pm, with supporters welcome to attend.
