Academy round-Up (October): loan success and new Under 18s Lead Coach.
It has been another busy month for the academy, with a new Academy manager appointed, with another senior debut for an academy player in the first team, successful loan spells for our youngsters and looking back at some of the results from the last month for our academy sides.
Senior Debut
Midfielder Donay O’Brien-Brady made his senior for the football club on Tuesday evening in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur U21s in the EFL Trophy, coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute.
Defender James Dornelly also came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute in his second appearance this season for the first team. U21s midfielder Will Van Lier was an unused substitute in the victory over Spurs in the EFL Trophy.
Loan Update
Tyler Winters joined The Tuplis at the beginning of October on a one-month work experience loan and scored his first senior goal in the 2-2 draw with Gresley Rovers.
Ashton Fox, who joined Peterborough Sports on loan at the beginning of the season, was named in the Vanarama National League North in October after an impressive performance in their 2-0 victory over Southport.
Defender Harry Thomas has also joined Northern Premier League side Corby Town on loan, while midfielder Roddy McGlinchey continues to feature for Peterborough Sports as part of his six-month loan.
Results
Under 21s picked up their first victory of the Professional Development League campaign after a 3-1 victory over Burnley before a 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra, taking their tally to four points this season. Away from league action, the under 21s progressed into the next round of the Senior Hillier Cup after a 3-0 victory over Brackley Town and will face Desborough Town on Tuesday 28th November (7:45pm).
The under 18s also secured their first victory of the Under-18 Professional Development Campaign, with a brilliant 3-2 victory over Barnsley U18s at the idverde Training Ground. The week before that, they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Sheffield United U18s, also taking their tally to four points in the league.
The under 16s were held twice in October, drawing to Sheffield United and Barnsley, and were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City in the Premier League Cup, where they originally took the lead against the Category One academy side.
Our under 13s also enjoyed a successful month in terms of results, winning three of their four games in October, including victories over Colchester United, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday - scoring 20 goals in those four games.
Welcome To Jimmy Unwin
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Jimmy Unwin as the club’s new under 18s Lead Coach after over five successful years at Cambridge United, where he was the lead PDP Coach, helping to develop a host of players into professionals as well as steering the U’s to some notable successes in the FA Youth Cup, including an eye-catching victory over Chelsea.
Academy Manager Dan Robinson said: ‘We are delighted to have Jimmy join us as the u18s lead coach. Following a robust recruitment process that included over 40 applications, Jimmy stood out as a top coach and a great person to lead our youth team helping develop them on and off the pitch.”
Unwin said: “I felt it was the right time for a new challenge and when the opportunity arose at this football club, it was one that excited me. There were other opportunities elsewhere, but the chance to work at within a Category Two Academy was obviously a massive appeal and I am based in Chatteris, so it also worked for family reasons.”
Staff Recognition
Bobby Copping has left his coaching position in the academy and we would like to thank him for all his hard work and support, we wish him all the best with his other roles at the club.
Academy Phycologist, Angus Meichan, has been holding weekly classroom sessions with the members of the academy throughout October.
We would also like to welcome Daniel Stewart, who has joined the club as an under 8s coach.