Academy prepare for FA Youth Cup bow
Our young guns make their bow in the FA Youth Cup against Hinckley United tomorrow night at the New Manor Ground with manager Kevin Wilson urging them to “go out and enjoy it.”
The match, which kicks-off at 7pm, is set to see a number of first year Academy players given the chance to strut their stuff under the floodlights.
Among those likely to be on show are 16-year-old striker Ryan Osborne, who has appeared as a substitute for the first team this season and Callum Chettle, the son of former Nottingham Forest defender Steve.
“This will be a good test for the youngsters, but I’m sure they will be ready for the challenge and I just want them to go out and express themselves,” said Wilson.
“But, obviously, if the lads can get a winning mentality at this level of football now then it serves them well when they progress higher up.”
Wilson believes the rapid progress some of his youngsters are making beyond Academy level proves the club are on the right track in terms of developing talent.
He said: “Ryan Osborne has done very well and he deserves the promotion up to the first team that he’s had.
“You always want to make sure that you aren’t pushing lads on too far too soon, but the way he has played has merited it.”
* See the fixtures page for a full, updated list of this season’s Academy fixtures.
