Elliott Dickman praised his team and staff following the under-18s’ first win of the season.
With a young team including some under-16 players, Dickman’s youthful side have battled hard throughout the campaign and gone close on numerous occasions.
But on Saturday the wait for a win ended as Wolverhampton Wanderers were defeated 1-0 at the Academy of Light.
“It’s been coming and we’ve done well in certain games, some of which we should have won, but the players haven’t stopped working hard and although its took us a while we’ve seen consistency in their training.
“We managed to get over the line on Saturday but to be fair to the group their spirit and their confidence has been good, and like I said the standard throughout the week has been pleasing.”
He continued: “We feel like we’re getting there and it has taken us a while to get where we’re at – possibly a little longer than it should of – but now we can keep pushing on and we will keep encouraging the lads.
“It would selfish if we had the likes of Joel Asoro, Josh Maja and Elliot Embleton playing with the under-18s because although they’re eligible it would be wrong for their development.
“They’re in the right place and it allows our players to step up earlier than perhaps they would of, but that’s good news for the academy and although we’ve had a lot of under-16s in the team it will be great for them in the long run.”
“I’m pleased for the team after getting the first win but I’m also pleased for the backroom staff who have been fantastic.”
