Paul Bryson believes the academy’s blueprint for success must be the drive players through the ranks as quickly as possible providing they are ready for the challenge.
In recent months first-year scholar Bali Mumba has been fast tracked to the senior set-up, making his debut as a 16-year-old in May before featuring throughout the month of August as well.
Dan Neil has since made his debut for the under-23s, as has Cole Kiernan as the next batch of scholars look to make the grade in the development squad.
That has then left gaps in the youth team, with under-16 Patrick Almond featuring heavily for Bryson’s side so far this season.
And speaking to safc.com ahead of the Lads’ return to competitive action against Manchester United this Saturday at the Academy of Light, kick-off 12.30pm, he believes if they are ready then there should be no reason why they shouldn’t be presented with the challenge.
“Patrick Almond has already played games for us. Ryan Gooch unfortunately picked up an injury at the start of the season and that’s just hindered his development slightly," he said.
“I am sure once he gets fit he will feature with the under-18s.
“If the players can handle it then they should definitely be involved. There is no point doing it if they can’t handle it and they understand that.
“We understand that one or two results might not be what people are looking for but ultimately, it’s not about the result it is about pushing one, two or however many through to the first team.
“There is also the loan system that’s important. I would look at sending out one or two of the second-year scholars on loan to Northern League teams.
“Just to sample what men’s football is like because too many of them go into the under-23s and they have had it too easy in their development.
“I think they should be out there seeing what men’s football is all about," he continued.
“Elliot Embleton is doing well at Grimsby, Max (Stryjek) has just got player of the month at Eastleigh and Luke Molyneux is at Gateshead.
“It’s definitely something that needs to happen earlier in their careers and hopefully we can look to implement that soon."
