Under 19s

Under 19's

2001-2002 Season

At the start of the 2000-2001 season I suffered an injury setback whick kept me out for the first 3 months on the season. I tore the ligaments in my ankle which was very painful and frustrating.

However I returned and started playing at centre back. It took me 4 or 5 games to find my feet and to begin to establish myself. I had several targets to work on including my heading,tackling,agression,speed and switching play. I found reserve team opportunities very hard to come by in this season mainly due to my own form and other factors such as the size of the 1st team squad.

I still managed to make 2 starts both at right back. This was a good season for our team as we reached the quarter final of the fa youth cup and believe we should have gone on to win it. I also found myself on stand by for the england under 19 team often.

2002-2003 Season

This season has been excellent for me and right from the first day I have been in good consistent form through out the season.

I started the first 8 weeks of the season playing for the under 19s on a Saturday and then the reserves on a Wednesday, in this period both teams have been unbeaten. I played centre back for the youth team every week and would play at centre back, right back or even in central midfield on some occasions.

I had completed all the targets that I had been set and improved significantly on my heading, tackling, aggression, speed and defending in general. I think is partly down to playing in the reserves where the standard is higher and the players can often be more experienced and older.

The highlight of the season was travelling to La Magna with the England Under 20 side for a week long training camp.

On a more sour note my season was ended 2-3 months short due a broken bone in my left foot which i sustained in a reserve game against Arsenal (won 3 nil!!). I am looking forward to returning a stronger and better player so watch this space!!.