Youth Coach Kevin Sheedy
Kevin Sheedy insists that the priority for Everton FC’s young guns must be progress on the pitch - not defending their Premier League title this term.
The Blues were crowned 2013/14 Barclays Under-18 Premier League champions after Harry Charsley’s goal gave his side victory over Manchester City in the final at Goodison Park in May.
But manager Sheedy is insistent that developing the players individually as they aim to progress into future first team stars is more important than league form.
Sheedy challenges young Blues to prove their credentials once again
Everton U18 players celebrate with the 2010/11 league trophyEverton U18 players celebrate with the 2010/11 league trophy
He said: “It’s about that individual progress above everything. Making sure each and every one of the lads improves over the course of the season and if that happens then the results will come.
“We’re all really looking forward to the challenge. Obviously we want to build on our winning mentality throughout this campaign too - that’s important.
“But winning does come with development and we are not simply just setting out to win the league.”
Sheedy’s side have had a busy summer, with a trip to Austria followed by participation in a tournament in South Africa which saw them take on the best young talent of Brazilian outfit Santos, Roma, Feyenoord and the South African national team.
And they took what lessons they learned from such demanding fixtures into their opening game of the season at Finch Farm last Saturday, a 6-3 victory over Middlesbrough.
Everton Gethin Jones and Russell Griffiths celebrate with the trophyEverton Gethin Jones and Russell Griffiths celebrate with the trophy
“We were 2-0 down at one point but we responded with some brilliant attacking play,” said Sheedy. “The way we play if we lose the ball we can be quite open so we ust cut that out.
“But to score six goals shows we’re doing something right going forward so I was pleased overall.”
The Blues victory came courtesy of goals from Southport-born forward Delial Brewster, who bagged a hat-trick, Harry Charlsey, Callum Dyson and Tom Davies.
This weekend they will travel to Wolves looking to build on their bright start.
Source: Echo
