U-21 professional Development League 'perfect platform for Leicester City lads'
Joining the under-21 professional Development League will help Leicester City bring through young players into the first team, believes development coach Steve Beaglehole.
City have made a promising start to life in the inaugural League Two North division, having drawn with strong Wigan and Derby sides and then beating Crewe 4-0 at the King Power Stadium.
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Development coach Steve Beaglehole
City have three more home games lined up at the King Power and Beaglehole said the standard of the league, which has been set up to fill the void between youth team and the senior squad, will prove to be the perfect platform for young players.
"So far, I am very pleased because it is great to have regular fixtures instead of training all week and having nothing at the end of it," he said.
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"I think it is great for the club to have that extra team because we have always thought there is a big gap between under-18s football and the first team.
"Now we have this league, we hope we can get more players through into the first team, and more players who are assets to the club."
Several of the team in Monday night's fixture against Crewe had never experienced playing at the King Power before.
Beaglehole said it was vital young players get experience of playing in big arenas and on first-team pitches.
"The other advantage is that we played at Pride Park against Derby and then at the King Power Stadium against Crewe," he said.
"It is great for the young players to play on the pitch."
Comments
by yorkiefox
Wednesday, September 12 2012, 8:59AM
“You certainly did Chappy
Lone voices as I remember it!”
by Chappy1884
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 11:23PM
“I feel this is a little bit of common sense - I joined you in your Crusade Yorkiefox - and I feel we have a little victory with our inclusion in his league.
Still need full reserve competition though.”
by yorkiefox
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 5:51PM
“Absolutely.
2 years of lobbying and a new set-up gets us to this point. Lets see how well it keeps our U-21s and first team apirants match sharp over the next few months.
Then maybe someone will introduce a worthwhile competitive reserve team league structure to enable the squad players to get some much needed practice and sharpness.
Anyone injured in this group has a ready made replacement from the U-21s, and the U-18s repectively.
In other words progression through the ranks for those that deserve it, and a place to drop down to for those who need to be rested/replaced/recharged.”
by LCFC18018
Monday, September 10 2012, 11:17AM
“Yeah the crucial thing is to be able to have up to 4 over-age players (inc GK) on the pitch at any time.”
by lcfctilidie
Monday, September 10 2012, 8:26AM
“yes we missed this last year. Match time for the youngsters and game time for lads recovering from injuries. It will keep the young lads fit and NP can see if someone is in great form.”