Media team sponsored by Northumbria Print
After seeing three academy players make first team appearances during the past week, Director Nick Gray was certainly a happy man.
Despite the academy programme still being in its infancy, the production line of talent is already kicking into gear on a busy side of the football club.
Bailey Geliher, Noah Millington and Ryan O’Connor all logged first team minutes over two games against Lancaster City in the league and FA Cup.
“This is what we want,” said Gray when discussing the youth players making inroads in the first team squad.
“Hopefully the other lads will see that and it will inspire them. They won’t be the first and last to be involved in the first team.
“Noah and Bailey have already been on trial at Northampton Town, with other clubs trailing their progress so it shows there are opportunities there, not just within the club.
“We want the players to play at their best ability, wherever that takes them. A major benefit of our academy is we don’t say it is just about us as a club; it is about the players achieving their potential.”
Gray has been delighted with the progress made on the academy side, after a whirlwind start.
“It has been pretty quick in terms of providing that pathway,” added Gray when discussing the path to the first team.
“It’s our first year and we’re in a really good place. There were doubts about getting it off the ground but the long term is we want players to get in the first team.
“A couple are getting a taste for it and we want that to rub off on others. It will come to fruition. They are a good bunch and what we ask them to do, they deliver it.
“The facilities are great; we’re in a good place.”
The latest recruitment for the next intake, aimed at Year 11’s, is taking place on Friday (7.15pm at Craik Park). There’s an open training session and presentation on the courses available.
Contact academy@morpethtownafc.com for more information and to register your interest.
