With the 2023/24 season nearly upon us, Southampton B provide Gary Johnson’s side with one more test before the side head to Dover next Saturday.
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Championship side Plymouth Argyle, backed up by a convincing 4-1 victory over League One Exeter City, United’s warm-up fixtures come to a close on Saturday, when Southampton B come to Plainmoor.
Who’s the Boss?
Upon the departure of David Horseman earlier this month, Lee Skyrme and Olly Lancashire have been appointed to lead Southampton B on an interim basis. Horseman had guided his side to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title last season, where the side’s goal difference saw them top the table ahead of Leeds United’s Under-21s.
Vastly experienced UEFA Pro Licence holder Lee Skyrme brings a wealth of knowledge to the side. Following on from successful spells at Cardiff City and Exeter City as Lead Professional Development Coach, Skyrme went on to join the FA in 2016. He became a national specialist coach within the England youth set-up, before going on to be appointed head coach of the Under-15s side in 2019. Lee went on to join Southampton as their B Team Individual Player Coach in 2021 as the Club’s development phase set-up aims to closely mirror the philosophies and approach of the Saints first team.
Alongside Skyrme in an interim role is experienced centre-back Olly Lancashire – a former academy graduate himself – who was brought back to the Club in the summer of 2021 to join the Saints B Team set-up, offering support and guidance to those in their development programme. The 34-year-old made his debut for the Club in 2008 and returned to Hampshire with a senior career tallying over 300 senior appearances in league football.
Player to Watch
Highly-rated goalkeeper Jack Bycroft has graduated from the Southampton Academy through to the Saints B Team. In recent years the youngster has spent time gaining experience out on loan, with his most recent stint being a season-long loan in the National League South with Taunton Town. The loan deal, signed the day before the opening day of the campaign, saw the youngster make 46 appearances in all competitions between the sticks last time out.
The 21-year-old previously spent time out on loan at Weymouth, where the goalkeeper made 15 appearances between September 2020 and January 2021. In January 2022, Bycroft then enjoyed a loan stint with Dorchester Town, where he made his debut against his former loan side, Taunton Town.
Played for Both
Nico Lawrence arrived at Plainmoor having established himself as a regular member of the Saints’ first team training sessions under previous first-team boss Nathan Jones, in addition to being an ever-present in the Club’s Premier League 2 side. Despite only joining Gary Johnson’s United side in January this year, the 20-year-old won the affections of the Yellow Army almost instantly and rounded off the season being named as the Club’s Young Player of the Season, having previously also won the vote for two BVEC Player of the Month awards too.
The 19-year-old followed up making Football League Trophy appearances against EFL sides Forest Green, Exeter City and Newport County by receiving a call-up to Southampton’s League Cup squad against Sheffield Wednesday last November. Earlier this summer, Lawrence signed on with EFL side Colchester United on a season-long loan.
TUAFC v Southampton B | 29/07/2023 3pm KO | Plainmoor, Torquay, TQ1 3PS |
Ticket Information
Prices for United’s final pre-season fixture are as follows – Please note that ticket increase by £2 on a matchday.
Adult – £10 (£12 Matchday)
Concession (65+ / Student) – £8 (£10 Matchday)
U18 – £5 (£7 Matchday)
U7 (with paying adult) – FREE
All matchday tickets will be fulfilled as e-tickets, with turnstiles at Plainmoor remaining cashless. E-tickets can either be printed off, or alternatively downloaded and stored onto your mobile device, ahead of being scanned at the turnstiles. Supporters requiring assistance are asked to email [email protected]
Tickets can be purchased online HERE, or via our Matchday Ticket Office between 12pm – 3pm on Saturday.
Those unable to make the trip can keep up to date, with full live commentary available on TUFC Radio HERE.