Jimmy Ball believes increased competition for places and a growing emphasis on standards throughout the club are helping to create the environment he wants at Torquay United.
With several players returning to training, Academy youngsters pushing for opportunities and recent arrivals adding further depth, the United boss says his squad is now looking increasingly strong and adaptable.
Ball revealed that 19 fit players trained ahead of the weekend, with a number of those who have been unavailable recently returning to the group.
“There’s a lot of people to pick from now,” he said.
Ball believes that competition is exactly what is required.
“We had 19 lads out there training today(Thursday), 19 fit players, all looking over and looking at each other going, ‘I want to take your place and I want to be starting on Saturday.’
“That’s a healthy environment.”
Later in his press conference, the United boss summed up the current position succinctly.
“The squad is looking adaptable and strong.”
Players Returning
Ball confirmed there were no significant new injury concerns, while a number of players who have been sidelined have trained strongly during the week.
Oludare Olufunwa has returned to full training, while Harry Shield, Sean Robertson, Isaac Westendorf, Angelo Cappello and Matt Worthington were all among those Ball reported as fit and pushing for involvement.
Jake Wannell is still carrying a minor issue which United do not want to aggravate, while Cody Cooke has picked up a problem which could rule him out.
Ball also confirmed that United are waiting for paperwork to be completed on a new loan signing who will provide additional cover in central defence.
Scarff Making His Mark
One player who has already impressed the manager is new centre-back Taylor Scarff.
Scarff’s recent appearance was cut short after a head wound reopened, but Ball confirmed that the defender is fine after receiving stitches.
The United boss explained that Scarff had been on his radar for some time.
“I saw him last season and I remember him standing out to me,” Ball said.
He then watched Scarff again against United in pre-season before making another scouting trip to see him face Truro.
“We like him. We think he’s got more to come. I can only see the environment helping him and him getting stronger.
“We’re quite pleased with it. I think it’s a good bit of business.”
Sonny Blu Challenged To Do More
Ball also spoke positively about the recent form of Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
The midfielder has been increasingly influential, but Ball has made clear he wants him to continue raising his output.
“My challenge to him is more goals, more influence on the game,” he said.
“He looks like he’s taken that challenge seriously.”
Ball added that he was not surprised by Lo-Everton’s form, explaining that the player had carried a heavy workload towards the end of last season when United were operating with limited numbers.
Moore Backed On International Stage
Deon Moore is currently away on international duty with Guyana, and Ball has given the forward his full backing.
“It’s every player’s — one of their biggest ambitions, I’m sure — to play for their country,” he said.
“So I welcome it and I support it and fully back him to go and do it.
“It’s a massive honour and we knew he was an international player when we signed him. We knew this was a possibility, so we were ready for it.”
Academy Players Earning Their Chance
Ball was equally enthusiastic about the opportunities being created for United’s emerging players.
Several Academy prospects featured in the recent midweek fixture, with the manager stressing that their involvement had been earned through their work on the training ground.
“They train with us regularly,” he said.
“They’ve earned it. They haven’t been given it.
“I enjoyed watching them play. I thought they all did great. They handled it well and the first-team players were complimentary of them and their attitude.”
Ball confirmed that the plan is for young players to continue progressing towards first-team opportunities — but only if their performances and standards justify them.
“They’re going to have to come in every day and compete,” he added.
“If they’ve earned it, they’ll get given the opportunities.”
Rewarding The Right Habits
That pathway is about more than ability alone.
Ball explained that he and the Academy staff regularly discuss which youngsters deserve opportunities with the senior squad, and that attitude, reliability and consistency are every bit as important as talent.
“Sometimes it might not be the best player,” he said.
“Who’s there every minute? Who works hard? Little things like turning up on time.
“Reward good behaviour, reward proper attitudes, reward the right things.”
The aim, Ball said, is to help young players establish habits that will serve them both in football and beyond.
“Consistent behaviour, consistent performances, and they’ll get opportunities at this club.”
‘Culture Is Everything’
That emphasis on standards ultimately comes back to the culture Ball wants throughout the football club.
Asked how important culture was to him, the United boss left little doubt.
“Very important. Culture is everything.
“Your culture is everything. It’s huge, massively important.
“You just want everyone on the boat rowing in the same direction.”
With increased competition for first-team places, young players being challenged to earn their opportunities and standards being reinforced across the squad, Ball believes United are continuing to build the environment required for sustained progress.
