With United’s U18s looking to take another step towards silverware in the League Cup semi-final on Saturday, Ryan Dickson assesses the season so far.
With Cirencester blocking their path towards another showpiece final, the Under-18s boss isn’t taking anything for granted this weekend.
“Any semi-final is obviously big, but it’s a little bit of the unknown as we’ve not come across Cirencester yet,” said Dickson.
“They seem to be quite competitive, and are doing fairly well in the league so I think it’s one of those where the boys aren’t going to need too much motivation, and it’s something which they thoroughly deserve with their performances and consistency throughout the season.”
Having clinched both the League and League Cup on their way to an unprecedented treble last season, the lads have responded well to the challenge this term, with the full squad playing their part in their success so far.
“At the start of the season, there were a lot of cancellations. There’s been a massive backlog of games, they’re coming quick and fast now, so there’s been squad rotation and a lot of changes. The lads that have come in have shown that they can perform at a consistent level and be reliable when needed to step in for any of the other boys getting injured.
With former United midfielder Ryan taking charge of the Under-18s under Head of Youth Robbie Herrera last summer, the youth department appear to have made light work of the season of change, with the young players under their stewardship responding well to the transition.
“A lot of these lads played a big part in the success last year, so I think we’re very fortunate that we’ve got a good group together, that have been consistent in their motivation throughout the season, and really pushed and driven each other on. As a collective, they’re very strong.
“I think they’ve welcomed the change at the Football Club, with Robbie’s knowledge and that bit of structure coming in as well, and obviously me as a Head Coach. I think they’ve been in a good place, and the lads want to grow and continue their careers in football. I think some of them will – to what level, is down to them, to keep driving and striving – but if you look at the last five years of the youth team, this is certainly the best group in terms of where they’re at in standards and success at this moment in time.”
“I’ve come here, and it seems to have gone well. There’s that change, and you don’t know how it’s going to go, but you just have to trust yourself as a character, trust your own knowledge, and build those relationships as quick as you can with the lads and the coaching staff so you can implement the culture you think is going to be successful for their development.
“I’ve inherited a good group, and we’ve just added to that.”
Whilst a number of new faces having played their part in the youngsters’ progression, Dickson saved a word of praise to two well-established unsung heroes in the ranks U18s Assistant Manager Paul Bishop and Youth Physio Bess Ashworth.
“I walked into a very good environment. Bish is one of those who goes above and beyond, he’s got a 101 jobs but will do whatever he can for the boys, and they’re really lucky. He’s a really good guy to have around, and he makes the job a lot easier. Bess, as well is a Torquay fan, is around the Club and is a part of it, and just wants success. They’re real community people, and they enjoy the youth, and the perception of what they can bring.”
United fans unable to make the trip to Gateshead this weekend can watch United U18s take on Cirencester in the Gary Else Memorial League Cup semi final, with the match kicking off at South Devon College on Saturday (18/03) at midday.