Good afternoon everybody and welcome back to Carrow Road for today's match against Swindon Town.
Since my last programme notes, three players from the Academy system have made their competitive debuts for the first team.
David Stephens, who signed his first professional contract in the summer, made his first appearance coming off the bench in our recent Johnstone's Paint Trophy match away at Gillingham. David played for the final 20 minutes of the match and in this time made a few good blocks and tackled well and helped the team through to next round of the tournament following their 1-0 win. David will now be looking for further involvement with the first team squad as the season progresses.
Second year scholar Josh Dawkin also made an appearance off the bench in the same match. Josh has enjoyed a good start to the season for the youth and reserve teams and thoroughly deserved his chance with the first team.
Fellow second year scholar George Francomb also made his debut in this match when he was selected to start as cover for the injured Michael Spillane and Jon Otsemobor. George performed well throughout the game and did not look out of place.
In fact seven of the 11 players who finished the Johnstones Paint Trophy match at Gillingham were products of the Academy system, a statistic everybody at the Club, not just at the Academy, should be very proud of.
A few days later George went on to make his full league debut for the Club as he was once again selected to start at right back for the first team's trip to Carlisle. George again put in an assured display and helped the team to gain three very valuable points and keep a clean sheet in the process.
Both George and Josh must continue to work hard in training and matches and catch the eye of the managerial team as and when the opportunity arises. If they can continue to develop and impress as they have so far this season, they will give themselves a real chance of earning a professional contract at the Club.
On behalf of all the staff and players at the Football Club I would like to congratulate David, Josh and George on making their debuts and hope that they all go on to enjoy long and successful careers in the game.
Enjoy the game.
Ricky Martin
Academy Manager
