Graduate tipped to make the grade

Carruthers, who also heads up the academy at Greenwich Avenue, tipped the 17-year-old forward to make the most of his chance after he signed a professional contract for the League One club last week.

A member of the First Division South club's history-making academy side who reached the First Round proper of the FA Youth Cup this season, Kimarni, pictured, had also helped keep Basford's youngsters on course for a second consecutive Football Youth Conference title and made a number of first team appearances before securing his dream move to the Yorkshire giants.

According to Carruthers, Smith will be a "massive loss" but left with the best wishes of last season's Midland League Premier Division champions who are expecting great things of their graduate.

He said: “Kimarni has been an absolute pleasure to work with and I can't speak highly enough of him. He has an honesty about him and his selflessness to work as part of the team, coupled with his pace, control and balance are a joy to watch and when in full flight he is unstoppable. He took my breath away when I first started this role last August.

“His goals and work ethic were a key factor in the academy’s huge success and history making this season and although he is a massive loss, he leaves us knowing that we want him desperately to do well. He has all the attributes to make the grade and with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, we will see him blossom in the years to come."

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