Youth is key to Hednesford

Hednesford Town are launching a new U21s side to build on a trophy-laden season for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division outfit’s youth sides.

The team will join the Northern Division of the Midland Combination Under 21 League and Hednesford believe the U21s set up will add another level to the development of talented youngsters at Keys Park.

New U21s manager, Mike Smyth, says the side will help more youth team players follow in the footsteps of graduates like Bradley Grice and Amani Allen.

Smyth’s team will play against local rivals Chasetown as well as Romulus, Sutton Coldfield and Hinckley United with their home games taking place on Saturday mornings at Pelsall Villa.

Smyth said: "I hope the introduction of the Under 21s will help us develop our existing talent and bring new talent onboard with a view to finding one or two players that Rob Smith and Chris Brindley could call upon for the First Team squad if needed.

"Just as importantly though, we want to develop a relationship with the Youth Team. I had a great time assisting their manager Keith Holmes last year and I think we have a good working relationship. If Keith identifies a player or players that he’d like to see play at U21 level, then we’ll accommodate them."

As well as including older players from last season’s Youth Team, Smyth revealed he’ll also be welcoming talent from other clubs and will have an experienced coaching team behind him.

He explained: "I have kept some of last year's Youth Team who are now too old to play at Floodlit Level and have some very good players players returning from spells with professional and Non-League clubs.

"Hednesford Town has such a massive name in the area so I have also been approached by numerous players who will be assessed in pre-season training.

"This year I am being assisted by Neill Hornby, a coach at the Burton Albion Centre of Excellence, and Simon Mellor who I have worked with for a number of years.

"Keith Holmes will be the man to identify and recommend any of my players to Rob and Chris if he thinks that they have the necessary ability and attitude. To my knowledge this is a first for the club and I hope it will be viewed as a positive in the seasons to come."

Any players with Professional Football Academy or Midland Floodlit League experience interested in attending pre-season for the U21s should contact Mike on 07769 930361.

Management are also keen to bring a trainee physio on board, a role they say would suit a graduate or apprentice looking to gain experience.