MILKWALL AFC officials hope their work in nurturing a successful youth team will pay dividends this season.
For much of the last campaign they were rooted firmly to the foot of the North Gloucestershire League premier division. Their great escape came when they were forced to reorganise and Peter Morgan took over as manager. He immediately introduced some younger blood and turned the tide with remarkable results against the top teams, snatching a point off Huntley and then defeating high-flying Newent.
"Things were suddenly looking up. We managed three more wins and two draws from our final games and we had done the impossible, or almost. Blakeney had to beat Newent 11-0 in their final home game to relegate us. They lost 7-0 so it was premier football for us again this season," said Morgan.
He is determined Milkwall will not be facing the same tough climb this season.
"In the close season we have again made changes. I believe we have strengthened both squads and with the on-going work to upgrade the facilities we now have the foundations of a club with a very bright future," he said.
Club official Graham Grindle believes the successful youth team players who have now stepped up to challenge for places in the senior team will play an important part in the club's progress.
"There are some really promising youngsters in the squad. In pre-season friendlies and charity league matches the average age of the team has been 21 and this is all good news for the future," he said.
Joining Morgan in the coaching hothouse is Lee Powell who has responsibility for the second X1. It is his first venture into management but he comes with a lot of playing experience and knowledge of the local soccer scene.
Grindle says the managers have been pleased and encouraged by the early results and the way the youth players have settled in and scored quite a few goals. The team heads their section of the West Dean Charities League.
Training has gone particularly well with up to 20 senior players at the Wednesday and Sunday sessions. These have been made more interesting by the arrival of Clive Skinner who has introduced some new ideas to keep the players on their toes.
And with an eye to the future the club has already started to coach another group of youngsters. Up to 14 nine and 10 year olds are being coached by retired player Roy James assisted by Lee Powell.
For this season new kit has been provided by brewers Greene King through the Tufthorn Inn. The Second X1 kit is supplied by Wye Valley Drinks.