us as well while we’re over at Melwood.
Jake: The first-team coaches watch every game. They know
us, they know how we play, they know what we’re all capable
off. They also know what we need to work on and what we’re
good at, so there’s a good understanding of us from the first-
team staff.
Leighton: It’s also good to see lads like Curtis Jones and
Neco Williams more involved with the first-team because
it shows that if you’re capable, you can get a chance here.
The boss and the coaches put their trust in youngsters and
knowing they trust our abilities is important. Obviously the
manager has got world-class players all around him, yet he
still helps us as much as the first-team, if not more. That’s a
good thing for everyone here at the Academy.
FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS FOR THE REST OF
THIS SEASON?
Jake: Probably just to maintain my place in the Under-
23s team and keep pushing to get better. Hopefully
there are a few more chances with the first-team,
because they have a congested game schedule, but I
just want to keep pushing to become a better player.
Leighton: Just to keep improving every day because
you never know what can happen. We’ve seen what
has happened with a couple of the first-team games
featuring young players, so maybe another one of them
might pop up again. The Under-23s are also still in a
lot of competitions, so it would be nice to win one of
them.IT’S ALSO GOOD TO SEE LADS
LIKE CURTIS JONES AND NECO
WILLIAMS MORE INVOLVED
WITH THE FIRST-TEAM
BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT IF
YOU’RE CAPABLE, YOU CAN
GET A CHANCE HERE