Monk vows to keep giving youth a chance at Blues
BLUES boss Garry Monk has promised not to let the need for results next season interfere with his desire to bring the club’s youngsters through.
Monk guided Blues to Championship safety this season with just the right blend of youth and experience.
The former Swansea boss handed Wes Harding his league debut and stuck by the 21-year-old academy graduate during the run-in.
He also gave young midfielder Beryly Lubula his first taste of Championship football, as a substitute in the defeat at Bristol City last month.
And while Monk will be tasked to keep Blues at the other end of the table, after successive seasons of struggle, he has no plans to sacrifice his principles.
“I’m a big believer in giving youth an opportunity,” he said. “I’m a big believer that when you have an academy at a club, it should be used. Else what’s the point in having an academy?
“We work in a job where time is not our best friend and it’s a volatile job at times. The need for results is always there so I can understand why certain managers don’t want to do it.
“I’ve said from the very start, and I’ve proved it at other clubs, I always give youth a chance. They have to earn that chance, I won’t ever give it just for free or for the sake of it.
“It’s making sure that while you have an academy at a club, you have a manager in place who can help to bring that through.
“Of course, it’s great when you see a young local lad or a kid that’s come through the youth system and got an opportunity in the first team.
“We all know the fans and everyone take great pride in that. I’m very conscious of it, but the player needs to earn it.”
Lubala headlines a list of three young Blues hopefuls to have had their deals extended. He has had his contract extended by 12 months, as have Remeao Hutton and Kyle McFarlane.
Each player had an option in their contracts, which has been implemented. After making his senior bow against Bristol, 20-year-old Lubala said: “Getting the taste just makes you want it more. “So, get back on the training pitch, keep improving, keep impressing the gaffer and hopefully I can stay around it. Keep staying on the bench, keep coming on and hopefully cement my position in the team.”
Monk said: “He worked very hard since day one, since I came in. He got his opportunity. He looked a threat, looked positive. Of course, that’s always food for thought as well. We haven’t got a lot of options, attackingwise. We try and make the best of it.”
Right-back Hutton and striker McFarlane were the two highest appearance makers for Blues’ Under23s last term.
“Birmingham City is renowned for bringing through young players and the opportunity is there if you do well,” said McFarlane.