Etihad camp was special, says Penny

NUNEATON centre-back Alex Penny admitted the V9 Academy was the chance of a lifetime.

The Boro defender, who joined from Hinckley last summer, attended the five-day trial course at the home of Manchester City, alongside Nuneaton teammate Tom Elliot – and a host of other ex-Boro men.

Penny said that the chance to train at what he called the best facilities in the world – as well as compete in a series of coaching sessions and a trial match – made it all worthwhile.

The academy was set up with the aim of giving non-league players a stage to impress top scouts, and perhaps even follow in the footsteps of the modern game’s greatest example of a non league talent made good – Jamie Vardy.

Penny said: “The facilities were second to none, plus we all got our own rooms there which was like an added bonus.

“To see where those guys train and to meet some of the coaches was fantastic. It was everything we all hoped it would be and more.

“Everyone just kind of got along. I knew people from Nuneaton before I went and I also knew people who I had played against.

“There were people from down south who I had never met, though, and we all just along.

“The football just brought us all together. I enjoyed it and took a lot from it.”

It is not yet known what has come from the week for Penny, who has been linked to many a move in the last six months.

The likes of Stoke City, Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City are all reported to have taken an interest in the youngster, but despite that it is all about the here and now for Penny.

He said: “I’ve seen the rumours but that does not affect me.

“I got to play in front of scouts last Friday, but believe me playing in front of the Boro fans is more intense. That is where it matters.”