Jan’s mid-week Pyke fishing a big plus
JAN Siewert has sprung a surprise in each of Town’s last two matches in the Premier League by promoting prospects from the club’s Elite Development Squad.
Full-back Demeaco Duhaney was handed a stunning Premier League debut in the 1-0 home victory over Wolves, while England U17 midfielder Matty Daly was on the bench at Brighton.
So who might be next off the academy rank to stake a claim on a place in Siewert’s senior squad?
Well, the German is sparing no effort in attempting to make sure he is fully armed with all the information he needs.
And Academy manager, Leigh Bromby, has confirmed the lines of communication to the first team – especially with Mark Hudson now on Siewert’s first-team staff as a coach – are fully open. Most recently, Siewert checked on striker Rekeil Pyke when he made his first start on loan for Rochdale against AFC Wimbledon.
Previously on loan at Wrexham, but recalled in January to go out to Spotland, Pyke played 80 minutes in front of the watching Siewert before being replaced by substitute Calvin Andrew.
Bromby said: “It’s massive for us as an Academy to support the first team and for the head coach to show that confidence in us and our opinions.
“You can see the club wants young players in the first team and wants the Academy, which is the main thing.
“It’s not just the Academy wanting to push our players, it’s a whole club vision, which I think everyone can see now. I think the appointment of Mark Hudson in the first team has helped with the transition of our players as well. We are delighted.”
Bromby believes the head coach turning out on a midweek evening to watch one of the club’s prospects is significant.
“Jan came to watch another one of our players that is doing really well, Rekeil Pyke, who’s on loan with Rochdale,” he added.
“He came to watch Rekeil make his debut.
“Things like that are important for the succession of our young players.
“For me, coming to that game, Rochdale on a Tuesday night, speaks volumes really.
“It shows that he (Siewert) wants this to work for the club.”