The V9 recruits are put through their final paces
Four new V9 hopefuls lined up for EFL deals
JAMIE VARDY is set for a pre-World Cup boost with FOUR of his academy graduates reportedly offered EFL deals.
Last week saw 42 handpicked players – plucked from as far down as Step 6 – compete in a series of matches at the second annual V9 academy in Manchester.
Over 150 invited scouts attended along with several managers, including Southend United boss Chris Powell and Morecambe chief Jim Bentley.
Last year’s edition yielded moves for six players into the EFL, with former Tamworth striker Danny Newton currently piquing Championship interest after winning player of the year at Stevenage.
Now it seems several more could follow suit with Alvechurch midfielder Abubacar Sauane and Wealdstone left-back Ryan Sellars amongst those who caught the eye.
“There’s already a lot of interest – and that’s just from the practice games on Tuesday,” revealed Alan Stubbs, the new St Mirren boss and a coach for one of the three V9 sides.
“The age profile is a lot younger this year. Players are more raw but there’s a lot more potential and that seems to have captured the attention. Offers
“Professional clubs were already talking about taking at least six of these lads before a ball was even kicked on Friday. For some that’s on trial, but others are more permanent.
“Three or four have got offers on the table. That’s a lot earlier than last year, so let’s see. We’re hopeful we might get even more over the line this time.”
Some of the 42 players were culled from famous names like Kidderminster Harriers and Darlington, whilst others – like striker Tom Hill – arrived from Wolverhampton Sporting in the West Midlands League.
For a week, however, all were treated like kings at Manchester City’s glittering Etihad sports complex.
Elite coaching, sports psychology, digs used by David Silva and Sergio Aguero – and all with the
end. "There is a wow factor, and Stubbs. “They carrot of five days, it's not easy a they’re big-time come for put them,” break together in a at team said the for impress scouts of strangers and in a they’ve one-off got game. to "There’s a lot of pressure, but I'm afraid that’s the world you live in as a footballer. You have to deal with expectation. You have to perform when needed. But their attitude has been fantastic and they've a all shown a great level of ability ." Vardy who has ploughed over £200,000 of his own cash into the after academy after starting his own career at Stocksbridge Park Steels, was in attendance on Friday, just hours after playing for England at Elland Road.
Ability
And the Leicester striker saw several standout performances. Darlington’s former Middlesbrough midfielder Joe Wheatley was superb in midfield, as was Kieran Parnaby of Step 5 Sunderland RCA. Sauane also impressed in the final match against Welsh side TNS.
“Over 90 minutes, you can always see the lads who’ve got something a little bit different,” said Stubbs, who won the SPL at Celtic and played in the Premier League for Bolton.
“But the gaps are getting smaller all the time. Years ago, there was a gap between the Conference and the League. Now, it’s almost non-existent. That is reflected in the ability of these players. Some of the younger boys here, they could definitely go into the Under-23 group and be developed.
“And I think there’s a few of the older lads here who could quite comfortably step into League Two. Let’s hope others here think the same thing.”