Jerry Gill believes his young Wolves charges will have learned a lot from a “proper local derby” as they impressed in a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion.
Both Wolves and Albion had a player sent off in Saturday’s Under-18 contest, and Gill believes it is important to learn any lessons from a feisty encounter.
But, mindful that Wolves are now blooding several Under-16 players in preparation for next season, Gill was very pleased with the quality of the football.
“It was a good game,” he said.
“I was chatting to Gareth (Prosser) afterwards and it was the sort of experience which you want for the players.
“It was a proper local derby, it was competitive and it meant something.
“We started the game really well and dominated possession, which we did through the game really.
“We played a diamond and our midfield four were terrific in finding the space between the lines and being really creative.
“We couldn’t quite get our phase two game right which was to get an opportunity to finish or provide a finish.
“They were limited to a couple of good chances.
“It was a really good performance and it did turn into a feisty affair.
“It did boil over a little bit at one point and we don’t want that and players were pulling each other away from it which is important as we just want to get on with the game.
“We want it competitive and spicy and we want them to have that experience in front of a crowd with people reacting in different ways.
“It is about learning from the experience and we don’t want players showing misconduct.
“Both teams had a player sent off, Joe Delacoe for us although it looks like it may have been someone kicking a ball away which hit one of the Albion players – and that wasn’t actually Joe.
“It was an enjoyable game though and the players enjoyed it too.
“I said to the lads I haven’t got a problem with it becoming really competitive and it is about them looking after each other but without crossing the line.
“We don’t want players who are too nice, we want players who can handle themselves in that competitive environment.
“We all spoke to them afterwards, myself, Sean (Parrish) and Gareth, and reminded them where the line is.”
There were several impressive individual performances within the overall picture, in a game played in front of watching England Under-16 coach Dan Micciche.
“The boys’ performance levels were terrific, we played Ryan Leak at left back who was excellent and Nyeko Sinclair was very good at right centre half with his defending and his tackling.,” added Gill.
“Harry Beasley is now getting used to the team and did well playing it out.
“Dan Miccichefrom England there to watch Morgan (Gibbs-White) and he was very complimentary about the players and the philosophy.
“He liked the way we used our goalkeeper to play out and also played through the thirds.
“We were dominant in possession and dominant in territory and it was just a shame we couldn’t get the goal.
“It was a really pleasing performance from the lads who are a new group who are blending in together and showing some really good signs for next season.”
