Richard Walker is eager to build on last season’s progression as Wolves under-18s begin their 2024/25 league campaign on Saturday afternoon.
The youngsters host Blackburn Rovers in the U18 Premier League at Compton Park, and head coach Walker has discussed how the first-year scholars have settled into the group, what he’d like to see this campaign and what he’s expecting from visitors Blackburn.
On players moving into the 18s
“One of the things about being under-18s coach is that 50% of your group is new and fresh.
“We already have a bit of an understanding of the players and a few have played last season as under-16s, but now it’s full-time and day in day out. There’s a good energy about it and enthusiasm from the players.”
On adapting to life as a scholar
“They’ve adapted well. It’s full on and pre-season’s always hard, but it’s probably been harder than ever this pre-season.
“They’ve found it tough in terms of aches and stiffness here and there but, all in all, they’ve shaped up and settled into the programme well.”
On building on last season’s progress
“Last season was a really good season for a lot of reasons. The main thing about last season was that pretty much all the players made good progress and that’s ultimately what we’re here to do – to improve the players and make the individuals as good as we possibly can.
“As a result of that last season, the collective group had a good season in terms of where they finished in the league and we came runners-up in the under-17 Premier League Cup as well.
“The main priority is to keep improving the individuals as much as we can and, as a group, hopefully they all progress together.”
On hosting Blackburn
“Blackburn are always really well-organised and aggressive in the right way in terms of how they press. They’re strong in second ball situations, but they can play as well.
“For my boys, it’s absolutely vital that we earn the right to play so that we match them in those moments.
“We also want to show the composure to get the ball down and play because we need it to be a football match and we need to get good dominance. That will require everyone being really brave to take the ball, even under significant pressure which we expect Blackburn to put us under.”
