The County Files |
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New Talent - With Familiar Faces A new-look Birmingham County FA U18 side will get their first taste of competitive football this Sunday, 16th September when they take on Kidderminster Harriers U18 at Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr. Major influences in last season's squad are now over the age limit for the team, and have been replaced by fresh talent picked from all over the County FA region by Manager, Martin Sweeney and his Coaching staff. "We get the chance to work with some of the best players in the area, match them with others who have similar ability and help them develop their game," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "Thanks to the opportunity to play on such a prestigious stage, many move on and sign professional contracts." Matty Lewis, who scored 9 goals in 8 appearances last season is a prime example of the County system, having signed a 3 year contract with Kidderminster during the summer, whilst Gary White is now a regular in Stoke City's Reserve side. However, Poole admits that this season's side have a lot to live up to after Birmingham have appeared in the last two FA County Youth Cup Finals - lifting the trophy on the first occasion - whilst winning the Midland Counties Youth Championships twice during the same period: "We have been very fortunate to have had players available to us who performed so well together," he said. "Our backbone of Elliott Richards in goal, Gareth Picknell and Adam Cooper in defence, Ronnie Sayer and Andrew Morris in midfield and Matty Lewis up front has gone." There are still some familiar faces - Representatives from North Birmingham College includes a return for Pat Flaherty who made 8 appearances last season. Nuneaton Borough's Chris Woodhall and Marconi (Coventry)'s Matthew O'Rourke has been recalled to the side, along with Paul Marshall who made a terrific impact during his 2 appearances towards the end of the campaign. "We hope that the continuation in personnel means that the spirit of the team can continue to thrive," said Poole. To see how the new side perform, spectators can gain free admission to County HQ on Sunday for a 10.30am kick off. |