CARL Heeley has highlighted his desire to keep bringing homegrown talent through the ranks at Worcester City.
The Blue and Whites boss was keen to develop the youth set-up this season, with defender Josh Smith and striker James Lemon making the bench in several of the games in the run-in, including both playing in the final day victory over Boston United.
Lemon also received the Special Award at the club’s end of season presentation for scoring a debut goal on his 18th birthday, in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Coventry Sphinx.
“We’re trying to emphasise the importance of the community and bringing your own players through and both those lads have come through the academy,” Heeley said.
“It’s going to take a bit of time for them to adjust and we can’t expect too much too early but they’ve both made a handful of appearances each now and hopefully they develop with experience to be the next crop of players that come and represent the club.”
Another man who has caught Heeley’s eye this season is striker Daniel Nti, who bagged himself an impressive 16 goals in his debut season in the Skrill Conference North.
The pick of the striker’s goals was his stunning effort in the 2-1 win at Altrincham in January, which was subsequently voted the club’s goal of the season.
“I think there’s a lot of improvement in his game but for a first season his goal return has been quite impressive,” Heeley added.
“What you’ve got to remember is for about eight to ten weeks he had a real barren spell where he lost form but credit to the lad, he’s come back with a bang and goalscorers are up and down, that happens, but I thought he’s been brilliant.”