Fleetwood Town's young guns impressed during Hull City defeat

Fleetwood Town interim boss Simon Wiles praised the contribution of his academy graduates in Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy defeat at Hull City.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Wiles took charge of Town’s senior side for the first time at the KCOM, where several familiar faces from his youth set-up were involved.

Like many clubs, Fleetwood have used the Trophy to blood young players, though that was partially out of necessity for this week’s third round tie due to injuries and Covid cases.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having seen his side take a 2-0 lead only to concede three in the latter stages, Wiles said: “The youngsters all played really well. When Wes (Burns) went down with a little knock to his calf we had to adapt. We had to put Ryan (Rydel) across to right-back, drop Josh Morris back in and bring Harvey (Saunders) in on the left side.

Shayden Morris impressed for Fleetwood Town in midweek  Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images LimitedShayden Morris impressed for Fleetwood Town in midweek  Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited
Shayden Morris impressed for Fleetwood Town in midweek Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited

“So we had to adapt in a couple of positions, which probably stopped our flow a little bit, but that was the best solution to what we were dealing with at the time. It’s just unfortunate we couldn’t see the game out at 2-2 to take it to pens but I was really pleased for the young players.

“The previous manager (Joey Barton) gave youth a chance in this competition and tonight, Ryan Rydel, James Hill and Shayden Morris started. We also had young players on the bench who have come through the system and it’s good to see them out there.

“I thought Shayden was very good in the first half, kept the ball well and was a threat. And he had a really good chance in the second half – if his touch was a little bit bigger, he might have been one on one with the keeper.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s all good learning for them and a great experience, and even with the way the game panned out, these moments and experiences will definitely help them with their footballing careers.

“We have more to come back in, which is exciting for myself, Steve (Macauley, assistant) and the staff. We have a lot on the touchlines who can come back into the squad to enable us to kick on.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here