Wrexham AFC Lead PDP Coach Nick Chadwick shared his thoughts heading into the final matches of the 2023/24 EFL Youth Alliance, with the young Red Dragons still in with a chance to lift the league title.
Following the reformation of the Academy in this summer under an EFL licence, the Club’s Under-18 side were entered into the league, competing against well-established academies such as Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.
Despite this they have been incredibly successful this season, stringing together several impressive victories, both at home and on the road also.
Reflecting on their progress so far, Chadwick said: “I’m delighted. The consistency of the performance and results is quite phenomenal in comparison to where they were previously.
“I speak to the players a lot about how their result on a Saturday only comes due to their working week, the work that is done on a Monday until Friday is the most important, and the Saturday is an opportunity to showcase that work.
“The consistency of their daily habits is the reason that they are getting outstanding results at the moment.
“It’s not the odd occasion, we are consistently winning games and winning them emphatically, I speak regularly about the winning mentality of the Club, and what a great stage the Club is at currently.”
Wrexham’s Lead PDP Coach was also full of praise for the mentality instilled within the Club, which has passed down from Phil Parkinson’s side and is now inspiring the next generation of footballers.
He stated: “The Manager has instilled that winning mentality at the Club - it is great for me to pass on the key messages and be able to impress the same culture within the Academy.
“It is a vital part for us moving forward to be able to carry that mentality from the first team to the academy. I have to thank the first team staff for being so open and engaging with myself to be able to progress those values into the academy.”
With just three games remaining – the first of fixtures is to come on the road today against Walsall at midday.
“It could be a really exciting end to the season for us! There are three games remaining, and if we win two of those remaining three matches it gives us a good chance of winning the league. It would be amazing to be able to match the achievements of success from the first team.
“Expectations were to get it up and running this season, and we’re miles ahead of where we should be at this stage.
“The achievement is monumental, and I have to say that is credit to the players and the staff who have worked diligently to develop these players as quickly as possible and maximize their potential in the shortest period of time.
“I think that what we have inherited is an outstanding group of young people. We’ve had no issues whatsoever with behaviour and discipline at all.
“They all want to come into the football club and develop and work hard to better themselves – there’s no ego, no attitudes, it’s a very humble and positive environment that we have managed to create.”
