Youth set-up vital to Telford's future

The Bucks currently run youth teams up to under-16 level but managing director Lee Carter this week confirmed the club's intention to establish an under-18 side from next term.

Carter has spoken of the need to take a more long-term view to the club's development in the wake of relegation from the Conference Premier.

And Kittrick said: "Going forward, that is what this club needs, an under-18 academy and then we can develop our own players.

"That is the aim long-term, definitely."

As part of the club's intentions to expand the youth set up, two of the Bucks' under-16 stars – Joe Daley and Eshan Greer – trained with the first team last week. Central midfielder Joe Daley, grandson of ex-Wolves Midfielder Steve Daley, and midfielder/striker Eshan Greer were also with the match-day squad for Saturday's home clash with Kidderminster Harriers.

And Kittrick said: "They are the best of the under-16s.

"They came to training on Thursday and I invited them on Saturday to get a feel for what first team football is all about. They have both got a great future."

But Carter urged caution regarding the timescale it will take for the programme to pay dividends for the senior side.

He said: "We are going to have an U18s scheme next year, probably one that we run from the Learning Centre, a proper scholarship scheme.

"But to expect those lads to make a big leap from Under 16s football to what is effectively men's football is a big ask. What we have got to make sure is that there is that pathway in place."