Melbourne Victory youth coach Darren Davies has expressed delight at seeing a number of youth players move onto the senior team, while hinting that he is close to finalising his squad for the upcoming National Youth League season.
Speaking after his side’s first pre-season game against Altona Magic, Davies said he was not concerned about the scrappy nature of the contest given the new faces in the team.
“I think that was to do with the fact as well we’ve thrown 16 bodies together and expecting them to play so I don’t think we can expect too much,” Davies said.
“It’s nice to get a new group together is the first thing, and obviously today was the first time that they came together as a group to play.
“They’re not used to our environments, they’re not used to playing with us, the style we play, the way we play, so it’s going to take a little bit of time.”
The squad on Saturday afternoon had a distinctly new feel to it, with few familiar faces. The likes of Connor Pain and Andrew Nabbout had long since been awarded senior contracts, and only a handful of last year’s squad were involved in this match.
John Buceto, Christopher Cristaldo, Luc Jeggo, Lawrence Thomas, Dylan Murnane and Jordan Brown started, while Luke Radonic sat on the bench.
The high turnover of players has not dampened Davies’ enthusiasm though, as he looks to continue producing quality players for the senior side.
“It’s not frustrating because it gives me great joy that the boys have moved on and moved on to pastures anew with the first team so we’re starting with a new group, we’re starting from scratch and it’s our job now to work with this new group and to turn them into first team players,” he said.
As for finalising his squad for the season, Davies says that they are looking to tie up the list before the club heads to Tasmania as part of its pre-season preparations.
“I think we’re down to the nitty gritty, there is two weeks left in the VPL and State Leagues, obviously we’re very respectful of them playing in their State League competitions. And following the completion of the State League’s we’ll look to finalise our squad then,” he said.
The Melbourne Victory youth team will travel to Port Melbourne on Wednesday night as they continue their pre-season schedule.