Danny Amos believes that structural changes made to the Professional Development Pathway are helping to create a seamless transition between the Academy and first team.
The Academy and first team coaching staff have increased the contact time for the U23s meaning they get more training time and match time than ever before and Amos has been impressed with the progress of the U23s side.
“I’m just happy to play whether that is for the first-team or the U23s, it’s all part of developing as a player and keeps you fresh,” Amos said.
“It helps stay closer to the first-team because putting in good performances there means the manager will take note and consider you for more game-time.”
Gary McSheffrey has now taken charge of the development side and since yielded some impressive results. Amos says he is enjoying the new system and that he and his team-mates are gaining confidence knowing that it puts them in a stronger position to challenge for a first-team spot.
“It’s been very different with the U23s this year, we had a new manager come in and Gary McSheffrey took charge of the development side,” he added.
“John Schofield was great with me so having him in the first team coaching staff knowing what I can do helps that transition.
“It’s worked out well and Gaz is doing a good job so far, hopefully we can keep pushing and improving as we go.
“It’s a new person to impress and the group is getting bigger, we’ve got more of a chance to impress and we’re all enjoying it.”
You can hear more about the new U23s structure including an interview with U23s manager Gary McSheffrey in the next edition of DNA Quarterly which will be out soon.