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Williams Encouraged By Debutant Jordan Young
Despite ruing a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Port Vale on Tuesday night, Swindon Town manager Luke Williams took some encouragement from the debut of sixteen year old Jordan Young.
Coming on just after the 60 minute mark to replace Jermaine Hylton, Young entered the Robins' history books by becoming the club's fourth youngest player to don the red shirt, behind Lloyd Macklin, Paul Rideout and Ernie Hunt.
Aged 16 years and 186 days old Young, in keeping with his surname, is the youngest player to feature for the Robins during the current campaign.
Speaking to BBC Wiltshire following the defeat, boss Luke Williams admitted the appearance of Young should be refreshing for Swindon fans, and should give a buzz to supporters.
"If I was a Swindon Town fan and I saw Jordan Young come on the pitch, it would give me a buzz – to know that he is a player who has come through the ranks and has got that attachment to the club and you know he wants to do well and fight for the cause," said Williams.
"That (youth) I think, is the way forward. Of course, we have got to balance the squad and make sure there is some experience in there as well.
“I think he showed tremendous composure for a young player coming on for the first time.
“He showed that he’s got some real qualities to receive the ball under pressure and be able to turn," Williams added.
The manager also noted that he has seen something special in Young and, without getting carried away, he believes the player possesses the attributes to develop into a fine footballer.
"“From what I’ve seen of Jordan, I think as he develops into a first-team regular we could be looking at something very special," he said.
Williams did however acknowledge the reoccuring problem in English football that is putting too much pressure and attention on younger, up and coming players. Instead Williams sees the role of the coaching staff as pivotal in ensuring Young fulfills his potential.
"I think that is part of the job of the staff to manage Jordan’s development as a first-team player.
"“It is something we’ve probably all seen throughout the history of football, young players that have got lots of potential but not fulfilling it," Williams added.
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