The small steps Sheffield United are taking to prepare their U23 stars for first-team action
Paul Heckingbottom, Sheffield United’s U23s boss, says it is important that his young Blades gain experience of playing in professional stadia to prepare them for the transition to the first team.
A number of Heckingbottom’s players have been training with the Blades’ senior squad in recent years, with youngsters Frankie Maguire and Iliman Ndiaye regulars on the matchday teamsheet for Premier League games because of United’s lack of senior midfielders.
The likes of Kyron Gordon and Zak Brunt have also gained invaluable matchday experience in recent weeks, while Antwoine Hackford became United’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he came off the bench away at Crystal Palace at just 16 years of age.
Heckingbottom’s side play the bulk of their home matches at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium, but were in action at Bramall Lane yesterday as they beat 10-man Coventry City 3-2 thanks to goals from Ndiaye, Gordon and Dan Jebbison.
“It's important for their development to play stadium games,” Heckingbottom said.
“Chesterfield's a great venue for us, especially the night games under the lights, and we try and approach it the right way to get the tempo and intensity of the game up so we're readying players for the first team.
“It's worked well so far, the response from the players has been really good, and it was another good one today.
“We're always looking where we can be better but the first 30 minutes was almost perfect, apart from the missed chances.
“There were lots of things in the game that we can learn from.”
Hackford came off the bench at half-time to replace Maguire and had an effort cleared off the line.
Gordon, Ndiaye and Brunt all played 90 minutes, while there was a short cameo from Leo Gaxha after his recent injury.
Coventry were reduced to 10 men around the half-hour mark when Morgan Williams was dismissed for a late challenge on Maguire.
United are second in their league table, a point behind leaders Nottingham Forest, and face Birmingham City at the Proact this Friday.
Blades: Dewhurst, Seriki, Boyes, Gordon, Graham, Gomis, Maguire (Hackford 48), Neal, Jebbison (Gaxha 83), Ndiaye, Brunt. Unused: Amissah, Grant, Brooks.