Most 17 year-olds spent their summer playing football with their friends or scoring goals on Xbox. But for Billy Crellin, he has just come back from a week away on a pre-season training camp in Austria with Town’s first team squad.
“I’m definitely living the dream! I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my life.”
Speaking in the beautiful Austria town Kossen, Crellin enjoyed his week away with Town’s first team after impressing for the youth team and development squad last season.
Fleetwood born, Crellin played 45 minutes for Town against Queen of the South in their opening pre-season friendly at Poolfoot Farm.
“I was so grateful to the gaffer for giving me a chance,” said Crellin.
“I thought I did alright, you can never be perfect as there’s always stuff to improve on but I felt comfortable playing with them.
“The best thing for me is wearing a Fleetwood shirt as I am from Fleetwood. Hopefully I can get more chances but I’ll never stop working hard to keep improving myself.”
Under the guidance of goalkeeper coach David Lucas, and training with experienced stoppers Chris Neal and Alex Cairns, the signs are all there for a good grounding for the youngster.
“They’ve taught me everything and I learn off them every single day. There’s no three better people I could learn of, that’s why I am here, that’s why I want to be here, to learn off them every single day and to keep improving.
“They are a great set of lads, the gaffer’s class as he’s welcomed me with open arms. The week in Austria has been the best experience of my life, hopefully there is more of these to come over the next 20 years but this by far the best so far.”