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Interviews

Yeatesy: We've got to make the most of these experiences

25 August 2023

Interviews

Yeatesy: We've got to make the most of these experiences

25 August 2023

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Fleetwood Town's Under-18s head coach Mark Yeates spoke to the Club ahead of his sides Professional Development League match away at Colchester United.

With an opening day 3-0 home win over Watford - a former team of Yeates - at Poolfoot Farm, the Under-18s will head down to Colchester on Friday ahead of their match on Saturday morning.

Here's what Mark had to say in his pre-match interview:

On the win over Watford...

"I was delighted with the result, but it was the overall performance from the team that we've looked at from an Academy stand point. We want to win games but we do have to think about the development and what happens during the week with our players.

"The performance was really pleasing and the result made it a perfect weekend for us. I said last week that I wanted to make our home ground a tough place to come, and some will know its a difficult place especially with the wind, but that can work both ways. On the whole, the way they went about their jobs, it was the catalyst for the performance for the whole 90 minutes.

"We are under no illusions that we've only played one game, but it has been a great week for the PDL phase with the Under-21s picking up two amazing results and then us following it up - momentum is key and we know it will be tough, but we've got to enjoy it."

On new experiences for the lads...

"I was speaking to the group at lunch today and for most, if not all, it's going to be their first overnight stay and with the Under-16s heading down as well, there's going to be a right gang of us all going down.

"It's exciting, it's great for the Club going to Category Two Academy status as it brings news experiences to the players. We get the opportunities to play new teams, you get to stay over and it gives you a feel of what life is like for the first team and the reserves.

"The players know full well they are representing the Club, they are representing the badge down there and around the hotel. They need to be manorly and ultimately they know they are down there to do a job. The lads want to perform but they've got to enjoy the trip and make the most of these experiences."

On the threats Colchester will pose this weekend...

"This is another game we are all looking forward to. It's another club I know well and I know full well they will be looking to get their season up and running with a win. 

"I know Elliot Ward down there, he's a winner and he will have the players right at it - they have some very talented players so we will have to be at it from the first minute - I want us to play attacking football and be ourselves.

"On the day, if we do the things we've worked on, we can cause them issues but we are under no illusions that it's going to be a tough game. If we can replicate the levels from Saturday and work on a few things, I am sure we can go there and put on a good performance."

Make sure to follow all news regarding our Academy on their official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. With exclusive content and much more, you don't want to miss anything!

Want to sponsor Under-18s head coach Mark Yeates for the 2023/24 season? If so, get in touch with our Commercial Team today via commercial@fleetwoodtownfc.com.


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