Aljofree: Youth so vital

HASNEY Aljofree, pictured heading away from Lee Hughes in his days at Swindon.

LATICS ROUND UP:

ASNEY Aljofree says Athletic’s youngsters will have to grow up fast next season.

The 31-year-old (pictured, right, heading away from Lee Hughes while playing for Swindon), who departed the club this week following a three-month spell mainly spent in the reserves, believes there is talent within the club’s ranks but that it must come to the fore in order to drive the team forward.

Aljofree, who signed from Swindon for the club he played for in a brief loan spell three years ago, also felt he hammered home a point to those who doubted him in playing for Athletic at Yeovil on Saturday — a game in which he went close to scoring with a scorching free-kick.

“For lads like Kirk Millar and Tom Eaves, they are the ones who can be classed as young lads still next season,” said Aljofree.

“But for people like Dale (Stephens), Kieran (Lee) and Blackie (Paul Black), they can’t. They have had a taste of it now and have to step it up to take the club forward.

“It is a young side here and if a player has to be sold to balance the books, then so be it.

“It is tough with the budget the manager has had. You look at the table and the clubs who have spent the most are all up there.

“The reality is that a club of Athletic’s size can’t compete with the likes of Southampton.

“But they are a good set of lads and it has been a pleasure working with them.

“I was delighted to make another debut and am thankful that I got that chance, as it wouldn’t have happened at Swindon.

“I have got another couple of seasons in me yet and feel that I have helped the younger lads along here.”