Teenage kickers

TONY PHILLISKIRK: top picks for the future

Philliskirk gives lowdown on club’s first-year scholars

ATHLETIC’S head of youth Tony Philliskirk has already spoken about how the club will continue to give youth a chance next season.

Here the long-serving coach talks about each of the first-year scholars who signed on the dotted line at Boundary Park.

“They’re definitely a decent bunch this year,” said Philliskirk. “Every player has his own individual qualities, but a number of them already know one another because they’ve played in the Greater Manchester county team together.”

All are currently studying for GCSE exams, after which they will join Athletic.

Here are Philliskirk’s rundowns:

CALLUM ETCHES – A right-back from Stockport, Callum joined six months ago following time with Sheffield United. He’s got a good pedigree and he showed that in a few youth team games towards the end of the season.

JORDACHE WALTERS – A front player who can operate right, left or centre. Jordache is a Manchester lad who has spent time on Blackburn Rovers’ books. He has played in the Greater Manchester County under-16s team, and their manager Paul Ogden recommended him.

RYAN ELLISON – A centre-back originally from Liverpool, Ryan has featured in the youth team over the last two years. He’s been with us for around four years now. He’s a real prospect.

JACK TUOHY – A midfielder who can also play just off the front two, Jack is a local lad and a season-ticket holder at Boundary Park. I think he’s got blue blood running through his veins. It’s fair to say he was the most delighted lad to have been signed up!

PAUL TYSON – Paul Gerrard is a big fan of this lad from Liverpool. He’s a goalkeeper who is already six feet, six inches tall at 15. He has also spent time at Blackburn Rovers.

BEN GRANT – Another county team lad, Ben is also keen to go down the education route as well as working with us. The combative midfielder will train whenever his studies allow.

EDDIE FULWOOD – Eddie is a Manchester lad who can play either in defence or as a holding midfielder. A good athlete, Eddie joined us last season after spending his formative years at Manchester United.

EMIL TANSINDA – Another county player, Emil is a striker raised in Sale. He’s very quick, and a lad we’ve got very high hopes for.

ELLIS GORDON – A six-foot centre-back, Ellis is a Manchester lad who was formerly with Burnley.

We’re expecting a lot from him next season.

DANNY BYRNES – Danny is from Denton and can play across the midfield or as a striker. Another county player, he has represented Wales at under-16s.