With the 2003/04 Academy season now finished, foncy.co.uk was very grateful to newly appointed Academy Manager Ricky Martin for taking time out during the recent tournament in Berlin to answer a few questions on the season just gone and the outlook for the future.
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Ricky, obviously this year didn't see another exceptional crop of youngsters push through to get professional contracts at Norwich as last year. How successful do you rate the 2003/04 Academy season? It's still been very successful. From the 9 to 16 year-olds we have seen all the squads develop and we've seen on Sunday mornings an improvement both from individuals and the different teams. Above that age group Joe Lewis has progressed his personal development through international experience and being involved in the first team squad for eight matches. |
 Ricky Martin |
 Joe Lewis continued his development both with England and first team experience |
What was your highlight of the season? The Youth team Cup run was a very enjoyable and valuable experience for the Academy and the players. The implementation of new trips like this one to Berlin has been another highlight. On a personal note it is obviously an honour to be given the opportunity to become Academy Manager. |
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Following Aidy Boothroyd's departure you spent much of the season coaching the Under-19's with Sammy Morgan. How did you find the extra work? Did you enjoy the coaching? It gave me the opportunity to get back involved with the older players. My job can be quite dominated by paperwork so it was a welcome opportunity. The workload was manageable - thanks to support of an understanding fiancée I was able to manager it. Also Sammy Morgan obviously took on a large portion of the workload. Next year the Academy is to be reorganised into an Under-18 and Under-16 structure rather than the current U19 / U17 set-up. What will be different for Colney's regular spectators and how will this year's second year Scholars be catered for? Firstly three over-age players will be able to play at Under-18 level, so we will be able to cater for third year scholars. At U15/16 level we will have our top-end schoolboys, the U17/18 side will consist of the scholars plus schoolboys looking for scholarships. Both teams will play on a Saturday side-by-side. It will be a good experience for the schoolboys to play and travel alongside the scholars. Next season the third year scholars should also be looking to play Reserve team football with Keith Webb. The new structure means they will then not have to play two games a week, as was sometimes the case this season. |
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Three youngsters (Josh Clarke, Rossi Jarvis and Adam Gusterson) have missed most of the current season through serious knee injuries. How have they been progressing to regain full fitness? All three have shown great dedication and determination this year. I would like to thank Henna Horth for her tremendous support and professional approach, which has enabled the players to progress well. We expect all three to join the squad in pre-season training. |
 Josh Clarke |
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What effect do you think the promotion to the Premiership will have on the Academy? The Academy has always set a high standard and the highest standard is of course the Premiership. The only real difference will be that any first-team debuts will be in a better arena and atmosphere. With Nigel Worthington now becoming more involved in the Academy he will ensure that when a player is ready he will get his opportunity. How do you see your new job developing? I see a very exciting twelve months ahead. I will be looking at a few new initiatives but mainly working hard to ensure a high standard of player recruitment and the highest standard and level of support for coaches and players to create a developing environment. |
 Ricky Martin and David Williams |
How much chance have you had to speak to Dave Williams so far? After returning from this tournament at 11pm on Sunday I have a meeting with planned Dave Williams at 9.30 am the following morning, which will then be followed up with a meeting with Nigel Worthington. That will obviously continue throughout the season. |
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Ricky, thanks very much for taking the time to talk to us. Enjoy your wedding and have a good summer, we look forward to the new season! |