Despite former boss Neil Warnock describing it as ‘a cancer
in the club’, it is without doubt that the Academy set up at Leeds United
is becoming an increasingly important tool in rebuilding the infrastructure of
the club. The Academy, fronted by the passionate and likeable Neil Redfearn, is
achieving some very pleasing results including first place for the U18s and
third for the Development Squad in their respective leagues. With this in mind,
we thought that it was worth praising the set up that was so publicly condemned
by our former boss, highlighting the success of the Academy coaches as a group
as well as illustrating their various successes in developing the individuals
who have gone on to perform well under the intense scrutiny of Championship
football.
Sam Byram
The surprise package of last season, Sam Byram’s
unprecedented success took the Championship by storm. Byram quickly became a
prized asset in the first team set up, making 53 appearances in League and Cup,
whilst finding the net on 4 occasions. Much like Lees, Byram is incredibly
versatile, showing strength going forward as well as adept defensive
positioning, and it seems that both the player and the club are unaware of his
best position. With the hunt for a wide player still ongoing, it is possible
that Byram could be fielded as a winger this season, making the ‘Bale-like’
transition from full back to winger. Byram’s flawless first season in the first
team earned him the accolades he deserved, winning the Player of the Year
Award, Young Player of the Year Award, Player’s Player of the Year Award and
the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award - a staggering feat. His
recognition was not limited to internal honours as he also highlighted as one
of the Sky Sports Football League Players to Watch, a notable achievement. As
perhaps his greatest achievement to date however, Byram was selected in the
England U20 World Cup squad, only to be forced to pull out through injury. The aforementioned
injury greatly restricted Byram’s pre-season preparation, having only just
returned to play 90 minutes at first team level in the spirited 2-0 defeat at
the hands of Newcastle in the Cup this week. Should he stay fit, Byram is
crucial to the promotion hunt, and another massive season is expected by the
fans.
Tom Lees
Turning
professional in 2009, Lees has proven to be one of the academy’s biggest
triumphs in recent seasons. His flexibility makes him a valuable asset to the
club, and his ability to play at right back as well as his preferred centre
back has attracted attention from the international set-up. The now former
England U21 boss Stuart Pearce made no secret of his admiration for Lees,
selecting him for the U21 European Championship squad as well as publicly
praising his work ethic and professionalism. As for this season, the arrival of
Scott Wootton has provided a healthy competitive element at centre back, which
will only contribute to his development. Between himself, Wootton and the
resurgence in form of Jason Pearce, it is nice to see such strength in depth at
centre back. Furthermore, at only 22, Lees can expect another ten years of high
level competitions at the top levels of English football. A bright future is in
store.
Dominic Poleon
After
playing youth football at Chelsea and Southend, Poleon swapped the bright
lights of London for Leeds United in 2010. After 2 years developing in the
academy alongside our other prospects, Poleon signed his first professional
contract in July 2012. An extremely promising pre-season followed and many
expected Poleon to burst on the scene at Leeds in his first competitive season.
Warnock, however, saw him surplus to requirements after a couple of appearances
and sent him out on loan to Bury and Sheffield United. This proved to be highly
beneficial, and Poleon was able to raise his game thanks to regular first team
football, eventually resulting in being recalled. Scoring in the final game of
the season in controversial fashion against Watford to help deny them automatic
promotion, Brian McDermott clearly sees something in the Newham-born striker.
Poleon adds that much needed element of pace in the forward line, and he is
only continuing to get better. With goals seeming to be a rare commodity at
Leeds this season, there is a real opportunity for Poleon to make his mark and
secure a regular spot in the starting eleven this season.
Alex Mowatt
Following
regular scouting excursions to watch him play for his local team Bentley
Tigers, Mowatt was recruited into the Leeds academy set up aged 9. Progressing
through the ranks with relative ease, Mowatt was given the captain’s armband at
U18 level, guiding them to the title in the 2012/13 season. Impressing
throughout the campaign, Mowatt signed a professional contract and he has
continued to impress in Neil Redfearn’s development squad. This season brought
about his debut at first team level, shinning in the Carling Cup victory away
at boyhood club Doncaster Rovers. He also continued to show his class and
potential in this week’s defeat at St James’ Park, a performance which will do
him no harm in helping him to achieve the ultimate aim of breaking into the first
team squad on a permanent basis. There is no denying the talents of this young
man, and if he continues to develop at this rate, there is no question that he
will be a prominent face in the Leeds United starting XI in seasons to
come.
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