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Congratulations to the 7 new u18s

edited March 2011 in General Charlton
The Charlton academy has offered scholarships to seven players ahead of the 2011/12 campaign.

Goalkeeper Dillon Phillips, defender Harry Lennon, midfielders Oliver Muldoon, Diego Poyet and Harry Gerrard, and attackers Tobi Sho-Silva and Tom Derry are all set to join the club's senior academy ranks over the summer and start full-time training with the club.

The news was announced in the matchday programme at Tuesday night's fixture against Southampton.

Academy manager Steve Avory said: "We currently have 11 first-years in the building and we are offering scholarships to seven players. We are looking forward to working with them on a day-to-day basis.

"For a club like ours, given our financial circumstances, a total of 18 scholars is the maximum we feel we can take."

A range of factors are considered by academy staff when deciding upon scholarships.

"First and foremost, you want good footballers, regardless of their position, but you do need a balance in the squad, so you have to look at what you already have at U18 level," explained Avory.

"It's also worth mentioning that three of the seven players - Dillon, Oliver and Harry Lennon - have been with us since U9 level, underpinning the importance of the long-term development model in which we believe."

Following the appointment of Damian Matthew as first-team coach under Chris Powell, Avory, who usually coaches the U16 group, has stepped up to coach the U18s, so he has had a close involvement with both age groups.

"Once again, the U16 season has been encouraging, and we feel we have a number of good-quality players coming through," he said. "We believe there is huge potential there, and that we have the basis of a strong U18 squad next season.

"Indeed, given the fact that a large proportion of next season's group will be second-years, we are expecting the seniority that exists in the squad to show in our performances."

Writing his regular Valley Review column, Avory also highlighted the names of a few of the academy's promising younger contingent for supporters to keep an eye on in the future.

"It's worth noting some other players who are starting to make a mark at the next level down.

You are always looking at the age group below to see which players need advancing and require more challenging football, and two U16 regulars this season have been Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, a left-back, and Omar Nye, who can play right-back or right midfield.

"Two other players worth a mention are right-sided Ellis Brown and striker Tova Assiana, who have also been coming through quite strongly recently."

Profiles of next season's new scholars, compiled by academy boss Avory, can be found below:

Tom Derry

Based in East Dulwich, Tom is a forward who has been associated with the academy since U14 level. Currently attending Alleyn's School, he arrived at the club through a connection of former first-team manager Alan Pardew and has been a regular goalscorer for the academy. Tom boasts good pace, and as well as offering a real threat behind opposition defences, he can play wide on the right.

Harry Gerrard

One of four newcomers from north of the river, left-footer Harry impressed us during a recent six-week trial, having previously been a member of West Ham United's academy. From Canning Town, Harry attends The Royal Docks Community School, and can play on the left of midfield or in the centre. The reason Harry caught our eye is his technical ability. In the games he's played for the U16s, he's scored a couple of very good goals and has proved that he's got the ability to cross the ball in with pace.

Harry Lennon

We felt we needed at least one defender, and it was even more important to take a left-footed defender. Harry, who has been with us since U9 level, is a no-nonsense centre-back from Romford, and goes to Emerson Park School, which is the old school of academy graduate Lewis Perkins. Harry has got the attributes you look for in a centre-back; he is tall, he heads the ball well and he is quick. He is also comfortable playing at left-back.

Oliver Muldoon

Another member of our long-serving Essex triumvirate, Ollie, from Hornchurch, is a midfielder who attends The Sanders Draper School. He's an all-action player who is very busy and energetic. He certainly relishes the physical side of the game, but he's also a goalscoring player who makes plenty of forward runs and gets himself into good positions in and around the box. Harry Lennon, Dillon Phillips and Oliver know each other well and are quite close.

Dillon Phillips

Dagenham-born Dillon is from Hornchurch and is a very highly-regarded goalkeeper. Although his games this season have come with the U16s, he's risen to prominence at national level and he's been away on a national goalkeeping course. Dillon's strength is his shot-stopping, and his distribution - particularly from his hands - is excellent for a boy of his age. He is a confident and chirpy character and will add plenty to the spirit of the squad.

Diego Poyet

Probably the best-known of the new crop due to his international achievements, it's worth noting that England U16 midfielder Diego remains very level-headed. The son of Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus, he's been with us since U13 level and lives in Orpington. He reads and breaks up play very well, and is a good marker who tracks opposing players well. He also gets teams playing and I always feel he is a very calming presence. An U16 skipper for club and country, Diego also has a terrific shot and wants to get forward and score goals.

Tobi Sho-Silva

Tobi is from Thamesmead and attends Beths Grammar School in Bexley. He's been with us since U13 level, having been recruited through the club's community operation, and can play wide on the right or up front. He's a very athletic player who is tall and has outstanding jumping ability, and he reached national standard at the triple jump and represented Kent at the Schools Athletics Championships. Tobi made his debut for the U18s last season as a 14-year-old, and has been a consistent goalscorer through the age groups. His pace is always a threat in behind the opposition.

http://www.cafctv.co.uk/page/academydetail/0,,10267~2322198,00.html

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