PHILLISKIRK PROUD OF U18S FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL SEASON

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Manager speaks ahead of national play-off

2025-05-09T11:00:00.000Z

PHILLISKIRK PROUD OF U18S FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Manager speaks ahead of national play-off

2025-05-09T11:00:00.000Z

Manager speaks ahead of national play-off

U18s Manager Tony Philliskirk has expressed his pride at what has been a season to remember for the young Clarets, whatever happens in their Professional Development League semi-final.

Burnley finished top of the North section table with 69 points from a possible 93, and welcome South section runners up Watford to Turf Moor tonight (7pm KO).

A place in the national final is at stake, and with their family, friends and Burnley fans behind them, it’s expected to be a night to remember for the scholars.

“We’ve had a really good week’s preparation, and the lads are in good spirits,” Philliskirk said.

“It’s been a week since our last game so they’ve had a little bit of a break on the back of a crazy schedule in the last couple of months.

“A few of the lads who have been out on loan or trial have come back in, which has given us a bit of a selection headache – but that’s a good thing!

“We’ve lost a couple of games since winning the league, and we’ve chopped and changed and had a lot of the schoolboys involved - so we’ve lost a bit of fluidity.

“At the end of the day, play-off games are one offs and anything can happen on the day.

“All we can do as staff is train right, do our analysis, and give the lads food for thought. Once that whistle blows it’s up to them.

“I couldn’t be prouder of them than I have been this season. Whatever happens, we’ve won the league, and I think we’ve been the best team in the North section.”

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The U18s headed south to play Watford at their training ground last month and it proved to be a day to remember, with a 5-1 win securing the league title.

Zach Johnson and Kian McMahon-Brown’s braces were accompanied by a fine Brandon Pouani strike, but Philliskirk knows that result is in the past and won’t affect tonight’s fixture.

He continued: “We played Watford a few weeks ago, but we know the team they bring on Friday night will be a lot different.

“They got to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup and only lost 1-0 to Manchester City, so we’ll certainly be giving them the utmost respect.

“Watching our game there back, there were periods that we had to defend really well, and they have some really good individual players.

“It will be a much tougher game, but the lads are in great spirits following a super season, and I hope they can give a good account of themselves on Friday night.”

For many of the players, it will be their first time playing at Turf Moor.

To finish, Philliskirk discussed the impact supporters getting behind the team on the night can have and encouraged fans to get down to Turf Moor if they can.

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“It’s great when you can hear the fans cheering you on,” he finished.

“If there’s a near miss you can hear the ‘oohs and the ahs’, or if someone makes a great tackle or a great pass there’s a round of applause.

“It gives the lads the opportunity to sample what football’s really like in a one-off, cutthroat game, and it will be great for them to experience that.”

Supporters are encouraged to get behind the team in person for this 7pm kick-off, with Burnley season ticket holders able to gain entry for free.

To do so, please claim your complimentary ticket online here, over the phone on 01282 446800 or in person at the Turf Moor ticket office.

Non-season ticket holders are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, with all general admission seating located in the Bob Lord Stand.

If you can’t make it, be sure to follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy and read a summary of the action in our match report, which will be shared on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.