U17 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V MANCHESTER UNITED

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Townson expecting tough game but wants side to use previous experience when they face United

2021-09-29T09:05:53.011Z

U17 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V MANCHESTER UNITED

Townson expecting tough game but wants side to use previous experience when they face United

2021-09-29T09:05:53.011Z

Young Clarets take trip to Merseyside for re-arranged fourth-round tie

Youth Development coach John Townson – assistant manager of the U18’s – will lead the Clarets’ U17 side as they kick off their Premier League Cup campaign against Manchester United at Leyland.

The competition will present the opportunity to field players from various age categories in the development system, with only three second-year scholars permitted in any starting 11 plus a goalkeeper of the same age if required.

Coincidentally, Burnley also came up against United in the U17 PL Cup last season. A marvellous 4-1 win away from home in the final group stage game cruelly wasn’t enough to secure progression into the next round for the young Clarets who bowed out of the tournament on goals scored.

However, Townson wants the players involved against the Red Devils this time around to use that experience to their advantage.

“In both of our previous games against United, we’ve come out on top. We won 1-0 with the U18’s and then 4-1 in that U17s game in the Premier League Cup. Hopefully we can make it three in a row, but we’re under no illusions as to what we have to do to earn that.

The Clarets beat United at U17, U18 & U23 level last season

“The lads were incredible in those two previous meetings, and one thing that was clear was the sheer work rate that was needed to come out on top. I want and need them to match those levels again on Wednesday night, and that starts at 0-0 as soon as we kick off.”

A former first team coach and academy manager at Accrington Stanley, Townson is no stranger to taking the lead in the dugout and has played his part in helping the Clarets own academy to reaching Category One status.

He believes that the meeting with United at Leyland presents an opportunity for all involved, including himself.

“It’s a fantastic group for the U17s in the Premier League Cup this season with Manchester United, Liverpool and Blackburn.

“The North-West of England – for me – is arguably the best region in world football for youth development which is fantastic for us as a club. We want to be tested against the best – both the players and us as coaching staff – so we’re really looking forward to it starting with United.

“Our side will be very mixed but that presents players with a great opportunity. Quite a few of the U17’s haven’t had a great deal of football at U18 level yet this season, so they’ll be raring to go. The U16’s who will be involved on Wednesday night can step up and find out what it’s all about as well.”

The U17s' match against Manchester United will take place at the Lancashire FA’s County Ground in Leyland on Wednesday night – September 29. Kick-off is 7:00PM, while entry is free to all.