New Leeds United U23s boss Andrew Taylor has revealed that six players from his squad have been promoted to the first-team following Jesse Marsch’s appointment.
Taylor was previously the loan manager at Elland Road and was heavily linked with the development of the younger players. He has now been named as the head coach of the club’s U23s setup after Mark Jackson moved up the ladder to be a part of Marsch’s coaching staff.
Jackson is not the only one who has been promoted to the senior setup – six Leeds United youngsters, who were previously part of the U23s squad, have been called up as well.
Taylor admitted that he would’ve liked to work with these players but understands why it’s important for the youngsters to be a part of the first team.
Six U23 players have been promoted to Leeds’ first-team
Speaking to Leeds Live this week, Taylor said about his young players: “Hopefully, you do [have them with the U23s], but hopefully not, because that’ll mean they’re playing for the first team and that is the ultimate goal.”
“From a selfish point of view, I’d love to have [Crysencio] Summerville, Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Cressy [Charlie Cresswell], Lewis Bate, Nohan Kenneh, but at the same time, from a club’s point of view, the whole aim is to have a pathway and show that progression.
“The fact they’re involved with the first-team, okay it makes it difficult for us, [but] fantastic for them, and gives younger players the opportunity to go and step in.”
TBR View:
Leeds really have a bright group of youngsters coming through the ranks and it’s good to see that Jesse Marsch has called them up to the first team almost immediately.
The Whites really do need all the help they can get at the moment and having a bunch of really talented youngsters around the first team is never a bad idea. They could change the mood around the squad a bit and if they impress, they could even get a run out in the Premier League soon.
However, it is unlikely that Marsch will turn to all six players who have been promoted. Gelhardt, of course, is an exception. The 19-year-old has already played 11 times in the Premier League this season and has looked really impressive every time he gets on the ball.
It will be interesting to see how Gelhardt fits in Marsch’s plans. Leeds fans will be hoping that he’ll play a big part in the coming weeks.
