Preview: Exeter City U21s v Blackburn Rovers U21s

The next round of the Under 21s Premier Cup will take place tonight (7th January) at St James Park with a 7pm kick off. The youngsters have overcome Torquay United, Crystal Palace and Southampton to get this far. Blackburn Rovers are currently at the bottom of the Under 21s Premier League, but Rob Edwards is fully aware of the Challenge.

Entry is to the Flybe Stand only, and admission should be paid through the Stadium Way turnstile. Prices are £7 for adults and over-60s and £3 for under-18s and students.

Matt Grimes talking to the official site:-

I’m really looking forward to it.  The under-21 side are a great bunch of lads, we’ve been playing well together and we have gelled well together.

You’ve seen Jordan Moore-Taylor and Tom Nichols coming through; they are playing really well and there are a lot more players that are going to get the chance later on in the season, I hope.  I’m just really looking forward to the occasion.

For the first-team games, we are getting pushed through and fast-tracked.  We are all being given a chance at this club and that’s why this club is so special. They trust their youth and on Tuesday, hopefully we will show why.

Assistant Manager Rob Edwards on the task ahead:-

They’ve got to go in on the front foot and give it their best – and if their best is good enough, we’ll be delighted. I don’t think they could have given much more in the previous two games – it’s an exceptional group to work with, as we’ve played in the Devon Bowl against much smaller teams and there is never a doubt in their attitude.  They’re such an honest group and they all want to do well.

Sometimes they’ll get it wrong in terms of their understanding of the game, but in terms of their attitude and application, they’re a fantastic group to work with.  I’ve never had any issues – day-to-day in training they do the best they can.

The players have come through a system where they have been told how they want their young players to act on and off the pitch, and by the time you’re playing for the under-21s, it is habit based on education.  You sometimes see young players at other clubs strutting around and it drives you mad – I don’t think you’ll find too many of our players like that.

Exeter City give their young players a little bit longer than most clubs, which I think is of benefit – some players take a little bit of time get there.  You can only get in the team if there’s an opportunity, and sometimes there isn’t one – so players get released because they didn’t have that opportunity.