The kids are all right: 'Teddy Nesbitt needs to work on a few things but good he's involved'

30 March 2011 13:52
Should play against Aldershot Town Southend United Teddy Nesbitt was offered trials with Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham and Charlton before agreeing a two year scholarship with Southend Teddy Nesbitt: Another from the under-18's to get picked for the first teamHe was S24's man-of-the-match in the defeat at Stockport at the weekend in his first game as a senior Shrimper, and this after only playing in half of it!18-year-old left back Teddy Nesbitt has a lot to live up to as with Peter Gilbert still out, and replacements Johnny Herd and Luke Prosser also out long term, Chris Barker can't be moved from central defence at the moment, it's odds on the teenager will play against Aldershot at Roots Hall Saturday afternoon. And certainly Blues boss Paul Sturrock, who has been forced to blood a number of youth players earlier than he would have liked as his first team squad continue to drop like flies, though another talented youngster in Kane Ferdinand should be available, is happy enough to give him another chance.Especially as that would allow the dangerous Ryan Hall to return full time to his wide position where he can cause so much damage.And even if they don't start, fellow kids Alex Woodyard, Jamie Stevens, George Smith and Kyle Asante, could all be sitting on the subs bench.Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: "He (Nesbitt) needs to work on a few things, especially his upper body strength. But it's been good for him to be involved and around the first team." As for the boy himself, he showed all the confidence of youth also talking to the Echo.Nesbitt said: "I thought I did OK when I came on and it would be great if I was able to play a few matches now," said Nesbitt, a product of the club's youth system. For that to happen I must work hard and do well in training so that is what I will do because it would be great to be involved against Aldershot on Saturday." The under-18 regular, who was offered trails with Premership giants Arsenal and Liverpool, and, er, West Ham, as well as Charlton, before joining the Shrimpers on a two year scholarship, headed just wide with his first touch with the big boys, though he thinks he should have taken the chance. Nesbitt explained: "I think I should have scored to be honest and I'm disappointed I didn't. But the game was a good experience for me and real learning curve too. It was much faster and more competitive than I had been used to but I enjoyed it and it was a huge help having the likes of Chris Barker and Graham Coughlan next to me." Cetainly Head of Youth Ricky Duncan thinks enough of the lad to recommend to the club that Teddy got offered his first professional contract.

Source: FOOTYMAD