Leonard's delight at kids' progress
NOTTS County's head of youth Mick Leonard said he never envisaged so many youngsters would get their first-team chance so soon.
The Magpies only resurrected their youth set-up when Ian McParland took charge of the club back in 2008.
And since then Leonard and his strong team have been working tirelessly to ensure a path of progression is put in place.
Highly-rated goalkeeper Fabian Spiess came in for the injured Bartosz Bialkowski earlier this year, after he suffered a head injury.
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And since Keith Curle left the club, new boss Chris Kiwomya – the former development squad manager – has given youth an opportunity.
Haydn Hollis, Greg Tempest and Curtis Thompson are among those getting a taste of the action in recent games.
The former two played a part in Saturday's 1-0 win against Scunthorpe, which moved Notts to within six points of the League One play-offs.
And Leonard said: "That is what we are there to do; to help get as many young players through and into the first-team.
"We have now had about 16 boys to date who have either been a non-playing substitute or played for the first team.
"I never envisaged when we started this so many would come through.
"Not one player has come in and let the team down and yes, they will make mistakes but they are finding their feet.
"They are playing with enthusiasm and they have earned the right to be in the team."
More from Mick Leonard: Page 51
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