Youth at United - Managing the change from young stars to first team regulars (Exclusive)

The performance of the former youth players in the team has rightly had the media talking and speculating this season but always in the background is a requirement to manage younger players differently from senior professionals.

Gauld in action in the rain of Dingwall.

Jackie McNamara knows this better than anyone. As a player who made his debut at an early age and played consecutively for over 20 years the rigours of professional football are well known to him.

Jackie has taken the steps of ensuring that two of our young first team stars do not succumb to the fatigue of performing in the Scottish Premiership every week by sending John Souttar and Ryan Gauld away on a short break in the sun. 

This will see both players miss the weekend trip to Dingwall but the Manager explained this is about protecting the players for the whole season.

The Manager said, “I think this is down to managing the players and making sure they are progressing at peak levels. We have asked a lot of them and this is the first Christmas period they have not had time off due to their progression to the first team squad. In the summer both were away with Scotland and played right through.  Every international break they have been involved so this is the right decision that will ensure they are ready for the second half of the season and give them a rest.

“I am conscious that we have asked a lot of both players recently and this was why I left Ryan out of the last game. I see both them in training every day and the spark has been missing a little.

“This is an opportunity for them to relax and take stock of what’s happened in their lives in the last six months! It has been a massive ask for both of them and whilst I would love to keep playing them week in week out, I have to look after them and this is for the best.

“The learning curve they have been on is huge and it is incredible that they have handled it so well. Through my own playing experience of being a young player coming through, I know the demands, the pressure and the expectation that is placed on you. Add in the transfer speculation over them and it will take an effect because they are only human so a few days away in the sun will help immensely.

 

Souttar enjoying the sunshine of September.

“There are others who have not had a break – Stu Armstrong is another who has been constantly on the go for the best part of a year and it is my job to manage the squad in the best manner possible.

“This break will benefit the players and the Club as the season progresses and that is the most important aspect”

Chairman Stephen Thompson is fully behind the move and reiterated that this is about the well being of the players and managing their careers.

He said, “Dundee United are a family Club and we take the well being of all our staff seriously and we are being proactive here in ensuring the two young players are not over exposed to the stresses of professional  football. It is our aim and desire to produce first team players from our academy but that development must be encouraged alongside the wellbeing of players.

“We care about our staff and the two lads and their parents will be reassured that Dundee United act in the best interests of the players individually as well as the Club. I am sure they will come back recharged and ready for the remainder of the season”

Watch Jackie's Interview on ArabZONE