Benitez to give Academy lads a chance

Last updated : 20 June 2004 By Al Campbell
Steve Warnock and Ritchie Partridge have recently signed new contracts with the club and the likes of Neil Mellor, Jon Ostemoboor and Jon Welsh are signed up with the club and hoping to make the break through.

Both Mellor and Semmy have impressed the fans when they played for the first team and will be eager to make an impression after Benitez said they will get a chance.

Benitez said: "I have trained at the Academy with Valencia and I know how it works, but I will need to speak to the people there to find out more.
 
"Every manager wants good players in their Academy because at the end of the day it makes life easier for us if we are able to use these players.
 
"They know about the spirit of the club and give that something extra."