"I think this is the best bunch of boys I've ever worked with. That's the 16th consecutive match we've played in knockout football. You only have to lose one and you're gone, so to do what they've done is just fantastic," said the outgoing Academy Director.
"In Jay Spearing I've got someone with whom I'd trust my life. Same with Stephen Darby, Robbie Threlfall and Michael Burns. For lads of average size, they are fantastic people and fantastic players. I'm convinced Spearing could play at a much higher level, and I'm convinced he could do it now."