Two new players for The Academy

[Cunny]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...070629-0959.htm

 

Academy manager John Owens has revealed that two new overseas players will be joining the under-18 squad for the 2007/08 season.

German striker Marvin Pourie from Borussia Dortmund and Swedish winger Alex Kacaniklic from Helsinborgs will arrive on Merseyside in time for the start of pre-season training at the Kirkby-based complex on July 16.

 

In addition, five local lads from last season's under-16 squad have also been handed full-time scholarships.

 

Owens said: "We have lads coming in from Dave Shannon's under-16s' team to start full-time as scholars. They are Steve Irwin, Sean Highdale, Nathan Ecclestone, Joe Kennedy and the goalkeeper Chris Oldfield.

 

"That is five who have come through the schoolboy ranks. As well as those second years still with us. Then we have a couple of signings. Striker Marvin Pourie and Alex Kacaniklic will both come this summer.

 

"Signings from overseas is not quite the same as here. Sometimes players are attached to clubs, but when they get to this age (16), they are free to look at offers from clubs around the world. We have been looking at that. Here we would have to put in a bid and go through the compensation process, but that is not the case.

 

"But that is something we will continue to do and try and blend that with boys from this country."

 

Having been assistant to Steve Heighway for five years at the Academy, Owens is relishing his new role alongside at the forefront of youth development alongside Head of Recruitment Malcolm Elias and incoming Technical Manager Piet Hamberg.

 

He added: "It gives me a chance to look at the past, obviously at the tremendous job Steve Heighway has done and to carry that on with the help now of Malcolm Elias looking after recruitment and the new appointment of Piet Hamberg to look after the technical side on the football.

 

"I won't take the under-18 team, that is for sure. We still haven't sorted out who will take the U18s. I have to work that through and we are still open to suggestions. I will have this overview of the whole Academy in the same way that Steve did.

 

"Anytime you work as assistant to someone, like with Steve, there is a lot we agreed on and things that we have different ideas on. Now it gives me a chance to look at the situation, how it has gone over the past few years and put my stamp on it. See how the players and staff react to those decisions.

 

"I will still find chances to fit in and coach, as Steve did, in all the age groups from eight upwards, fitting in with all our coaches and their timetables.

 

"Once Piet Hamberg, Malcolm and I get together we will work out the programme. We will have meetings once Piet has arrived, before we start full-time with the scholars on July 16."

[Gunga Din]

Steve Irwin?? Crikey

[johngibo YPC]

Can i take the U-18 team?

[Bailo]

Can i take the U-18 team?

Sick dude. Sick.

[Spike]

Steve Irwin?? Crikey

 

He could be our ray of hope, a local lad who becomes the next big sting

[KD07]

Pourie joke that.

[cymrococh]

Steve Irwin?? Crikey

Son of Dennis?

[matty]

The gems, boss! It's the gems!