SOUTH: Nevill breaks into Redbridge first team

Written by Jeremy Hill

Redbridge Under 18's skipper Dean Nevill took his first team bow in the 40th minute of our home game with Bishop's Stortford as a replacement for the injured Djouman Sangare.

The tall defender was surprised to get the call from Motormen manager Craig Edwards prior to the game with the Blues and was even more surprised to get a taste of Nationwide South action late in the first half. A strong but fair challenge on Stortford winger Alex Martin after being on the pitch for only two minutes set out his stall and paved way for an impressive debut which earned rave reviews.

The tall right-back pointed out the encouragement he received from the team's senior players: "I received excellent encouragement from the likes of Chris Perkins, Alex Fiddes, Richard Halle and of course first team youth manager Glenn Poole. The encouragement I received on Tuesday night helped me today, (away to Carshalton) it helps to have familiar faces in the dressing room."

Redbridge boss Craig Edwards said that Nevill "showed that he has the ability to move up to this level", adding: "He was excellent in the week (against Stortford) and terrific again today." Edwards went on to cite Nevill's "pace, composure, bravery and positional play" as his strengths and that he "listens and wants to learn."

So with the undefeated Under 18's side taking the Eastern Junior Alliance by storm, do Redbridge have any more hidden gems on the way through? Neville believes so: "I think midfielder Garry Skerritt has a bright future, he is a hardworking and confident player," he revealed.

Nevill and Skerritt are products of Redbridge's successful Youth set-up that produced Jerome Sobers and Ben Patten who moved to Ipswich Town last season.

Keep an eye out for Redbridge FC's Under 18s matches this season. Their next home game is in the 1st Round proper of the FA Youth Cup on Monday 8th November at 7.45pm, Oakside.