A brief question and answer session with Louis Coyne and Andy Hollins… The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.
Q to Andy: You were on the score-sheet in Saturday’s Lancashire Youth Cup win over Burnley. As a defender, that must be pleasing?
Answer: It was good to score. I haven’t scored many - that was the second this season but as a centre back you don’t score as many as the forwards do so it’s always good to score.
Q to Andy: Has the win over Burnley given everyone a boost?
Answer: I think everyone is a lot more confident. We started playing a different formation which took a bit of getting used to but I think everyone has settled into it now and it is working well for the team.
Answer: I think everyone is a lot more confident. We started playing a different formation which took a bit of getting used to but I think everyone has settled into it now and it is working well for the team.
Q to Andy: How easy or difficult has it been for the first years to settle into the environment?
Answer: A few of the first years were getting experience on the bench for the youth team last year which has helped. It meant we were used to it, even although we weren’t involved in the games. Most of the first years are new lads, though, so it was hard for them coming in, settling in and playing with new players. We’ve finally started settling down so hopefully we can get a few wins over the next few games.
Q to Louis: You have been involved in the recent behind closed door games with the first team. How good has that been for your development?
Answer: “It has been excellent to learn from the pros and the way that they play. They’re passing information down to me and encouraging me, so it has been really good for me and my development. I’m starting to take some of the stuff that I have learned into the Youth Team games.”
Q to Louis: You missed nearly all of last season after suffering a metatarsal break, how challenging has it been to get yourself back up to speed for this season?
Answer: “It was very difficult in pre-season. I came back and I wasn’t where I wanted to be, which was quite frustrating. I’ve done extra work with the backroom staff and I feel as though I’m back to where I should be now and I’m ready to progress again.”
Q to Louis: What are the aims for this season’s FA Youth Cup?
Answer: “We want to go as far as we can and we'll see how far it takes us. Hopefully we’ll go further than last year, which would we great.”