Congratulations to Mattock and the Academy lads

[Steven]

From the OS. :icon_bigg :icon_bigg :icon_wink

Mattock Is Mercury Winner!
Posted on: Thu 17 Jan 2008

Defender Joe Mattock was crowned 2007 Leicester Mercury Young Sportsman of the Year at Wednesday evening's awards ceremony at De Montfort Hall.

The England Under-21 international took the honours after a successful year on the pitch.

The 17-year-old burst on to the scene towards the end of last season and made his first-team bow under Nigel Worthington against Norwich in April.

His meteoric rise continued this term with a regular starting berth as well as call-ups to the England Under-19 and 21 set-ups.

Mattock, who recently signed a new three-year deal at the Walkers, had initially been named in the Under-19s for their friendly against Germany.

But following several withdrawals from Stuart Pearce's side, Mattock, along with Richard Stearman, was promoted to the Under-21s for the two crucial UEFA European Championship Qualifiers against Bulgaria and Portugal.

He started both matches and became the first Foxes player to represent England Under-21s since Jordan Stewart - and the second youngest to play for the 21s behind Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

Mattock was chuffed to pick up the award and said: "I am delighted to have been recognised but my achievements wouldn't have been possible without the help of everyone at the club.

"I am enjoying my football and hopefully we can continue to build and improve under Ollie."

Mattock was also on hand to help pick up the Under-19 Team Trophy after the Academy's Under-18s scooped the award for their achievements last year.

The Under-18s' momentous 2006/07 campaign made impressive reading with 28 games played, 21 wins, three draws and just four losses to their name.

The youngsters scored a record 93 goals and conceded only 36 leaving them with an impressive points tally of 66.

They then went on to secure the FA Premier Academy League title at the Stadium of Light in May with a victory on penalties over Sunderland, with Mattock netting the decisive spot-kick.

City chairman Milan Mandaric was also in attendance on the night and added: "This was a special event and was something that was so enjoyable.

"It showed the richness of the sporting community in Leicestershire and it was really great to participate in."

 

[newtonfox]

well done

 

[Polar Bear]

Good on 'em. Let's hope some of them can step up - Mattock looked good last Saturday.

 

[DesertFox]

He started both matches and became the first Foxes player to represent England Under-21s since Jordan Stewart - and the second youngest to play for the 21s behind Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

It's no wonder the big clubs are taking a keen interest in young Joe. Well done!

(I thought he looked a bit lost in the games I've seen him in, but he's very, very young and can only improve)

 

[Hammond Organ]

It's no wonder the big clubs are taking a keen interest in young Joe. Well done!

(I thought he looked a bit lost in the games I've seen him in, but he's very, very young and can only improve)

Just like Walcott.

 

[OldGit]

It is much easier for young attacking players to make an early impact (Fowler, Owen Rooney etc) - pace, enthusiasm and self belief are what carries them forward.

Young defenders are much rarer. I can only think of Ferdinand in recent years, and he was often caught out when he first hit the top. Bale is possibly another, but he is taking time to become a regular. Good defending has to be learned with experience - what you have to do is largely dictated by your opponents, not your own flair.

 

[Hammond Organ]

It is much easier for young attacking players to make an early impact (Fowler, Owen Rooney etc) - pace, enthusiasm and self belief are what carries them forward.

Young defenders are much rarer. I can only think of Ferdinand in recent years, and he was often caught out when he first hit the top. Bale is possibly another, but he is taking time to become a regular. Good defending has to be learned with experience - what you have to do is largely dictated by your opponents, not your own flair.

Ferdinand made it into the West Ham first team as a midfielder to start with, and eventually went to play at the back.

And if my memory serves me correctly, I think even Sol Campbell started as a striker :icon_eek:

Bale has been seriously hampered with injuries though. Does look promising.

If Joe can make it, then good luck to him.

 

[foxin_oz]

Yeah, I just want to say well done and all the politically correct things I'm expected to say about the Academy. :icon_bigg:icon_wink