The U21s look to make it three wins out of three to protect their early lead in the Professional Development League when they face Coventry City this afternoon (Monday), writes Pete Oliver.
Julian Darby’s side takes on the Sky Blues at the Toughsheet Community Stadium (KO 1.00pm) after kicking off life as a new team in the league with back-to-back victories over Charlton Athletic and Colchester United.
Last week’s 7-0 win over the U’s – helped by a number of first-team players – lifted Wanderers to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of their first outing of the season at the main stadium.
Fans are welcome to attend and will get the chance of a first look at Darby’s new-look squad after a number of arrivals this summer to supplement the first and second-year professionals already in the U21 group.
They are likely to include defender Charlie Paye and attacking wide player Max Lott after they recently agreed deals with the Whites following the earlier signings of defender Finn Wilkinson and forward Tom King.
Paye links up with the Whites from non-league outfit Cray Wanderers after serving his scholarship at League One outfit Bromley, while Lott has signed after leaving Aston Villa at the end of last season.
Lott, (above) was among the goalscorers in Wanderers’ behind-closed-doors win over Colchester at Lostock last Tuesday and is looking forward to life with the Whites after coming through the Academy at Villa Park and spending a year as a professional with the Premier League club.
“I had some ups and downs but they’re good people at the club and I really enjoyed it at Villa,” said the 19-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal with a further 12-month option. “But I'm really excited to be here now and I’m ready for what's going to happen next.
“I just felt really comfy straight away and from my first game it just felt like I'd been here a long time, really, and it’s just getting better and better. The main thing right now is to perform for the U21s to try and get to where I want to be.”
Paye (above) has also started the U21s’ opening three games – which have also included a Premier League Cup defeat – and is delighted to have made the step up to Wanderers on an initial 12-month deal with a year’s option after a taste of senior football with Isthmian League sides Cray and Lewes.
“I went on loan a couple of times and then went to Cray in pre-season and enjoyed that but obviously this is a great move for me,” said the 19-year-old central defender.
“I’ve always put the work in and it’s great to get another opportunity in the league and at such a big club. This has meant everything and it’s been my dream really (to be a professional) but this is only a start and you’ve got to keep aiming high.”
Admission to this afternoon’s game against Coventry - beaten by Fleetwood Town in their only league game to date - is priced at £3 adults and £1 concessions, payable by card only on the gate at turnstile D near to main reception.
Meanwhile, the U18s got their first league win on the board on Saturday when a Sam Hopkinson goal gave the young Whites a 1-0 derby success at Wigan Athletic.