Exciting Season In Store For U21s

Importantly though, that run did help them secure a top half finish in the league, which puts them in the elite group for this season’s revamped format. A two-tier league system will see both promotion and relegation, as well as teams playing each other home and away. 

City face tough competition in the top tier among 11 of the country’s best sides, but if the competitive spirit and winning mentality of last season can be instilled again this time around, few would bet against the Foxes making a big impression. 

Beaglehole’s side face a typically competitive start to their pre-season campaign on Monday 21 July when they travel to Loughborough Dynamo, before trips to face Scunthorpe United and Leeds United among others, but those are the kind of tests the boss is after ahead of the league campaign. 

“Myself, Nicky Eaden and the staff are all very excited to build on what we achieved last season, as are the players,” Beaglehole told LCFC.com. 

“They’ve all been given a pre-season programme that will mean they should come back in good condition in time for testing day. They’ve had a good break, but soon they’ll be back at it and preparing for the season. It’s certainly an exciting time. 

“Our pre-season schedule will be vitally important. Obviously it’s about fitness, but what I want to see is the right attitude and hard work. All the opposition will be up for it too what with us being in the Premier League next season, so it’ll be a real good competitive test.” 

A feature of City’s performances under Beaglehole and Eaden have been their highly competitive nature along with a never-say-die approach – two aspects that have combined to provide some memorable matches at King Power Stadium and around the country. 

A stunning come-from-behind win over Manchester City on the final day of last season was a fine example, as well as hugely impressive away wins over then-league leaders Fulham and Arsenal. 

And Beaglehole is hoping that the competitive nature of the league is even greater this season. He said: “We had a league meeting the other day and all the talk was for making the league more competitive and to get the players playing their football in front of bigger crowds to see how they handle it. 

“That’s always a big test, so it’ll be great to see the fans out watching the lads again at King Power Stadium next season. There were some memorable games last season, and it’ll be the same again. 

“We’ve got the two-tier aspect to the league this year, with relegation and promotion, and I certainly believe that adds a more competitive aspect to things. 

“Last season when it got to the latter stages and places were to be decided, you started to see teams bringing players back from loan spells to make sure they finished in the top half. All of that is good, because I believe that development at this age is about winning.” 

A number of Development Squad members such as Jacob Blyth, James Pearson and Jak McCourt have already penned new deals, while young striker Tom Hopper forced his way into the manager’s first team plans at the start of last season. 

This time around there are already several new names for City fans to get used to, with exciting striker Jack Barmby joining from Manchester United, while the duo of Lithuania international Simonas Stankevicius and Academy Player of the Year Herve Pepe-Ngoma have progressed from the Under-18s squad. 

Beaglehole added: “It’s good to get Jack Barmby on board. He’s a player I’ve seen a number of times, so for him to be a part of the squad is very good news. 

“We’ve also got the two players joining us from the Under-18s this season – Simonas and Herve. It’s really great to have players moving up, and like Jack, we’re all looking forward to seeing how they get on. 

“Simonas is a talented young striker who I believe will suit our style well, and he certainly has the physical attributes to cope with the demands of the U21 Premier League. 

“That same thing can be said of Herve, who is a centre half, but can play in a few different positions. I thought he was one of the best and most consistent players in the Under-18s team last season.” 

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