Craig Short believes Derby County’s Under-23 squad will only benefit from their time in Spain this week – as well as lifting the Steve Bloomer Trophy.
Derby lifted the trophy following a 2-1 victory over Real Union at the Estadio Gal in northern Spain, thanks to second half goals from Alex Cover and substitute Lewis Walker.
The name Steve Bloomer has prominent in the history of both clubs and the first-ever meeting was arranged following talks over several months earlier this year- and it is hoped the clubs will meet to content for the trophy in future years on a regular basis.
The Rams’ Under-23s flew out to Spain on Sunday to prepare for the game as they would for a regular Premier League 2 – Division 1 fixture.
They trained at La Liga side Real Sociedad’s training ground and were also able to enjoy the excellent hospitality on offer from Real Union’s club officials.
Short, who is part of Darren Wassall’s coaching staff working with the Under-23s on a daily basis, felt the Spanish third division side posed a stern test for the Rams and an excellent learning experience for their young players.
He told RamsTV: “It feels good to have won the Steve Bloomer Trophy – especially as it was a difficult game.
“I remember playing in the Anglo-Italian Cup as a player and what a great experience that was playing against foreign teams.
“I think the players will take a lot from this. It was a really good game and I must say that we have been looked after really, really, well out here.
“It has been a great competition and a really good trip. We’ve been looked after from start to finish and the organisation has been superb.”
He added: “The first half was particularly difficult as we couldn’t get the ball off of them, but we had a chat at half-time and pressed a little bit higher in the second half.
“I think their average age was quite a bit higher than ours so there was quite a bit experience in there.
“Getting that first goal just after half-time was really important as it gave us something to hang on to and you could therefore see more energy in the players.”
Derby’s Under-23s will now fly back to the East Midlands to prepare for their home meeting against Liverpool at St George’s Park on Monday 16th October (7pm kick-off).