The 2017/18 season proved to be particularly eye-opening for two of Derby County’s younger players.
Luke Thomas’ and Jayden Bogle’s form with the Under-23s earned them a call-up to the first team squad and that’s where they remained for a large chunk of that campaign.
Thomas made two appearances off the substitutes bench, but whilst action was limited during a play-off push, the pair got a significant insight into what it takes to be a senior player at Derby.
They trained. They travelled. They learned. They gained insight. Just four key points alone that will stand them in great stead as they look to push their Rams careers on even further.
“It’s been a good season,” Bogle told RamsTV as he summed up his latest year as a Derby player.
“I started off with the Under-18s and progressed to be training with the first team on a regular basis. In every age group that I played with, I felt like I worked my socks off to do the best that I can.
“I have to get that balance to understand. I have to remember that I am still a scholar, but I just want to keep pushing on. I’m just enjoying my football at the moment, which is the most important thing.”
Bogle’s forward strides saw him rewarded with the Scholar of the Year award at the club’s end of season dinner in early May.
The 17-year-old was not only a regular with the Under-18s, but the Under-23s too, before he stepped up to be a permanent figure in the first team training.
After a period of learning and seeing first-hand what it takes to be a Rams player, Bogle is hoping that 2018/19 will be the campaign that he makes his senior bow.
“At the start, I was a little bit nervous about going down with them because I don’t spend much time with the squad,” he added.
“I’m settled in there with them now and they’re all good people. The staff were brilliant with me.
“I know that I have to be the best that I can be every time I step forward on the training pitch to try and impress the players and the staff.
“Playing first team football is something that I have always dreamed of. The Championship is a tough league and hopefully my chance will come next season. I’ll be unbelievably grateful if and when that opportunity does arrive.”