Walker Disappointed With United Defeat

Derby County Professional Development Phase Coach, Justin Walker, said he felt ‘disappointed’ following his Under 18s’ 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United.

The visitors won the game courtesy of goals from Angel Gomes and Nishan Burkart.

The result ended Derby’s unbeaten start to their 2017/18 Premier League - North campaign, following a draw against Liverpool (1-1) and wins over both Everton (1-3) and Sunderland (0-3).

Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Walker expressed his feelings on the result and said: “Overall, we’re disappointed.

“I think that it is the first time since we’ve returned from pre-season that we showed a total lack of character.

“After the run that we’ve been on, we just did not see that type of performance coming.

“We pride ourselves on showing that consistency that we’re striving for.”

Louie Sibley, currently part of the Under-16s side, featured as a substitute during Saturday’s defeat. Callum Minckley, who is one of the younger members of Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side, also played a part during the second half.

Walker thought that the duo impressed when they came on for the final part of the game.

He added: “Despite the result, there were still positives to take.

“We had Louie Sibley, an Under-16, who came over and got on the pitch during the second half. He demonstrated the characteristics that we want to see and did himself a lot of good. Callum Minkley also got on the pitch as a substitute and he too did himself proud.”

“Though it was a disappointing performance, things are never as bad as you initially think and likewise when things are going well. You have to have a balanced approach in football."

Words by Jonty Colman
Images by Andy Clarke & Harry Marshall