Pye charts future for young Dragons

The young Dragons will be managed by Warren Pye, who will also retain his duties as part of the first-team coaching staff at the Southern Combination division one club.

The aim is for the youngsters to play under the floodlights at the Coomes Way ground on Thursday evenings and as well as developing young talent, the under-23 team will allow first-team players to regain match sharpness after being out through injury or suspension.

Pye has a fantastic reputation for successful youth sides in the area and said: “I’ve played football all my life in the West Sussex premier and county leagues and I’ve run a successful kids’ team for the past six years.

“I can’t wait to get started with this exciting project and it’s something I have always anticipated being involved with.

“The chairman, committee, players and management at Wick have big aspirations. The pitch is unreal and the lads will be able to get the ball down, move it around and play a lovely attacking game that is entertaining to watch.”

There will be the chance for the best players to blaze a trail into the first team and Pye added: “Joint managers Tm Simmonds, Lee Baldwin and myself are very keen for any under-23 player to step up if they are good enough.

“We will train as a unit with the first team on Tuesdays and if players are progressing they will be handed first-team opportunities and they can progress from there. If you are good enough you will be in.

“Older players are allowed to play in under-23 leagues so any first-team players who have been out of the side can get minutes under their belt.”

Details regarding trials will be announced in due course.