Wanderers Foxtel Y-League head coach Arthur Diles says the team have prepared well for the Grand Final this Saturday and don’t fear their opponent Melbourne City.
Wanderers Foxtel Y-League head coach Arthur Diles says the team have prepared well for the Grand Final this Saturday and don’t fear their opponent Melbourne City.
The Wanderers Foxtel Y-League team have had a fantastic season so far, having won six of their eight matches and topping the Conference B table to qualify for this weekend’s Grand Final.
Head Coach Arthur Diles says the team have been calm during this week’s preparation and is sure that nerves will start to sink in closer to the match.
“It’s been a really good week so far at training,” said Diles.
“The boys are looking forward to the game. Not much has been mentioned about the final, to be honest with you. I think now closer to the game, they’ll start to feel a bit of nerves which is good.
The squad will be boosted by the recent return of many players who have been training and playing with the first team, which Diles argues is the greatest reward for their recent efforts in the Wanderers Academy.
“It’s a timely injection, it’s always nice to have these boys back. It’s probably even better to see them in the first team, to be honest with you.
“When you lose a player to the first team it’s a reward for them and a reward for the club.”
The Red & Black have scored an incredible 29 goals this season, nine of which belonged to youngster Abraham Majok, who has been a standout performer in the squad this season.
“Like every player, (Majok) has been very important,” said Diles.
“He has been great this year and has shown some great development over his twelve months at the club. It’s a credit to him and his hard work.”
The average age in the squad this season is 18 with the Red & Black continuing to prove that they aren’t afraid of playing young players in the Foxtel Y-League team, which is something that Diles is very proud of.
“To be in the Grand Final is very rewarding for the fact that we have a really young side,” explained Diles.
“We have played some young boys in the competition and to still have had some success is great.
“We’ve never been scared as a club to play young players in the youth team, or give them opportunities in the first team.
“I think that sends a great message to everyone around us.”
The Wanderers will face off against Conference A winners Melbourne City in the Foxtel Y-League Grand Final at Newcastle on Saturday.
Both clubs have scored over 20 goals, conceded twelve and have the largest representation of Young Socceroos across the competition.
It isn’t the first time that City has reached the Grand Final, playing in three out of a possible four, with Diles knowing exactly what to expect from the side.
“They are a huge threat. Any team that can be in three finals in four years you have to show a lot of respect to.
“We do respect them but we definitely don’t fear them and we look forward to a great game tomorrow.”
