SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan believes the addition of an under-21 team will be huge for the future of the football club.

Any young players coming through the youth ranks at Roots Hall will now have their futures decided at an older age.

And Duncan is certain that will be of huge benefit for Blues.

“I’ve always thought young players deserve the chance to develop into men and we have that structure in place now,” said Duncan.

“We kept making decisions on them when they were 18, but a lot of the time they haven’t matured by then.

“I preferred it when we played under-17 and under-19 matches because it gave you more a chance to make a real calculated decision on a player.

“But, for us, introducing an under-21 team was the way forward and getting it together now was the logical step.

“The players will be tested in men’s football and hopefully we can make more right decisions now as more of the staff will get to run their eye over these players.”

All of Blues’ second-year scholars from last season have been kept on to form the under-21 team this term, while Dale Brooks has been brought on board to coach them.

The Shrimpers youngsters will also line-up in their own league, facing the likes of Bournemouth, Gillingham and Luton Town.

And Duncan is certain regular fixtures – played at both Roots Hall and the club’s Boots and Laces training ground – will also help the teenagers develop.

“We’ve entered the Final Third League and a cup competition so they will have their own games programme,” said Duncan.

“It’s the right decision and it’s better for the players and the club that we’re making decisions a year later now.

“They will be judged year-by-year and we thought it would make sense to introduce this now rather than when we eventually do make the step up to category two.”

But players showing extreme talent are still able to avoid the under 21 team if necessary.

“If you’re good enough at a young age then you can bypass it,” said Duncan.

“But it’s a big jump from the under-18s to the first team and both the manager and myself were passionate about bringing in this team.”