SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan has declared himself delighted with the club’s first ever season in under 21 football.

The side was put into place to help young players progress through to the first team.

And Duncan believes it has already started to prove its worth.

“We needed more of a structured programme in place and it was the something the manager agreed with,” said Duncan.

“It’s hard when you start and we had a couple of coaches leave but Kevin Maher coming in steadied it down and we’ve already seen the advantages of having the under-21 team in place.

“We needed it to progress and help getting players through into the first team but it’s also been good for a few seniors to get games when they’ve needed them too.”

Goalkeeper Ted Smith and midfielder Jack Bridge both moved up from the under 21s to figure in the first team.

And Duncan is now keen for both players to push on and show off their skills more regularly.

“Jack did alright when I saw him but it’s up to him to push on now and it’s the same with Ted,” said Duncan.

“But he will get better and better. He’s a good young keeper who will fill out and mature plus he’s also very dedicated.”