SOUTHEND United’s head of youth Ricky Duncan heads into next season fully qualified to bring through Blues’ next batch of promising youngsters.

Duncan saw seven products of the club’s youth system lining up for the Shrimpers’ first team last term.

And he will now head into the new campaign with every coaching badge possible after completing his UEFA pro licence.

“It’s the top qualification with the FA so it’s very tough but I’m delighted to have got it,” said Duncan.

“The last thing I had to do was a 10,000 word dissertation, a 25-minute presentation to a panel, a 25-minute question and answer session and a 45-minute seminar.

“Pretty much every task I had to do was to that level and I’m pleased I did it in the end.

“I was recommended for it after completing my level five coaching award and I wasn’t sure whether to do it or not, if I’m honest.

“But my dad pushed me to it and it’s nice to be able to dedicate this to him.

“He passed away in January but it was him who pushed me over the line to do it.”

Duncan now plans to add what he has learnt into the Shrimpers’ academy.

And he is keen to secure another successful season as he strives to produce even more players for the first team.

“With the addition of an under-21 team the pathway is there for the boys now but I want to increase the belief we have in our academy,” said Duncan.

“We get bogged down by category one and category two status but we have very good players here in all age groups.

“We’ve got gems but we’ve got to keep hold of as many as we can to bring them through into the first team.

“That remains our main ambition and it’s what we’re working on.”