HI RES ECFC Issue 05 Cardiff_Arsenal U21s - Flipbook - Page 3
GARY CALDWELL
Good evening, and welcome to our Vertu Trophy group stage fixtures here at St James Park,
against Cardiff City and Arsenal U21.
I’d like to begin by welcoming the players, coaches, staff, and supporters of both clubs who have travelled to Devon
for these games. We wish you all a safe journey home afterwards.
The EFL Trophy might not always be everyone’s favourite competition, but for us as a club it plays an important
role. It provides a stage for our younger players to step into the first-team environment, to learn what it takes at
this level, and to show they can make an impact. At the same time, it gives us a genuine opportunity to progress
in a cup competition. History tells us how valuable that can be - Ollie Watkins’ first professional goal came in this
tournament against Coventry, and it’s moments like that which show the pathway is real and the opportunity is
there.
Last season we set out, as we do in every area of the club, to improve on what had come before. While it was
disappointing to bow out against Birmingham, our unbeaten group stage run and elements of that performance
against the eventual League One champions were pleasing signs of progress.
This year the challenge is to take the next step. The Trophy is an opportunity not only for players to stake their claim
for league fixtures, but also to test themselves and grow against a variety of opposition. Cardiff, Newport, and
Arsenal will all pose contrasting challenges, but these are exactly the kinds of tests we want to embrace head-on.
I hope you enjoy the football across our home fixtures in this competition, and please get behind the team across
the 90 minutes - your support always makes a real difference. Starting a new campaign in any competition brings
optimism and excitement, and with the Wembley final as the ultimate prize, anything is possible.
Because anything is possible, if you believe.
Gary
Gary Caldwell
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