There was an unfamiliar name on Coventry City’s teamsheet against Tottenham on Wednesday night, the latest youngster to be promoted to Mark Robins’ senior squad.
That player was Harvey Broad, who has taken the number 51 for his shirt and who the Sky Blues boss believes has a ‘bright future’ at the club if he continues on his current trajectory.
Former City academy graduate James Maddison - who returned to his home town club with Spurs this week - is a shining example of what can be achieved if you have the talent and work ethic to do well at a club where Robins insists opportunities will be given.
“It gives you an understanding of where you can get to if you put the work in and listen and work hard like James has done at the football club,” said the manager.
“There’s opportunity and a pathway for people to come through, and because we don’t carry a huge squad, there’s always an opportunity to break into the squad, first and foremost, and then hopefully they can get some game time and then it’s up to them to stay in.”
Robins says he learned from his own experience as a young striker breaking through at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson, that young players often need to be given time to flourish.
“The biggest thing is the understanding,” he said. “When I was at Manchester United and Sir Alex had taken over, I made my debut at 18 years of age and I didn’t do great. I was doing OK in the 18s and juniors and then came through into the first team but I didn’t score my first goal for about two years, from 18-20.
"I scored my first senior goal just shy of my 21st birthday, so the time that was afforded to me is something that I am grateful for because you can be easily discarded, and that’s one thing that I understand that you have got to keep giving people opportunities to get them through – if they are showing the right signs and moving in the right direction to be afforded that time.
“But also, if you can see the attributes and what they are capable of doing, there’s always an opportunity for them to come through.”
Asked about Broad, a left-back by trade, and how he ended up on the bench on Wednesday night, the manager explained: “He came through a different channel. Our scouting network picked him up and he came from Chatham Town this summer. I saw him play against Werder Bremen in the pre-season training ground match, and I liked what I saw.
“Harvey was good and stuck out, and then when I was looking at things ahead of Wednesday, Joel (Latibeaudiere) was unavailable (to cover) so he might have had to play on the right-hand side as a right-back, but he’s technically very good. He’s a good player and somebody who clearly has a bright future if he continues to work hard and keep his head down, and not get frustrated at any lack of opportunity.
“He’s played men’s football already. He’s only 18, maybe just 19, but he’s one of a number of players who have got a chance because he’s got a number of qualities.”