Youth Team boss John Askey can quite rightly look back on the 2007/08 season with some satisfaction. Not only did his team achieve their highest ever league position, in reaching the 4th Round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON they went further than ever before in the competition.

And to cap it all several of his former charges were given their first professional contracts this summer. But as befits the Silkmen Legend John is not one for reflecting on past glories, instead very much focused on making further strides over the next 12 months.

"Last year was certainly one of progress," enthused John when we caught up with him this week. "But that will mean for little if we take out foot off the pedal and expect things to continue that way. It is going to take continued hard work and commitment. But when I took over this role both myself and the club new what was involved and we were under now illusions that things would happen overnight."

"Ultimately we are judged by how many of the lads go onto to make it into the first team. So it was great to see so many of them being given the chance to show what they can do. We saw what Shaun Brisley achieved towards the back end of last season and hopefully the likes of John Rooney, Kristian Dennis, Christian Millar and Chris Hirst can do likewise. Add to that the likes of JJ, Jordan, Izak and Matty Flynn and you have a fair chunk of the squad having come through the ranks. I think as a fan you want to see home grown talent coming through and long may that continue."

"The introduction of the reserve team this season is going to be a big plus as that means the guys will be getting games. And I also expect at some stage that some of the current crop of youth team players will also get a run out from time to time."

"We've taken on seven new players this summer which brings us up to 13 players which is two or three players below where I want to be. But it is about getting the right players. It's a two year investment so it is important for both the club and the players coming in that we make the right choice as neither wants to be wasting their time. We've got until October to decide and I am hopeful we can add to the squad accordingly."

The players, who are all 16, coming in are as follows:-

Joshua Welsby (Keeper)

Adam Roberts (Right Back)

Michael Thomas (Centre Half / Midfield

James Askey (Midfield)

Scott Beckett (Midfield)

Steffan Backer-Rowley (Forward)

Tom France (Forward)

If one name seems familiar then it is. James Askey is the manager's nephew, a situation that John admits to being a bit surreal at times.

"It is a bit strange having someone from your family in the ranks. But he's here because he is a good prospect and I will try and treat him exactly as I would any of the other lads. But he knows I speak to his Dad (my brother) so he'll have to watch out!!"

Pre-Season Fixtures

The Youth Team have played one game so far in pre-season, running out 3-2 winners in a game against North West Counties side Eccleshall. They are due to play a Liverpool county side today (16th July) and Altrincham Youth (19th) with one more fixture arranged on the 26th to a side from Sheffield.

All games to be played at Derby Fields.

Puma North West Alliance

The fixtures for the coming season were announced earlier this month and are now listed on within the Youth Team Section of the official site.