Turnbull receives international call-up for youths

By Albatross
September 3 2004

Hartlepool United's youth setup is obviously attracting attention at a high level: midfielder Phil Turnbull has been asked to attend a training camp for the England u18 setup. It's a real achievement for the player, and a vindication of our School of Excellence and Youth programmes.

17 year old Turnbull, a central midfielder, was part of the side that won their section of the Dallas Cup last season and has been on the bench for the reserves this year - and played for them last season too. Described as a central midfielder who can use either foot, he will be taking part in a training camp at Maidenhead.

While being part of this session doesn't automatically mean that Turnbull will represent England, it is yet another sign that our youth system is in extremely good shape. This sort of recognition goes to show that coming to Pools is a very good move for a promising young player - with even international recognition at youth level not out of the question. The number of players that have come through the ranks at Pools is quite phenomenal at the moment: no less than seven players that have played for the first team this season are either current of former youth team players, and in addition Andy Appleby has been on the bench. Last season we reached double figures; and still it seems the production line of talent is continuing. Karl Richards, a forward from the youth team, has gone on loan to Bishop Auckland to gain experience of senior football - a path taken by Craddock and Appleby last season with Whitby - and has also made an impact for the second string this season.

While all is rosy for the youth team though, speculation continues to grow about one of their former players. Adam Boyd is apparently attracting interest from Cardiff, with Lenny Lawrence admitting that he is a player he's considering along with Rob Hulse and Sam Parkin. Cardiff though don't have a game this weekend due to the international programme, so Boyd should still be around for tomorrow's game against Barnsley.