TOWN'S fruitful youth policy is a credit to the entire Academy staff.

That's the message from Academy director Gerry Murphy on a weekend when Town again have 11 home-produced players in their first-team squad.

Manager Peter Jackson has just awarded full pro contracts to Michael Collins, Matt Young and Aaron Hardy and, with the former now making an impact at senior level, the Academy conveyor belt continues to run.

Town invest £500,000 a year in their junior system and Murphy, with the club for 17 years explained:

"It's our job to find and develop young players and, when our own lads go through and play in the first team, it's a tremendous credit to everyone who works in the Academy.

"It sounds easy, but it isn't. A lot of our staff will work with lads from the age of eight and right the way through, and they get an education not only in football, but in life and how to conduct themselves.

"At each level, it gets harder for the lads, but we've got a fantastically dedicated staff, both full-time and part-time, who are there to help and, when lads get to the first team, it gives us all a big buzz."

On the latest trio to progress, Murphy added:

"Michael Collins has always been slightly built, but technically he's always been good and he's got a fantastic football brain.

"Aaron Hardy has always been able to nip in front of players and take the ball, while Matt Young has a great work ethic. All three of them have great attitudes to the game and the club."