Top youth coach joins Hibs as nursery embarks on new project

Season 2008-09 was a memorable one for Hibernians FC from all aspects.

The Paolites not only left their mark by landing the BOV Premier League title but they also confirmed their status as a leading force in local youth football circles by clinching a treble of championships in the U-15, U-17 and U-19 categories.

The basis of that success was without doubt an efficient nursery set-up which consistently grooms skilful footballers who make the grade in respective age-groups and go on to establish themselves in the club's senior team.

Other local nurseries would have rested on their laurels after such an astounding campaign but not Hibs. Spurred by loads of enthusiasm and the will to do even better the next time round, they have just embarked on a new project aimed at increasing even further the array of talent within their ranks.

Last week, Hibs nursery officials signed a twinning agreement with English League Two club Rochdale through which they have secured the services of a top UK youth coach, Mick Wild.

Wild will be residing here for the next 12 months, supervising the Hibernians nursery and the training process.

He has vast experience in the youth sector having worked for several years in the academy set-ups of English champions Manchester United among others. He also formed part of the coaching staff at the renowned Bobby Charlton Soccer School.

"After the outstanding results of last season we felt that the time was right to take our nursery to a higher level," Norman Buckle, chairman of the Hibs football nursery and a former club stalwart, told The Sunday Times in Corradino.

"In the past few years, we produced some of the best talent around but we can't afford to be complacent. So, we looked to move a step further ahead by engaging a professional foreign coach, someone who has different ideas and views of how things work in this sector.

"Mick Wild needs no introduction, having been employed with some of the best academies in the UK and elsewhere before. His input will help us move in the right direction... a more professional set-up, that's what we intend to embark on."

Wild, 49, is certainly looking forward to his new challenge.

"Actually, I can't wait to get started," he said.

"I've already been here a few times this year and I must say that I was really impressed with the facilities Hibs have at Corradino. I've been around doing this job before and I can say that there are some clubs in the UK that do not have the same kind of facilities."

Wild is encouraged by what he has seen so far.

"I want to get this project going at Hibs right-away and start working with the young ones who seem to hold enough potential to make the grade in my opinion," he said.

"I hope that my expertise will help them develop into tomorrow's top players for Hibernians FC and Malta."

Wild said the main concept behind Hibs' long-term project was to introduce a new training philosophy that would make it easier for nursery players in transition between age groups to adapt without problems.

"Our goal is to work on a unique pattern that will apply to all areas of the youth sector, from the youngest group up to the senior team," Wild said.

"We will make the youngsters settle in nicely when shifting from one group to another. If we all work on the same concept adopted by Mark Miller, then our boys will find it much better to adapt."

Bright players

Wild has been involved in youth coaching for the past 15 years.

"I've worked for seven years in the Manchester United soccer school and mentored some of the brightest players now coming through the first team," Wild said.

"Personally, I don't feel I deserve extra credit for the players' development as they should take all recognition for their efforts. Today it's very difficult to make the grade at top level football. We seek not just to groom youngsters into excellent players but also to infuse in them certain values to become role models in society."

Asked whether Hibs have any players who can pursue their career abroad, Wild has a clear name in his mind.

"Andrew Cohen, without doubt," he said.

"I had the opportunity to watch him in action for Malta in an away match earlier this year and I was really impressed.

"The lad has two great feet and excellent vision.

"I think it will not be long before he will receive offers to pursue a career abroad.

"Maltese football has made steady progress in recent years but to keep the trend going nursery organisations have to invest heavily to give the young ones the expert guidance required to maximise their skills.

Nurturing talented players is a slow process and requires great patience but more investment can help Maltese clubs to bridge the gap with others at this level."