Manchester City may have challenged for Premier League and continental honours this season – but youth team boss Jason Wilcox says winning The FA Youth Cup had always been marked out as a priority.
City take on Chelsea in the first leg of the Final at Academy Stadium on Monday night, and the former Blackburn, Leeds and England winger knows the club’s hierarchy will be watching closely.
Manchester City v Chelsea
The FA Youth Cup Final, first leg
Academy Stadium
7.45pm, Monday 20 April 2015
Live on ITV4
“We made a judgment as a club that The FA Youth Cup is a priority along with the Champions League,” he said.
“It means an awful lot to be in the Final - we've not been there since 2008.
“Some of our players have been in the academy since they were 10 and there have been a lot of people who have worked with them along the way.
“There have been those who have coached, given lifts or sorted their education – the whole department can take credit for us getting to the Final.“
Wilcox admits Chelsea will pose the toughest test yet to a City side who defeated Leicester in the semi-finals.
“I think Chelsea are going to be formidable opponents and we are looking forward to playing them,” he said.
“I watched them in their semi-final and they have got some fantastic players and coaches in Joe Edwards and Jody Morris. So, we will be fully prepared and it will be a good Final.
“We are delighted to be in the Final and it will be difficult, but we have to try to win.”
Manchester City v Chelsea will be screened live on ITV4 from 7.30pm
