The Sky Blue Under-18s head to Yorkshire for the National Championship final on Wednesday...
Academy Manager Rich Stevens looks ahead to the Under-18s' National Championship final against Sheffield United this Wednesday.Jason Farndon's side travel to Bramall Lane looking to add the National Championship to the divisional title won last month, after defeating the Blades' rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Semi-Final.
Stevens said: "It has been pretty normal in terms of preparation, we've had quite a long break since the last game which has actually helped us. All the boys were involved in Under-23s football so it has given us a chance to give them some rest.
"It has gave us time to really prepare for the game, but despite the added time, we have gone about our business as we usually would for any other game. We will go into it looking to do our best and see where that takes us.
"Trying to get the lads as much experience as possible is important and playing at a stadium enables that. It is what that next step is, it will be a big occasion for them and many have already played at the Ricoh for the 23s."
With over three weeks since their victory against the Owls at the Alan Higgs Centre, it has given the players extra time to overcome some typical end of season niggles.
"It is pretty much a fresh squad, I wouldn't even call them injuries, more so end of season niggles because quite a few of them had played a lot of football recently.
"Some were playing three games in ten days regularly, and obviously Chris Camwell made his first-team debut after only featuring for the Under-23s a few days prior.
He added: "Over a twelve day spell it has given us the ability to manage it properly, give them a few days off accordingly and tailor the training and preparation.