Six pre-season friendlies announced for U23s

Tuesday, 28 May, 2019 5comments | Jump to most recent

Everton Under-23s will warm up for their Premier League 2 title defence by playing six pre-season friendlies this summer.

The young Blues will take on League Two Swindon Town on Thursday, 11 July (11am) as part of a warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, before travelling to another fourth-tier side in Morecambe on Saturday, 20 July (3pm).

Chorley, who will begin life in the National League next season after winning promotion via the National League North play-offs, will host David Unsworth's charges three days later on Tuesday, 23 July (7:30pm), with a trip to Welsh club Rhyl's Belle Vue Stadium confirmed for Saturday, 27 July (3pm).

The young Blues will travel to Bamber Bridge of the Northern Premier League on Wednesday, 31 July (7:30pm) and then face Wigan Under-23s on Saturday, 3 August (1pm) at the Latics' Christopher Park Training Ground.

Everton Under-23s completed a league and cup double last season. Unsworth's side topped Premier League 2 for the second time in three years, before beating Newcastle United 1-0 at Goodison Park to secure the Club's first Premier League Cup success.

Reader Comments (5)

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Alan J Thompson
1 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:02:39

It would be nice if they could fit in a behind-closed-doors game against the 1st XI at Finch Farm at some time before the season.

Kieran Kinsella
2 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:28:38

Why are we wasting money on a "warm-weather training" in the summer? Usually you see that kind of trip in January. Moreover, are these jokers really likely to improve if they are playing fourth- and fifth- tier teams?

Robert Leigh
3 Posted 28/05/2019 at 18:53:10

Couldn't disagree more, Kieran (2).

Getting them out of their homes and comfort zones, lads only and focussed on nothing but training is essential. Though it's warm at home there are too many distractions which are reduced by travelling.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
4 Posted 30/05/2019 at 18:39:43

So the question is - is this the level of the U23s?

The teams they come up against are also in pre-season so should be equally as unsharp/unfit and so if this is the standard then does that also mean the standard of the players in our U23s is the same and therefore no hope of them making a career in the Premier League?

Kevin Prytherch
5 Posted 30/05/2019 at 18:45:31

Phil - or could it be that there will probably be a few new younger faces in the U23 squad and playing against some experienced players might do them good.

I saw the current U23s against Oldham in the Checkatrade Trophy, and some of the stand-out performers this season struggled at times. Doesn't necessarily mean they're not up to that standard, it's just very different playing against 25- to 35-year-old men, as opposed to 18- to 21-year-old youngsters all the time.

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