U17s Coach reviews first six months in new role
- George Danaher discusses his first six months as U17s Coach
- 20-year-old comments on what he has learnt as so far
- Danaher speaks on the development of his side
Huddersfield Town’s Under-17s Coach George Danaher is delighted with how his first six months in his new role have gone.
The 20-year-old’s appointment came in December 2020, following Jon Worthington’s step up to take charge of the B Team and Under-19s Coach.
Speaking to htafc.com, the former Town scholar was quick to comment on how thankful he is to the Club for being trusted with his role.
“To be given ownership of this group has been fantastic and I am delighted with how it has gone.
“I have worked hard since I started the coaching role and having the opportunity to learn from Worthy and the other coaches means I am now confident I can do the job.
“One thing that is really excellent within the Academy is the support me and the lads receive.
“We’ve had some difficult moments this season, but staff within the club are always on hand to give the boys the support they need before or after a game.”
Danaher went on to discuss how he found his first group of Young Terriers.
“They are a fantastic group of lads which I really enjoy working with.
“This group is full of really good characters, they all possess a willingness to learn and develop as players and as people, which has made my job a lot easier!
“On the pitch they have adapted to the style of play we are trying to implement really well, off the pitch I have seen them mature as people and that means they are now able to speak with confidence about ideas they may have coming into a game.
“I’m really open with them; we decide on things together as a group.
“The lads have bought into the process of taking responsibility and taking ownership of things and from this I have seen great development from the boys.
“As a Coach, that’s the most rewarding thing. Seeing them develop as footballers as well as people has been excellent.”
Danaher also elaborated on what he has learnt from his squad this season as well as what he has learnt as a Coach.
“As a Coach I have learnt with how to deal with different characters within the group, every player is different as they have different backgrounds and experiences.
“I have learnt that you cannot treat each player the same which has improved my man-management, meaning I can get the best out of the players and take this into next season.
“I am learning new things all the time, but what has helped massively has been the link between the First Team and the academy.
“Danny Schofield has really good relationships with people in the Academy, and this has helped massively as he is able to pass information onto the Academy from the First Team and vice versa.
“Going forward, I want to keep improving every day and keep learning from the other coaches within the Club.
“That’ll continue to make me a better Coach and allow me to implement a playing style that matches the ‘Terrier Identity’.”
