please log in to view this image Supporters of all ages are invited to watch the Tigers’ Under-21s in action completely free of charge when Tony Pennock’s side host Bristol City at the KC Stadium on Saturday, immediately after the first-team’s Sky Bet Championship home game against the Robins. The U21 Professional Development League 2 fixture will kick-off at 5.15pm, around 25-30 minutes after the completion of the first-team fixture, with admission to the KC for the Under-21s game free for fans of all ages. Any supporters who are not attending the first-team fixture against Bristol City but wish to watch the Under-21s’ match will be able to enter the stadium via Gate 23 in the north west corner, which will open at approximately 5pm. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Under-21 clash at the KC, Academy Manager Tony Pennock said: “To have the opportunity to play on the first-team pitch is obviously a big thing for everyone involved and will be vitally important for the players' continued development. “It is great experience of a pressure situation for our young lads - playing at the KC Stadium in front of our fans. It’s also a chance for the players to show that they are capable of playing well in these types of situations. “I’ve always talked about the importance of giving our younger players experiences that will prepare them for first-team football. These experiences are key and we need to make sure we expose them to it as much as we possibly can. “The Under-21s have made huge strides this season and it would be nice for the boys to get some recognition from the wider fan base for their performances in the current campaign, which they fully deserve. “With the game taking place straight after the first-team’s fixture - also against Bristol City - hopefully many of the supporters inside the ground will opt to stay behind and support the lads. They have had a great season so far and the fans’ support on Saturday would be very much appreciated by all at the Academy.”
U21 Premier League Cup Final Dates Confirmed please log in to view this image The dates for the final of the Under-21 Premier League Cup have now been confirmed. The Under-21s will travel to Upton Park to face West Ham in the first-leg on Monday 25th April (Kick-Off 7pm), whilst the second-leg will take place at the KC Stadium on Wednesday 4th May (Kick-Off 7pm). The Tigers reached the final courtesy of victories over Sheffield Wednesday (3-2), Crewe Alexandra (2-1), West Bromwich Albion (2-1), Millwall (3-1) before a penalty shoot-out victory over Huddersfield Town in the semi-final. The Hammers, meanwhile, have seen off Exeter City (4-0), Fulham (3-2), Blackburn Rovers (2-1) and Liverpool (3-2) en route to the final. Ticket details for both legs of the final will be announced in due course.
4th May in the diary! Hope the club really does something to encourage attendance and get a good backing in the stadium to support the U21's. Terrific achievement for the first year as an academy. Pennock in!
Good move by the club. And if I was them, I'd encourage fans to watch the game from a different seat in readiness for any changes (forced or not) ahead of next season.
