Leeds u21s:
Leeds United Under-21s currently sit 15th in the newly reformed Premier League 2. The Whites have had a mixed start to the 23/24 campaign, winning three games, drawing one, and losing four. The main weakness in the early stages of the season for Leeds has been in defence. The West Yorkshire side have conceded 23 goals in eight games so far this season, leaving them with one of the worst defensive records in the league.
Player to watch: Sean McGurk
McGurk has enjoyed what so far you could only describe as a fantastic season for the Whites. The 20-year-old has scored four goals and got three assists this season and has been a core part of Michael Skubala’s side.
This is what the U21s manager had to say about the midfielder, “He’s working hard behind the scenes, when Sean can stay fit and strong, we know how good he is with the ball, he just needs to stay fit and healthy and there is a big future for the boy.”
Sheffield United u21s:
Sheffield United u21s have got off to a great start to the 23/24 season. The Blades currently sit at the top of the Professional Development League. Michael Collins’ side have really turned the Chesterfield SMH Group stadium into a fortress, as they are unbeaten at home, winning six out of seven. The Blades’ biggest asset is scoring goals, they have scored 43 goals in 13 games, with 34 of them goals coming at home.
Player to watch: Antwoine Hackford
The 19-year-old English striker has got off to a flyer in the early stages of the season. Hackford has scored nine goals in six games and is the fourth top scorer in the Professional Development League. Hackford will be looking to knock on the door of a place in Sheffield United’s first team squad, after their difficult start to the season.
I spoke to die hard Sheffield United fan, Matthew Taylor about Hackford, “I follow a lot of the 21s fixtures and I’ve seen a lot of Hackford, and there is also a lot to like, he’s quick, agile and got an eye for goal, everything you want in a striker. With us struggling for form in the league, I don’t think it’ll be long before you see him in action.”
Sheffield Wednesday u21s:
The Owls, just like their archrivals Sheffield United, have also enjoyed a good start to the Professional Development League campaign. Wednesday currently sit third in the league, with a game in hand on the top two, Sheffield United and Birmingham. The Owls have been ruthless on the road, and they currently have the best away record in the league, winning four, drawing two and are yet to be defeated.
Player to watch: Bailey Cadamarteri
Cadamarteri has what can only be described as an excellent start to the 23/24 season, and he is a key reason as to why the young Owls have started their campaign so well. The 18-year-old striker is currently the top scorer in the PDL with 11 goals in seven games. Cadamerti’s success has not been unnoticed by first team manager Danny Röhl, as he made his first team debut for the Owls on 11th Novemeber 2023 against Millwall and was also rewarded with his first start on 29th Novermber 2023 against League leaders Leicester City. Cadamarteri is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Hull u21s:
Hull City, like Sheffield United and Wednesday, also compete in the Professional Development League. It’s safe to say they have had a mediocre start to the season, as they currently sit seventh in the division, with four wins and seven losses. Discipline has really let the Tigers down so far this season, with the team accumulating four red cards in matches this season, which will obviously impact results throughout the season.
Player to watch: Harry Vaughan
Harry Vaughan is a 19-year-old Irish midfielder who has got off to a good start to the 23/24 season. Vaughan already has plenty of first team experience, as in the 21/22 season he played 23 games for Oldham. This season the midfielder has played a key part for Hull u21s and has also been rewarded with a place on the bench for the first team, and also making four appearances off the bench for the Tigers.
