Flynn to Help Youngsters

Last updated : 26 May 2005 By Gary Fish

Former Wrexham manager Brian Flynn could be busy this summer, offering advice to some of Wales' youngsters released by clubs across England.

Flynn became a part of the Wales national side's set up when John Toshack took over and has been given the responsibility of overseeing youth development between the ages of 17 and 21.

Flynn has already been busy making himself known among our youngsters in England and Wales, however, some players will have mixed emotions in football after being released from academies across the UK.

Two of those players are Ramon Calliste, at Manchester United who has been a member of the Wales U-21 side recently and Adam Birchall, a young Arsenal striker who spent much of the campaign on loan at League Two Wycombe Wanderers.

Flynn has set himself the task of ensuring that they do not become disillusioned with the game following their disappointments.

"I'm actually in the process of helping Adam at Arsenal at the moment," said Flynn.

"It's a difficult time for young players whose dreams have been shattered but I'm there to help.

"They can come through me and, where I'm able, I will open other doors for them. But it's up to them to tell me what they want to do and how they see their career developing from this point on.

"I had similar experiences at club level where it was my job sometimes to release players but I always asked them what their plans were and if I could help them in any way."

Flynn said Premiership defenders Mark Delaney and Danny Collins were both examples of players who had bounced back, despite being released as teenagers by Football League clubs. .

He added: "We don't want to lose quality players so the important thing is to ensure they don't become disillusioned."