Southend United will be adding another age group to their youth development programme from next season.
Head of Youth Ricky Duncan has revealed in an interview with Blues World how he plans to introduce a new under 20's squad from the start of July.
Youngsters Luke Thurlbourne, James Lindie, Rhys Henry and Jamie Forshaw have all signed one-year development contracts.
And Duncan hopes that the extra 12-months will give his starlets the opportunity to shine in front of boss Steve Tilson.
"I have always had the opinion that we are too quick to look at players on a two-year scholarship before we make a decision on them," said Ricky who also saw left-back Johnny Herd rewarded with a two-year professional deal at the end of the season.
"That sounds like a long time but it is only about 78 weeks, so to make a decision on whether someone will make it as a pro is very difficult.
"We have decided to take some players on for another year to see how they develop.
"They have the opportunity to train with us on a daily basis; but we will also be looking at getting them into Conference football so we can asses them in games.
"If at the end of that time it means we need another year then so be it, otherwise we can move on.
"It is just a way that we have a little safety net to make sure that we don't release any good players."
The next stage of that project is to actively start to look at players who fall into an under 20 bracket.
This pre-season will also include specially arranged matches for the under 20's to feature in.
Blues have already scheduled games against Harlow Town and Bishops Stortford to give the quartet a run out.
"At the moment it is purely for late developers that we know will be in their 20's before they develop fully," he said.
"A couple of clubs have phoned up and enquired about their availability; but the manager wants them to stay in over pre-season.
"We have some special under 20 games arranged which are another opportunity for us to watch them in."
Blues World has been carrying the first of a two-part interview with Ricky Duncan. The second interview will follow later today, but you can watch the first half of this ten minute chat here.
