Jerry Gill happy with Wolves' Under-18s

Wolves finished seventh in the 12-team Premier League North division, enjoyed a mini FA Youth Cup run and thrashed Everton (who finished second only on goal difference) 8-0.

What was even more pleasing for Gill was eight of his 11 scholars signing their first professional contracts.

And the former Birmingham City and Cheltenham player is pleased with how things have unfolded at Compton Park.

He said; "I think it has been a good season. If you look at results, as in results of scholars coming through to be signed pro, then it has gone very well.

"There were three of the second year group already committed when I came in and then another five got signed, so eight of the 11 got through to turn pro.

"That is a really good return and the staff involved are really pleased with that.

"From there they now start the games programme with Scott (Sellars) and the under-21s or they go out on loan.

"By moving a few of them up already towards the end of the season it has meant that we were able to blood a lot of the first years in the under-18 games.

"There's been people like Cameron John and Brandon Ball, who have been playing regularly at full backs, and Adam Osborne in the centre as well."

A mid-season run of two defeats in 13 games – a run which included that Everton hammering – was the highlight on the pitch.

Towards the end of the campaign, a number of the side progressed to under-21 level after a bunch of players were released from Sellars' squad.

For Gill, it's now about bringing that next generation through. He added of the season, and that Everton win: "Everton were top of the league at the time and unbeaten.

"But we had the likes of Daniel Armstrong, Connor Ronan, Niall Ennis, Christian Herc – it showed what we could do with our strongest team out.

"We also did well in the FA Youth Cup up until what was a disappointing performance against Reading.

"Overall, I think it has been a consistent season in respect of performance levels, but an improvement in results is needed.

"We won't hide away from the fact that we want a winning mentality within the team – we will go out every game wanting to win it.

"What might stop that from happening is if we are blooding those younger players and then come up against a team of second years – that is where it can be tough to compete.

"We want to build up the same pattern of performances next season but do we also want more positive results? Yes, of course.

"For me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season here and I think the players have enjoyed their season as well.

"Now it is all about looking forward to getting back at the end of June for their fitness testing, and then going straight into pre-season."