Clydesdale Bank Under 19 League - Season 08/09

Hibernian are U19 Champions

Hibernian won the Clydesdale Bank U19 League in dramatic fashion on Friday 24th April when Kurtis Byrne struck in the last minute to give them a 1-0 victory over Motherwell.

With the Fir Park contest seemingly heading for a goalless draw - which would have kept alive the title hopes of Hearts and Rangers - the ball broke for Byrne, who smashed it past Steven Coutts.

Ewan Moyes came close for the visitors early on against a Motherwell team looking for a sixth straight win. Chances were at a premium in a compelling contest but, with time running out, Byrne made no mistake to spark wild celebrations among the Hibs players.

This is Hibernian's first title at this level and they have lost only twice all season. The team were presented with the Clydesdale Bank U19 League trophy at Easter Road, at half time during the Hibs v Dundee United match on 2nd May 09.

The Hibernian U19 coach Alastair Stevenson said: "The players who received the trophy at Easter Road will be a hard act to follow but we will continue to endeavour to produce players and we’ll be looking to get another two or three through next year."

 

Clydesdale Bank Rising Star

Football can be an expensive business, so any team that can bring in some talent from their youth teams, who can make it in the first team, will be very pleased!

All the Clydesdale Bank Premier League teams have great youth set ups, and we’re going to recognise some of the rising stars from the U19s, giving you some information on the players that could be your heroes of the future.

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award Heart of Midlothian FC's Craig Thomson has been named the latest Clydesdale Bank Premier League Under-19 Rising Star.

Signed from the Hearts Youth Initiative, 17 year old Craig has firmly established himself as a key member of the Heart of Midlothian under-19 squad playing his part in their rise to third in the Clydesdale Bank U19 table.

Upon receiving his award, Craig said: "I think I've done well this season and I'm delighted to get the award - hopefully it can help me go further in my career. I think it's brilliant other coaches have recognised I'm doing well, but first and foremost I'm trying to impress the coaches at Hearts."

Commenting on his ambitions for the future he added: "I'd like to get a regular start for the reserves and break into the first-team squad next season, that's my aim."

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award for November

St. Mirren FC's Ben Carson has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Under 19 Rising Star for November.

A former St. Mirren youth player, 18 year old Ben signed professional with the club in July 2007 and has since become a key member of the under 19 squad. Indeed his excellent performances in November also saw him rewarded with a place in the first team squad when Gus MacPherson's side faced current Champions Celtic.

Ben said: "I'm delighted! It's great to be recognised with an award like this. I'm enjoying my football just now but I know I need to keep working hard day-in day-out."

Asked if he had hopes of making more appearances with the first team he added: "Right now I just need to focus on doing well for the U19s and taking my chances when they come in the Reserve team. If I keep working you never know..."

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award for October

Rangers FC's Gregg Wylde has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Under 19 Rising Star for October.

Gregg, the son of former East Stirling manager Gordon Wylde, joined the club in June last year from Celtic and has since become an important member of the Rangers U19 squad operating at both left back and left midfield at various times this season. Gregg, who has scored two goals in the Clydesdale Bank U19 League this season, received three votes out of a possible four last month despite Rangers playing just two league matches.

Gregg said: "It's a great reward for the extra work I've been putting in with the coaching staff here but now I just need to make sure I keep my head down and keep developing. I'd love to eventually make it all the way to the first team but right now Im focusing on playing well for the Under 19s. There are parts of my game that I know I need to improve and hopefully if I manage that I'll get my chance to be involved with the first team in the future".

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award for September

Dundee United's Ryan Dow has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Under 19 Rising Star for September.

Ryan joined the club at the start of his Under15 season, and was good enough to gain a contract at the end of his Under 16 season, June 2007. The 17 year old has gone on to become an outstanding striker finding the net on 40 occasions in the last two seasons. Ryan played in each of United's three Under-19s matches in September twice receiving the Man of the Match award.

Ryan said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, and I am pleased that my performances recently have not gone unnoticed. It's my first award and I have taken a bit of stick from the lads for it, but it's all just banter. As a Dundee United fan, it was a dream to sign for United and I love it here. It would mean so much to me to establish myself in the first team here but for the foreseeable future it is all about keeping my head down and continuing to work on my game under the guidance of Steve Campbell and with the help of the coaching staff. I do not look too far ahead and winning this award will not change my outlook on trying to do the right thing in the eyes of the coaching staff here at Tannadice."

Clydesdale Bank U19 Rising Star Award for August

Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Shane Sutherland has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Under 19 Rising Star for August.

The 17 year old striker has been with the club for a year, joining from Highland League side Wick Academy. He scored 2 goals in August, and was praised for his strong, attacking style.

Shane said: "When the manager told me I'd won this award, my reaction was one of shock and delight. This is a big season for me because it's my last at 19s level. I scored quite a few goals in pre-season and took that form into the competitive games. My next aim is to make it into the reserves on a regular basis and then try and earn a full-time contract and push on from that. Winning an award like this is great for me, it’s fantastic to get the recognition for your work."