Preview: Bevans & Nabizada Discuss FA Youth Cup

Ahead of the FA Youth Cup tie at home to Crewe Alexandra tomorrow (Wednesday January 8, 7pm KO), watfordfc.com spoke to Under-18s Lead Coach Matt Bevans, who played in the competiton for the Hornets in 2010, and Amin Nabziada about the fourth-round clash.

MATT BEVANS

How much does the FA Youth Cup mean to you and the team?

It’s really important for the boys’ learning and their understanding of the importance of knockout football - one loss and you’re out. We are mainly focused on developing the boys and developing them as individuals, but tomorrow night is about winning the game.

What has the preparation looked like heading into tomorrow night?

Preparation has looked very good. The boys are in a really good place physically and mentally and they are ready to go. Training of late has been really good, so excited is the main feeling.
 
Would you say there is much excitement amongst the group?

Yeah, I think the boys got their nerves out of the way in the first game, so I think we are now ready to attack this and show the best version of ourselves tomorrow night.

The last round showed a determination in the boys to win a tough game of football. Are you hoping they take that into the game against Crewe?

One hundred per cent. That’s something we value here at this academy - hard-work, determination and being robust. We are going to need that again tomorrow night. It will be tough; Crewe are a very good side. They are similar to us and we are under no illusion it’s going be a tough test. We have to be at our best.

I’m sure Jimmy Gilligan has mentioned about his goal which helped Watford beat Manchester United in the 1982 final. Has he spoken to the boys regarding the importance of the competition?

It’s all he talks about, haha! Yeah, briefly but we try and tell the boys it’s just another game. Yes, the expectations are slightly different but for us and our preparation we don’t change anything from a normal game, and we want the boys to feel as comfortable as they can leading into the game.

What would you say to people who are thinking of going to watch?

Come and watch. We are going to play exciting football and going to work hard. It is a team that I feel is going to represent the club in a positive way. I came through the ranks here and I have seen the values of this club first-hand since I was nine years old and these boys are doing their best to represent that. I’m hoping for a good performance tomorrow night.

AMIN NABIZADA

How are you feeling ahead of the Crewe game?

Excited, confident, and just looking forward to it. 

How important is the FA Youth Cup to the Under-18s?

It is the pinnacle for the Under-18s age group. I think it really sets the tone for who are you as a player, and if you do well and progress, it puts your name on other people’s radars.

How different does it feel playing in the FA Youth Cup compared to playing in the league?

I have played the majority of the games for the Under-21s in the league. It is an exciting moment in the cup, something you don’t really experience, a knockout thing, so it should be exciting.

How did it feel to get on the scoresheet in the third round against Oxford United?

It felt good - I love scoring goals, that is what I do. I thought my goal was quite good, I thought the little dummy explains why I am cheeky on the ball.

What is it like playing at a stadium in the FA Youth Cup?

It is good to have different scenery, different perspectives on the match. There will be some fans there which is exciting, so I am looking forward to it.

Under-18s Coaches Matt Bevans & Lloyd Doyley, as well as Jimmy Gilligan, have all got experience playing in the FA Youth Cup. What can you learn from that?

Whenever you ask a question, they are always really helpful, and they give you information to the maximum. They have obviously experienced it first-hand, so it is good to be able to pick up little nuggets from such experienced people.