Peters’ youth hope (From Worcester News)

Peters’ youth hope

8:00pm Friday 27th January 2012 in News By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN #WENsport

DIRECTOR of football Gary Peters believes Hereford United’s crop of youngsters will ensure the club have a bright future.

Seven of the team who started last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Oxford United were aged 25 or under.

Former Glenn Hoddle Academy midfielder Sam Clucas, aged 21, and on-loan Blackpool striker Tom Barkhuizen, 19, came off the bench.

Clucas and ex-Wales under 19 keeper Dan Hanford this week signed deals until the end of next season, joining former Swindon Town defender Will Evans.

But the moves have not gone down well with some fans, who feel the trio are unproven and fear the squad won’t be good enough.

Peters, however, has defended the decisions, citing an absence of second-year professionals in the club’s youth system.

The 57-year-old, who faces former employers Shrewsbury Town in League Two tomorrow (1pm), also knows United can’t splash the cash.

That was highlighted by nine players on less money combined than striker Sean Canham, currently on loan at Bath City, according to Peters.

He said: “We’ve got players on low wages fighting to prove themselves and other players not getting paid by us because they want first-team football to help them develop.

“They’ll hopefully turn into first-team regulars and possibly be able to make the club some money.

“We need to take these players under our wing, nurture them and give them the support they need.”