Sean Wood said that the Swindon Town under-18s are developing really well during a start to the season when results haven’t always matched performances.

Whilst Swindon have not had as strong a start by results, with just one win in the Youth Alliance League, they have had big successes in the cups, including a 5-1 win over Cardiff City and many strong displays.

He said: “To break down performances, we average 18 shots a game and 12 in the penalty box, we are working very hard to become more ruthless even with the exciting attacking talent we have.

“George [Alston] over the last couple of weeks has been scoring lots of goals and playing really well, he has trained really well and works really hard off the pitch and has been part of the pathway group and been a standout performer.

“Dani [Gonzalez-Birchall] has also started the season particularly well and Botan [Ameen] came straight off of his international duty into pre-season, so he is really starting to hit some form.

“Miles [Obodo] has scored in the last couple of games as well, so with our second years we are really pleased with how they are progressing.

“We have had eight first years this year and Owen Foye and Josh Terry have already had a lot of game time.

“In-house, we are quietly pleased with how the players are progressing and how the performances have been.”

On top of huge success at the under-18 level last year, there was also unprecedented numbers of academy players playing and training with the first team.

Whilst that has not happened to the same extent yet, Wood said that there is a lot of collaboration going on behind the scenes which is seeing strong results.

He said: “On a Tuesday there is now a pathway training group with the under-18s and young pros to help bridge the gap with first team and under-18 staff.

“There has been a lot more recruitment in the first team this year and they have to get everything settled, so the boys will have to be more patient with opportunities in the squad.

“With the first EFL Trophy game coming so soon a lot of players needed additional minutes but going into the next game I am sure there will be more younger boys involved.

“The link is still the same, they are constantly asking how the boys are and Marcus [Bignot] comes to watch the under-18s when it works.”