Sheedy proud of his champions

Everton Under-18s were crowned Barclays Under-18 Premier League champions yesterday after a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Goodison Park.

The Blues were crowned champions after a winner-takes-all final after the end of season play-offs pitted the top two teams in the North division against one another.

Harry Charsley’s 54th minute strike was the difference in an end-t0-end contest against City.

Boss Kevin Sheedy says he was beaming with pride as his team lifted the Premier League title and after suffering heartbreak at the semi-final stage last season, the boss believes that his players have learned how to embrace the big occasions.

He told evertontv: “I’m really delighted for them. They’re a great set of lads who have worked so hard all season. I kept saying to them we are the best team in the league week-in, week-out.

“The Youth Cup is the short route to success, but winning the league against a lot of very, very good teams speaks volumes for the whole squad. I’m really proud of them.”

He added: “Our performance was very good against a strong Manchester City team. They pushed us right to the wire but I thought we defended magnificently, we got blocks in and covered every blade of grass. We got what we deserved.”

The season is over for the Under-18s, but Sheedy says the hard work continues throughout the summer and is already excited for the next campaign.

Congratulations lads!