Watford’s 2-0 defeat to Reading may have seen the Hornets bow out of the Emirates FA Cup, but the occasion provided the opportunity for four Golden Boys to make their first-team debuts having risen through the Academy ranks.
The Royals struck in either half through Kelvin Abrefa and Shane Long as Slaven Bilić made 15 changes to his Watford squad due to a growing list of injury absentees, with the Head Coach selecting several youngsters who worked hard to repay his faith in them.
Michael Adu-Poku, 17, started the game alongside Adrian Blake, who was making his second appearance for the club, with Ryan Andrews, Jack Grieves and Tobi Adeyemo coming on as second-half substitutes.
Reflecting on their professional debuts post-match, the Young Hornets were delighted to rub shoulders with first-team names and be a part of the senior squad, with Assistant Coach Julian Dicks also full of praise for their efforts at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Michael Adu-Poku:
“It was tough, but I tried to put my all into the game and work hard for the team.
“The game was physical, the defenders didn’t give me an easy time at all, but it was a good challenge. I tried to hold my own and give it back to them, and with experience I’ll get better.
“In academy football I’d say I’m more dominant, I’m a bit bigger than the players I come up against, but the players today were bigger than me which means I had to use my brain more and play off it.
“The team around me helped, gave me words of advice and to go out and enjoy it which helped.
“[The support] was brilliant, really motivated me and gave me an extra push when I was tired.”
Ryan Andrews:
“I found it an absolute joy! Hopefully there are many more experiences to come, but it’s a dream come true for me, my family and everyone that’s helped me in my career so far.
“[Bilić] told me to express myself, leave everything out there and do what I do best.
“In the first couple of minutes out there I felt a bit nervous, but that’s to be expected. After that I got into the game, got more comfortable, and having the likes of [William] Troost-Ekong beside me helped a lot.
“I’ve worked so hard throughout my time in the Under-18s and 21s, and I’m glad this moment came.”
Jack Grieves:
“I enjoyed it a lot. To make my debut for my boyhood club is everything to me, I’m really proud. It’s a shame about the result, but we’ll keep looking forward.
“The fans showed great support for all of us. There were quite a few young players in the squad today, and the players and fans made it easier for us to settle in. It was a great experience for all of us.
“I got on the ball a little bit, obviously coming into the first-team environment and a professional game it takes time to adjust, but I thought when I got on the ball I did okay, and did what I could off the ball to regain possession.
“I had my nan, parents and brothers here, it was nice to know they were there supporting me because they’ve supported me throughout my whole career so far.”
Tobi Adeyemo:
“Today was a terrific opportunity for me, I’m so grateful. To come on and make my professional debut, I’ve dreamt about this moment a thousand times, coming up from the Academy to make my debut is unreal.
“Slaven said he expected two things from me, to be up for the occasion and to enjoy it. I just wanted to do what I’m good at, make runs, be aggressive and get beyond the defender.
“Me and Adrian Blake grew up together so to come on with him starting, and Michael Adu-Poku too - we played in the same Sunday league team - it was fantastic.”
Julian Dicks:
“Losing 2-0 is a tough result, but the boys that came in were superb.
“They’re gutted, but for the young lads it’s the start of their careers. They worked hard and that’s all you can ask for.
“I remember making my debut and you never forget it, but you do realise how tough it is to play at this level. They can all be very proud, they’ve done really well and it’s good for Watford Football Club.
“It’s tough for them, but it will stand them in good stead. I’m sure they’ll have a good future.”
