Three wins from three sees the old gold in second place, having played one game less than leaders Sunderland who have also gained maximum points. The first international break of the campaign has meant a two-week gap since the last outing for the 18s, but that has given Davis the opportunity to allow rest and recuperation time for the players who, for some, have also experienced gametime with the 21s.
On balancing work and rest during international break
“We work on a six-week cycle so international breaks are at the backend of those, so it’s more like a deload week for us.
“Although we’ve got a game on the Saturday after the international break, that week does give us the chance to give the lads a bit of a breather.
“We build up through the first week and it gradually gets harder and harder through the cycle. The final week leading up to the international break was a period where the lads were tired, so I just felt it was important they got a break to go home, see their families and friends and just chill out a little bit.
“The players came back in on Monday, and we started the work ahead of Derby.”
On building confidence
“If things are going well, you’re performing well and getting results, then you gain confidence from that.
“We tried to give fixtures to those lads who aren’t playing every week, so we tried to balance that off as well and make sure everyone’s getting gametime.
“It’s important at this age that they’re playing so they can put their training and learning into matches. Our programme’s about giving these players equal opportunities and that’s what we try and do.
“The confidence has come from the results. They’ve deserved the victories they’ve had up until now – there will be tougher tests ahead, starting Saturday and beyond that.”
Saturday's trip to Derby County is next on the agenda for our under-18s.
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) September 29, 2022
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On opportunities with the 21s
“It’s been nice to have a good start and because of that, one or two have had opportunities in the 21s so that’s been good for them to be recognised.
“I went to the Stockport game because of the number of players we had involved. Fil (Mabete) started and we had players on the bench ready to come on.
“It was a must for me to go and watch, particularly as Fil started. I think he was a bit nervous at the start, but he settled down and did really well.
“It was a really good experience for him, and I thought it was a great victory for a young team. They all performed really well, and they had to against an experienced Stockport side full of lads trying to get into their team who hadn’t been playing – that was an extra incentive for them to do well.
“From my point of view, I enjoyed watching those players who had been with the 18s group over the last few years.”
On Filozofe Mabete’s performance at Stockport
“He’s not even a pro yet, he’s still a scholar. If you look at it from that point of view, then you can’t get better learning than playing against those sorts of players who have been in the game for a long time.
“I thought he handled that well. There were a few fans there, a bit of atmosphere and they were obviously looking to win the game – he came out of it really well.
“He made a few mistakes, but it didn’t bother him. He got on with it and learnt from those mistakes.
“He made a couple of tackles and there was a last-ditch tackle in the second half which was an excellent recovery.
“Playing against first team players was a great opportunity not only for Fil, but all of the players.”
On building a solid base and remaining consistent
“I think we’ve defended well – not just individually, but the players have defended well as a team.
“The two up front work tirelessly to stop the opposition building attacks and then it spreads through the rest of the group.
“Fraser (Harper) and Temple (Ojinnaka) have worked very well together. That was a new partnership coming into this season and they’ve built up a good rapport, dominated that central part of the pitch in the first three games.
“The wingers have worked hard tracking the full backs and covering the full backs, and the back three triangle have a solid understanding.
“It’s been a good team effort. They’ve worked very hard to stop people scoring and hopefully that’s a good trait to have, but they’ve got to be consistent with it.
“It’s no good starting the season well and then just resting on their laurels. They’ve got to keep doing the things that are going to keep clean sheets, protect the back four and protect the goalkeeper.”
On the type of test Derby will pose
“We’ve watched their games and they’ve actually done well. It’s always fine margins with mistakes getting capitalised on and chances being missed – you can’t think that any team in this league can’t beat you.
“We respect everyone that we play and they’re all there because they’re talented individuals. We’ve got to go there with the same sort of consistency and show that we are going to be one of the better teams in the division this season.
“That’s our goal, that’s our objective. Every time we’ve been to Derby it’s been a tough game – we’ve never had an easy game. I don’t expect anything different.”
