By Graham Thomas
Regan Poole can become a rock on which Manchester United can build a firmer future, according to the coach who knows him best.
Welsh youngster Poole is on the verge of his United debut at the tender age of just 17 after sitting on the bench for their last two matches.
But Poole – who left Newport County for £110,000 last August on the same day another teenager, Anthony Martial, arrived at Old Trafford for £36m – will not just be a passing fad for Louis van Gaal, insists County’s Mike Flynn.
“The statistics will tell you that some young players can just lose their way at a club like United. They become overwhelmed,” says Flynn who was coaching Newport’s academy youngsters until being promoted to the first team this season.
“But I can’t see that happening to Regan. He has a maturity beyond his years.”
There is already almost a misty-eyed look in Flynn’s eyes when he describes Cardiff-born Poole, who only left County six months ago.
It is an expression that suggests regret, but also an acknowledgement that such talent as Poole’s was never going to remain in League Two for long.
Under Flynn’s guidance, the centre-back made just 16 appearances for County before he was sold in a deal that should net the club around £500,000.
“His major strength is simply his mentality. It is beyond his years. You look at him and if you didn’t know better you would think he was a 24-year-old who had played 200 League games.
“He is very good technically. He can see a pass and also make a pass. I actually think that he might end up being used as a holding midfielder by United – because of the way he reads the game.
“He intercepts passes and then he is more than capable of picking out passes himself.
“He reads the play so well. He is also playing some international football, so he is getting used to high profile games. That will do him good trying to find his way at a big club like Manchester United.”
© Huw Evans Agency
Former County midfielder Flynn can recall clearly the day Poole arrived at Newport 20 months ago and the instant impression he made on the coaching staff, including then manager Justin Edinburgh.
“From the first day of pre-season, last season, when he turned up he just blew everyone away in the bleep test.
“He had only just turned 16. So, for me, that told me how strong he was both physically and mentally.
“In the following weeks, we got to see him play and he was very good, technically. He just read the game so well. I couldn’t believe he was only 16, to be honest.
“When he made his debut for us he was unbelievable. Justin Edinburgh pulled me aside before a game against Shrewsbury away and he said, ‘I’m thinking of putting Regan in to start. What do you think?’
“I asked him where he was going to play him and he told me he would play him on the right of a central back three.
“Fair play to Justin for having the belief in both myself and Regan – and for backing himself in a big game – to put a youngster in.
“But it proved a great platform to launch off because Shrewsbury were probably the best team in the League at that point. But even though they got promoted that season, we kept a clean sheet.
“Watching Regan, it was hard to believe he was still only 16. He made such a mature debut. I was very pleased for him and for the club.”
Shrewsbury almost provided Poole with another debut on Monday of this week, but van Gaal resisted – perhaps wary of risking a rare dominant display by his team as they won their fifth round FA Cup tie, 3-0.
The Wales U17 player may have to be patient – as he was when red tape held up his availability for United as he waited for international clearance.
But Flynn has no doubts that Poole will become a big fish, whatever the size of his surroundings.
© Huw Evans Agency
“One of Regan’s main attributes is his strength of character. He moved to United and had a frustrating time in not being able to get his international clearance through.
“But he has worked hard, looked after himself, and now he has been rewarded with two appearances on the United bench.
“They want to blood youngsters and they have a lot of injuries at the moment. It’s up to Mr. van Gaal to decide if he gives Regan game time, but I’m sure he wouldn’t let him down.
“He is definitely one to look forward to for the future for Manchester United fans. If he gets in, he will have a very good career.
“It’s always tough because of the quality a club like United have and the money at their disposal to bring players in. But I’m very confident about Regan. He’s a smashing kid and he works his socks off.
“He is down to earth and he doesn’t get distracted by the bright lights as some young players do. He is from a humble family, with a lovely mum and dad who will keep his feet on the ground.
“But he is so string mentally that as long as he keeps working as hard as he has been, I don’t see him falling by the wayside. He has a big, big future in the game.”
