FC CLACTON manager David Coyle has challenged the club’s title-winning youngsters to maximise their ability and reach the next level.

The club’s young guns sealed the Essex Olympian Under-21 League title in their first-ever season after defeating Harold Hill 3-0, on Saturday.

Charlie Gibbs, Luke Barnard and James North were all on target for Ian Scott’s side.

They are now out of reach of their rivals and first-team boss Coyle says it is a big achievement for the young Seasiders.

However, he hopes that as many as possible show the right attitude and desire to progress their fledging careers.

“They’ve won the league so well done for that,” he said.

“Now comes the next step – trying to establish which ones are good enough to mix it in men’s football.

“I know enough about the majority to know there are one or two that, with time and patience, will be able to play at the next level.

“But a lot of that has to come from within.

“It’s about making the next step and that’s why their next decision – how far they want to go in the game – is such an important one.

“Do they want a comfortable life, playing football with their mates?

“Or do they want to maximise their potential and be the best they can be?

“Everyone who’s ever done well at the club has had setbacks somewhere along the line, but it’s about how you react and deal with those disappointments.

“I’ve been coaching at professional clubs for 12 or 13 years.

“I’ve seen the mentality of people who have got to the top, but I’ve also seen the mentality of players who should have played professionally but are now languishing in non-league.

“Mentality is everything and far more important than talent and ability.”

Clacton’s league title is the first half of a potential league and cup double.

With the title now secured, all eyes now move to the Denny King Cup final on May 3, when Clacton take on Hutton at AFC Hornchurch.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Clacton’s reserves defeated defeated Boxted Lodgers Reserves 11-1 in Essex and Suffolk Border League division two.

Liam Condon scored four of the goals with Ash Avent also grabbing a hat-trick., in addition to further strikes from Liam Henshaw, Steve Bruff, Aaron Condon and Sean Hillier.

“It’s more about their mentality and commitment, as opposed to their ability with a football.

“Because of their age and the season they’re having, they won’t be used to negativity.

“They haven’t had to deal with adversity and things not going their way.

“However, if they want to progress, they’re going to have to get used to setbacks.

“It’s not going to be easy and they’re going to be playing with and against much better players.

“They’re going to have knock backs and it’s only by having the right mentality - by showing desire and commitment - that they’ll become the best players they can possibly be.”