‘We have to step up to lead young players’

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Charlie Hanson

2025-02-18T06:00+00:00

Charlie Penman has captained the men's under-21s in recent matches. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Under-21s defender Charlie Penman has said that the new make-up of the under-21s squad means players like himself have had to step into leadership roles.

Seven departures on permanent or loan moves during January means that a number of under-18s have stepped up to Shannon Ruth’s squad.

“We know it's a process as there’s a big change up in the squad after the transfer window,” Penman said. “But it comes from the training pitch, the day-in, day-out and doing what Shan and Mikey [Harris] want from us out of possession.

Charlie Penman has made nine Premier League 2 appearances so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“We’re working hard so that on a match day it clicks. It's not going to happen in the first or second game. It's going to be further down the line, but as long as we keep improving that's all we can do.”

“A of lads have got the loans that they wanted, so a lot of the under-18s have moved up to the under-21s. It's meant that a lot of the first-year pros and some of the second-year pros have had to become leaders, which we probably weren't much of beforehand because we had older players playing with us. Now it's given us a chance to be leaders in the group and step up.”

Ruth has put his faith in Penman’s leadership skills, handing him the captain’s armband in recent matches.

Charlie Penman scored from the penalty spot in our win over Burgess Hill in the previous round of the Senior Cup. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“Being captain has helped my game – organising keeps me switched on and I try to pass my knowledge on to the young lads to help them," he added.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Shannon [Ruth], but I don't think the armband defines who I am as a leader. I'd be the same with or without the armband, but it's a great compliment to be trusted to lead this good group.”

The under-21s are back in action on Tuesday night when they face Whitehawk in the quarter-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup at Culver Road, Lancing (7.30pm).