'Knight and Oriola throw down gauntlet to academy players'

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Under-21s head coach delighted to see more academy graduates make Premier League under Fabian Hurzeler.

Neil Moxley

2025-11-04T06:00+00:00

Nehemiah Oriola and Joe Knight came on for the final minutes of our 3-0 win over Leeds United. 📷 by Simon Roe.

Shannon Ruth said the elevation of two academy players to first-team duty ‘has put a feather in the cap of anyone at our club who has worked with them.’

The Under-21s head coach was beaming from ear-to-ear when asked about the progress of Joe Knight and Nehemiah Oriola who graduated thanks to a call from boss Fabian Hurzeler.

The duo made short appearances - joining from the bench towards the end of Albion’s 3-0 victory over Leeds United.

They then travelled north to link back up with the Under-21 squad who drew 2-2 with the same opponents in a Premier League 2 fixture 24 hours later.

Congrats to Joe and Miah on their senior debuts! 👏 pic.twitter.com/qLQCKZHZeH
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 1, 2025

Ruth said, “That’s what we are here for - the academy, led by Ian Buckman - is here to develop as many careers as we can. We’re obviously grateful to Fabian.

“Not just for the opportunity he has given our young players on game day, but what people might not know is that he also does it on a day-to-day basis. So, for them, it’s a dream come true.

“It was a really special day for Joe who has been here since he was with the Under-8s. He becomes our second academy player who has done that, following in the footsteps of Jack Hinshelwood.

“And Charlie Tasker has gone on to make his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup. He has been here since playing for the Under-8s, too.

Charlie Tasker played the second half of our 6-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“It’s a wonderful feather in the cap for every academy staff member that has worked with them. I get the privilege of being the last coach before they do take that step.

“But we can’t forget the Under-12s coach, the Under-9s coach, the sports’ scientists and the people in our academy development who all impact young players.

“I know that seeing those two come on would have put a smile on a lot of a lot of staff members' faces and it gives hope to every academy player at our club. And I think for any young player that hope is the most important thing.

“Again, it shows the wonderful pathway we have at our football club for young players.”

Shannon Ruth's team drew 2-2 with Leeds United on Sunday. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

However, there was a carrot dangled in front of the faces of the rest of his Under-21 squad.

Ruth added, “It’s wonderful for both Joe and Miah. But the hard work hasn’t stopped for them.

“The challenge for the rest of the squad is who’s going to be the next? That’s what I said to the group in the dressing-room. Who could be the next one to take that step? That should be their focus, going forward.”