Interviews

Rusk on playing with Potter and developing Albion’s young talent

Hear a fascinating and wide-ranging interview with under-23s head coach on MyAlbion TV.

By Bruce Talbot • 14 November 2020

By Paul Hazlewood.
Simon Rusk covers all in his podcast with MyAlbion TV.

Simon Rusk jokes that conversations with Graham Potter about the time they were team-mates don’t tend to last too long.

The coach of Albion's under-23 team discussed his playing career and coaching journey with Adam Tighe in the latest podcast on MyAlbion TV, which is available now to listen or download.

“Yes, I did play with Graham for a bit at Boston United in League Two. Was he better than he makes out? No!

“But he was single-minded and a terrific professional although we try and push it to the back of our memories!

“He played left back and I was in central midfield, thinking I could take on the world. He was a solid, intelligent guy who wanted to play the way we're seeing at Brighton now, although that was more difficult to do 12 years ago on a muddy pitch at Boston.”

52:26

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Simon Rusk: Life in the Lower Leagues

Rusk speaks about the 'immense pride' he feels when one of his under-23 players graduates to the Premier League.

Several have broken into the first-team squad in the last couple of years including Aaron Connolly, Steven Alzate and Jayson Molumby while others are playing regularly on loan for EFL clubs.

“You feel nervous but also immensely proud when you see players about to play in the Premier League. It's a really special thing and hopefully drives us on more.”

Rusk also discusses why the under-23s' style of play does not necessarily mirror that of the first team; his thoughts on the much-maligned EFL Trophy; the loan system and his own career ambitions, having been brought to Albion eight years ago by former boss Poyet after he built an academy system in three months from scratch at Crawley Town.

“We have similar principles to the first team, but it wouldn't make sense to try and play exactly the same way because their opponents are different, their personnel are different.

“We always look at results but ultimately it's about performance levels and individuals improving and getting closer to the first team.

“I love the EFL Trophy because it exposes players to different things. There is a lot of unwarranted criticism of under-23 football, so it's a good platform for them to show they can adapt to that level of football. The pros outweigh the cons.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Simon Rusk alongside Chris Hughton during the 2015/16 season.

Rusk had a taste of first-team management when he worked under Chris Hughton during Albion's run to the Championship play-offs in 2015-16 but says he likes being his own boss.

“I enjoyed that first-team environment and felt comfortable. Experiencing the heartache of the play-offs when so much is at stake makes you a better coach.

“But I quite like managing my own team and in terms of my development it was nice to go back to the under-23s and practice my own leadership skills.

“I get asked about loan players a lot. It might appear strange when players come in and go straight back on loan, but it's a process that is part of the bigger picture and might not come to fruition for 2-3 years down the line. Ben White is a good example.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Playing in the under-23s and heading out on loan was a part of Ben White's journey to the first team.

Rusk also talks about his own playing career, which was cut short by injury at the age of 29 after he underwent 13 different operations, including two on his knees at the same time which left him unable to walk for eight weeks.

His own coaching journey began by working with Leeds United's under-14s while he was playing for York City.

He discusses playing under two of management's more colourful characters in Barry Fry and Steve Evans and the importance of a strong development system at a club, regardless of who is in charge of the first team.

You can listen to the podcast on MyAlbion TV here or download on your normal Apple or android podcast app.