Andrew Crofts hailed Tuesday's win over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup as a “really special night” after five members of his under-23s squad made their first-team debuts.
Crofts watched on as Antef Tsoungui and Marc Leonard both started the fixture while Andrew Moran, Odel Offiah and Evan Ferguson all came on to make their professional bows.
Haydon Roberts and Taylor Richards also impressed as Albion, whose outfield players had an average age of just 20.5, beat their Championship counterparts 2-0.
Under-23s Head Coach Crofts said: “I'm really proud. I travelled to the game with Shannon Ruth (Senior Professional Development Coach), Gary Dicker (Under-23s Player Coach) and John Morling (Head of Academy) because we wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
“To be able to see it live and see the boys experience what they experienced is something we certainly won’t forget and it was a night I know the players won’t forget, a really special occasion.
“For me and for the staff it was amazing to clap the boys off the pitch at the end and see them celebrate with the fans. We were over the moon for them.”
Crofts praised the work of Morling and technical director Dan Ashworth in making nights like Tuesday possible and praised the club staff who have helped Albion’s youngsters reach the first team.
“John and Dan are special people who care so much about youth development. The amount of effort that’s gone into the first team, the academy, the club – how it’s all aligned – is massive.
“There are so many members of staff who have also played a part in that journey, they deserve a pat on the back.
“For Shannon and I it makes all the work rewarding, and it makes you want to push harder and hopefully the players will then go on and achieve more.”
The under-23s boss is also hoping Tuesday’s victory, and the fact so many youngsters were given their chance to impress, will only spur them and the rest of the academy players on.
“Just speaking about it gives me goosebumps.” said Crofts. “We’re always pushing standards and asking the boys to buy into what’s needed to get opportunities and have a professional career. The pathway the club has provided plays a massive part in that.
“But ultimately it comes down to the Gaffer putting them in the team, and it is so refreshing to see the manager trust the boys. The number of young players who have come through in the last few years is exceptional.
“They can see the opportunities there and we just need them to grab them.”