Renshaw transfer is a boon for Latics

CHRIS RENSHAW

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CHRIS Renshaw has been hailed as an example to all of the value of hard graft, with talk of Athletic being found wanting when it comes to transfer fees wide of the mark.

That is the view of the club's academy manager Tony Philliskirk, who watched Everton's teenage acquisition Renshaw flourish in the youth set-up last season.

Athletic picked up a fee for Renshaw and, along with the transfer of first-team goalkeeper Joel Coleman, it has again meant that the under-18s team has succeeded in its goal of being profitable for the club.

Philliskirk praised the work, too, of outgoing goalkeeping coach Anthony White ­- now with Bournemouth ­- in aiding the upwardly mobile careers of the pair.

"More than anything, it epitomises what hard work and dedication can achieve," said Philliskirk, on Renshaw.

"Last season, Chris would be the first to admit that he went through a sticky period.

"A huge amount of credit must go to Anthony White.

"The work that was done, particularly last summer, was immense.

"I would get in at 7.30am and at 6.30pm, the goalkeepers would still be here with Anthony doing extra work.

"There are no crowds on the extra mile, are there? He has done the additional work to improve himself.

"I haven't seen a better under-18s goalkeeper at our level. Obviously, Everton feel the same, which is why they have invested heavily in him."

Add Danny Philliskirk's £75,000 move to Blackpool last term to fees for Coleman and Renshaw ­- the latter was not subject to Elite Player Performance Plan transfer strictures as he is over 16, meaning a transfer had to be negotiated for the talented youngster - and Athletic's academy boss says it proves that the youth system is doing its job.

"Our department's goal is to produce football and financial assets for the football club," Philliskirk added.

"This year, we have run as a profit ­- as we have done for many years.

"I have not been involved in the transfer negotiations. But I have been led to believe that very good deals have been done for the club.

"We have also sold younger players to Premier League clubs that people won't know about.

"The department is very successful, both from a football and financial perspective. Long may it continue."