Matt Lecointe told to prove his worth to Plymouth Argyle
ENGLAND under-18 international Matt Lecointe has been challenged by manager Carl Fletcher to prove he is good enough to be a regular part of his first team plans at Plymouth Argyle in 2012/13.
Lecointe, 17, has stepped up to the professional ranks at Home Park after only one season as an apprentice.
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Matt Lecointe
Last term, the promising striker from Higher Compton was thrust into the first team by former Pilgrims' boss Peter Reid because he had such a depleted squad as the club fought to survive administration.
It was sink or swim time for Lecointe, and he responded superbly to the challenge.
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He ended up making 22 appearances, including 11 starts, last season and scored two goals, as well as earning an England under-18 call-up.
Lecointe hopes to build on that in the forthcoming campaign but, equally, he is not taking that for granted.
He told Herald Sport: "The gaffer (Fletcher) has said to me if I work hard I will be in and around the first team squad.
"But he stressed it was all down to me, and no-one else could help me."
Lecointe, a former Ivybridge Community College student, admitted he had been 'excited' to be handed a professional contract by Argyle.
He said: "When I started as an apprentice last summer I would never have thought that I would have played for the first team by now.
"So to make 22 appearances is just amazing. All my friends and family are proud of me and I want to try to carry that on for next season."
There are bound to be high expectations for Lecointe in 2012/13, despite his young age, after the impact he made in the first team last term.
But the teenage prospect is determined not to be distracted by that sort of talk.
Lecointe said: "You have got to forget about what everybody else is saying about you.
"Obviously, there are going to be times where you go through low spells and have your high spells.
"It's how you deal with your lows that's going to make you a better player."
Lecointe admitted a role model for him at Argyle was former promotion-winning skipper and midfielder Paul Wotton.
Like Lecointe, the 34-year-old was born in Plymouth and graduated from Argyle's youth set-up.
Wotton has gone on to make a total of 456 appearances for the Pilgrims in two spells, returning to Home Park in January after leaving League One outfit Yeovil Town.
Lecointe said: "Wottsie has played a lot of games. You look up to him.
"You look at the way he trains, you look at his attitude and you look how he helps the young lads.
He's just a role model to me really, and I will try to follow in his footsteps."
Comments
by MikeSpiligan
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 6:44PM
“What Fletcher means is... start catching the eye of some 'bigger' clubs so that we can off load you for a couple of grand.... Prove yourself !!!! How dare you, how very dare you”
by Ryesie1982
Monday, July 09 2012, 8:45PM
“Needs to be playing games to develop as a player. I think he's a good young player who could do well for Argyle! Not very often we have a good striker come through the youth ranks, I think we are going to witness some exciting times with Lecointe.”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Monday, July 09 2012, 2:56PM
“I stand by my comment but to put it in context when I say I expect him to start delivering this year I mean perhaps coming on regularly as a substitute for the last 20 minutes and making a difference and scoring perhaps 6-8 goals this season so I dont consider that unrealistic. I agree he needs to be looked after carefully but even at his age he has to make a contribution. And I am afraid at present I cannot be too optimistic about the teams prospects as while we have an excellent defence the attack is still very weak . But there are a few weeks to go before kick off so lets hope we have some experienced forwards on the way.”
by eddie_taylor
Monday, July 09 2012, 12:43PM
“This lad needs all the support and encouragement he can get from the fans, in return I am sure that he will bless us with some good performances and goals. Forget last term because he was and inexperienced boy sent out to battle with big seasoned men, that experience will no doubt help him this term.
He will be wiser, bigger, heavier and ready to come out fighting; if he gets pushed around then he will adapt, improvise and over-come with craft; I am confident that he can become one of our stars.”
by helterfc
Monday, July 09 2012, 11:52AM
“I really hope Lecointe gets first team opportunities. Naturally, he's still learning but support and encouragement can only help. It would be excellent if he turns into the striker everyone is hoping for. COYGs!”
by bennytheboy1
Monday, July 09 2012, 10:39AM
“Looks like Wilf is starting the new season as he finished the last,MOAN MOAN MOAN,has he got nothing good to say about the greens? as the season approaches you would think he would be a little bit optimistic not wallowing in the negative before a ball has been kicked.
Lighten up Wilf.”
by plymgeorge
Monday, July 09 2012, 10:14AM
“As a product of our youth set up, the lad should be given every encouragement from the clubs fan base,this is without doubt the future for Argyle and I really hope to see Matt fullfilling his potential in the first team next season. He has the talent and as many have said before in the case or Owen and Rooney for example IF YOUR GOOD ENOUGH YOUR OLD ENOUGH.
Come on Green army give the boy a chance,who knows if he is looked after properly he could be the striker we have been looking for and become a prized asset worth millions on the transfer market.”
by stevegray29
Monday, July 09 2012, 10:12AM
“Maybe fletch should be saying that to an irish so called striker???”
by PaigntonGreen
Monday, July 09 2012, 9:27AM
“He is still 17, will be 18 in October but as you say that is not the important thing.
Not sure about this quote though, " But he stressed it was all down to me, and no-one else could help me"
I thought the coaching staff were there for exactly that, to HELP players develop!!!”
by shaun_us
Monday, July 09 2012, 9:04AM
“Someone seems to be on the players case already?.he s a young lad and thay ALL need our SUPPORT,it will give them massive confidence. And dose it realy matter if therer, 17,18,or19, there still YOUNG and im sure the lads will be upfor it again this season, as much as thay was last season.You have to let them mature like a fine wine , which dose,nt take a few weeks or months.”