THE man who brought Ollie Gale and Sam Murphy to Wisbech Town has revealed his pride at the talented teenage duo breaking into the club’s first team.

Fenmen reserve team boss Darren Edey signed Gale from Whittlesey United and convinced Murphy to re-join the club from Wisbech St Mary last season.

The pair excelled in Edey and John Knight’s reserve team midfield and have forced their way into first team boss Steve Appleby’s plans after impressive pre-season appearances.

Both started - and scored - in the Fenmen’s 4-0 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round victory over Halstead Town on Saturday.

Edey said: “It makes me feel so proud how well they’ve done and I believe my decision to play them in the reserves last year - which at times was questioned - is now completely justified.

“I’m delighted for the pair of them because they’re cracking lads and their attitudes are spot on. Ollie’s come on leaps and bounds in the past few months and looks like an accomplished Ridgeons Premier Division player.

“Him and Murphs (Murphy) would walk into any other Ridgeons side and they both have a great future. It shows just how good the players we have at the club are that they’re not regular starters already.

“I’m sure had Apps (Appleby) not re-signed Callum Reed, Sam would have probably played more too.”

Gale, 19, has shone on the left-side of Appleby’s midfield scoring twice already this season while 18-year-old Murphy impressed in a central role during Saturday’s win.

The Fenmen reserve team boss highlighted the pair’s natural ability and versatility as the reason they’ve adapted so well in Wisbech’s first team.

Edey said: Ollie can play across the midfield, up front, at left-back and will always do a job wherever he is played.

“I think anyone who’s seen Ollie for the first team so far would say he’s been one of their best players. He’s been superb and he’s probably surprised Apps a bit with how well he’s done.

“Sam’s got bags of energy, great technique and so much natural ability. He’s got so much to offer. It will help his progression playing man’s football this season because at times last year he almost found under-18s football too easy “He will have to bide his time to become a regular but I think but he’ll be in and around the first team for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure of that.”

Edey believes the pair can inspire other youngsters at the club to force their way into the first team over the coming years.

He said: “I can say to our other youngsters now - look what will happen if you do well.

“I don’t think age is an issue - if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Ollie and Sam are at an age where they might be disappointed when they’re with me and not Apps but it’ll all help their progression.

“Being in and around the first team will only make them improve and Apps and I will work together to help them develop. I doubt they’ll be the last two to work their way through the club’s set-up either mind.”

“If Sam Cubberley keeps playing like he did last week he could be the next one to be involved with the first team. Bringing lads through is good for competition and the club’s finances.”