Former Ayr United star Duncan George to lead new under 20s development squad at Whitletts Victoria

George will lead the development squad as it works to create a fresh batch of talent for the Vics first team.

Former Ayr United star Duncan George is to oversee a new youth development squad at Whitletts Victoria.

It comes as the club applies to join the Lowland Development League (West) next season, a new under 20s development set up.

Players will be registered with Vics and also available for first team selection.

Vics in the Community spokesperson, Blair Monaghan, today hailed the "exciting project" that will complement work currently underway to create a player pathway to the first team.

"With Whitletts Victoria playing next season in the new West of Scotland Football League, the under 20s will work very closely with the first team squad and there will be opportunities for players to train alongside and with the first team, catch the eye of manager George Grierson and work their way into the first team squad," he said.

"And in Duncan George we believe that we have the right man at the helm to give the young players the right development.

"He’s played the game at senior level with Ayr United and Stranraer, played in the juniors with Auchinleck and Irvine Meadow, has coached at pro-youth and junior level, including a spell at Whitletts, as well as having scouted for Premier League clubs so he knows a player and how to get the best from them.

"The young players could not have a better person to learn from and continue their football education."

Head Coach George added: "This is an exciting opportunity for players to play in a brand new league set up against the best young players throughout the West of Scotland.

"There is a wealth of young talent out there and this provides the ideal platform for them to showcase their talents and show that they can play at a higher level.

"Through time it will complete a player pathway for local youngsters to play for Whitletts Victoria and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Matches will be played on a Friday night with Vics looking to secure Dam Park as the venue for its home matches with players having that first team matchday experience.

Monaghan added "This will be a competitive league against some of the top teams and young players in the West of Scotland and we are looking to secure the best possible facilities for the players to showcase their talents and have that first team experience."