Jackett backs Wolves' academy revamp

Wolves today launched their new £7million revamped academy which Kenny Jackett insists will act as a symbol to attract the best young players in the country.

Owner-chairman Steve Morgan cut the ribbon to the extension to the club's Compton Park training ground, which is adjacent to the existing building and will house the academy from under-nines to under-18s.

Facilities include a full-size indoor arena including a 3G pitch, plus dressing rooms, fitness suite, media suite and offices as part of the club's commitment to maintaining the elite 'category one' academy status – the highest in the land.

The completion of the project, which started in July 2012 on part of the site of St Edmunds Catholic School, means Wolves' training facilities are on a par with any club in Britain.

Head coach Jackett believes it will help attract the best youngsters, saying: "It's a major asset for Wolves and will make sure the club doesn't get left behind by the best teams in the country.

"It's a symbol for our club, and I feel it gives us a chance to compete with the best in the country. And in terms of the facility, it will help attract players and help preparation for our first team.

"The fans should be excited about it – if you're looking at the facilities now, both at Molineux and at the training ground, they're fantastic.

"They underpin the club and give it a base and the training ground is right up there now with other category one academies.

"For us, that's our identity – that's what we want to do successfully in the future."

Wolves currently boast several first-team players who have graduated from the academy in Carl Ikeme and Danny Batth – who have both been ever-presents this season - as well as Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Liam McAlinden.

Other senior players such as Matt Doherty and Lee Evans graduated from the Under-21s development team.

Jackett stressed the commitment to producing their own players is as strong as ever and is the way forward for the club.

He said: "Good Wolves sides have been built on homegrown players. There are a lot of players who have come through and we want to bring players through."