‘Earn a bank of trust’: Bradford City boss sends strong message to £1.25m Portsmouth man as struggles continues
Hayden Matthews is yet to feature in League One for Bradford City since his Pompey loan switch.
Michael Duff has explained Pompey loanee Hayden Matthews has to earn the trust as he waits for his Bradford City bow.
But the head coach has also shared his sympathy for the Aussie and a number of young players in his squad as they stand by for opportunities at Valley Parade.
Matthews’ sole outings have so far come in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy (EFL Trophy) following his temporary Fratton Park exit in September.
Despite Graham Alexander’s departure in September, Bradford have continued their outstanding run of form under new boss Duff and sit third in League One after the opening 12 games.
In fact, the Bantams have conceded just five league goals this season - and just one in their previous eight - as Matt Pennington, Aden Baldwin and George Pratt solidify their place at the heart of defence.
And the trio’s outstanding run of performances has subsequently kept Matthews out of the picture at Valley Parade as his frustrations away from Fratton Park continue.
Duff has shared his sympathy with the younger players in his squad - including the £1.25m man - but is adamant they have to ‘earn a bank of trust’ before being handed an opportunity.
Pompey loanee has to earn Bradford trust
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, the Bradford boss said: ‘We talked about alignment all the way through (when he took the job).
‘I think part of the reason why I was appointed is because there was an alignment of how we see things and the things that I see as non-negotiables in terms of player profiles. There's obviously going to be slight differences (with Alexander).
‘They (young players) are watching the same games as everyone else. We've been unbeaten for 10 games and there hasn't been a load of need to change.
‘We've had quite a few week-to-weeks. There's not been a need to change in terms of fatigue.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
‘The main thing for young players is you've got to earn a bank of trust with a manager.
‘I said it about Humps (Stephen Humphrys) that I need to know what your worst game looks like.
‘But sometimes it's hard as a young player. I was a centre-half but you get in the team at right back. Centre midfielders normally get in the team when they're young and their debut is on the right wing.
‘Centre forwards are on the wing because the managers want to know what they're getting down the middle of the pitch.
‘So with young players, it's just earning that bank of trust which is every day in training, whether it's five minutes, 10 minutes, half an hour or in a (Jersey Mike’s) Trophy game. But they're all opportunities.
‘I know what I'm going to get from Matt Pennington, for example, and I think the supporters do.
‘He's going to give you this. He can't do this and this, but 100 per cent he's going to give you that, that, that and that. Sometimes with young players, you're not quite sure.
‘That's why normally if there's a 32-year-old and a 19-year-old two centre midfielders, and they're both having an iffy game, it's always the 19-year-old that comes off.
‘The manager is always going to go for the one that you can trust the most. So that's up to them to try and earn that.
‘That's frustrating because you want opportunities, but that's why you have to earn them and you can earn trust while you're working every day.’