As this is my final blog I have decided to sum up my entire time at spent at Newcastle United Academy as an Apprentice.

Academy Match: Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest

We failed to end our bad run of defeats against Nottingham Forest but we performed alot better than what we have done in recent games.

It’s been a while since my last blog because there’s been little free time lately. At this point in the season, games are coming around thick and fast with all the games postponed from last winter now being caught up on.

Off the back of our disappointing FA Youth Cup exit, we have re-discovered our winning form. We have played two games and won them both, one against Huddersfield and the other against Derby.

After reaching the semi-final last year my personal expectation was to try and emulate at least that achievement this year. However that was always going to be a difficult task when we were drawn away at Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The highlight of the last two weeks has to be our progression into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

We had a tough game in the fourth round against Grimsby Town, who took us all the way to extra time before we finally got the job done in the 115th minute with a goal from Ben (Sayer).

First of all let me wish everyone a Happy New Year. Doesn’t it feel strange being in 2011!

We spent the past week focusing on the Youth Cup. A series of friendlies had been organised leading up to the game.

We’re due to play Dulwich Hamlet, a team that we haven’t really seen play, so we don’t know much about them.

I’m steadily getting back to the rhythm of training. I’ve resumed full training, and it just feels great to be fit again. It’s just a case of sharpening up now and getting myself fit for the FA Youth Cup in two weeks time. That’s the target anyway.

I’m back to training this week, so I thought I’ll start this blog on a high. The 5 weeks I’ve been out have gone quite quickly although some days felt as if they were dragging with all the rehab and running I had to do.

The last few weeks I’ve been focusing on my rehab programme after surgery for my hernia problem.

It has been a difficult and frustrating time for me as of late. At the end of the week before last I was told that I’d have to undergo surgery for a hernia problem that has been bothering me from the start of the season.

We were in on Monday morning for our usual College work from 9am – 11am and from there it’s straight out for training.

It was quite a light session as we had a tough day coming up on the Tuesday and it’s very much a case of recharging the batteries after the previous game.

I’ll start by sayin that I’m glad to be writing this years blog. Sorry its a bit late, that’s because I’ve had a lot going on lately. But none the less, I’ve had a good pre-season, where my aim was to remain injury free and get as many games as I could under my belt.

On Wednesday we had a go at our Level 2 Coaching Certificate. With the season being pretty much over it’s prime time for getting stuck in to this and learning how to think and act as a coach.

I still can’t believe how quick this season has flown by. During the first few weeks of the season it feels as though it will last forever especially when you’re doing pre-season work but as soon as the games start the season just seems to gather pace.

The last two weeks have been really busy for me as we’ve had loads of games along with the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup.

Sorry for the delay in posting my latest blog, it’s been a hectic few weeks with us doing well in the Youth Cup alongside balancing our Academy fixtures, training and educational commitments.

Apologies for the delay in getting my latest blog up but the week of the youth cup was absolutely manic!

The last fortnight has seen us working towards undoubtedly our biggest game of the season which will take place on Thursday night at St James’ Park, I am of course referring to our FA Youth Cup Quarter Final against Crystal Palace.

Last week the focus was very much on preparation for our trip to Upton Park to play against West Ham United in the Youth Cup. Monday was spent looking at the importance of keeping possession and maintaining a solid shape when trying to win the ball back.

With our current coach Kenny unavailable following surgery, Willie (Assistant Academy Manager) took us for training and the week started with the agonising Bleep Test!

Last Monday Morning I arrived at the training ground to be greeted with the news that I was to be training with the reserve team.

As I alluded to in my last blog the first part of last week was very much orientated to our FA Youth Cup tie at Reading.

Back in last Monday training proved to be quite tough because unlike the First team the Academy lads like myself are given time off over Christmas and the New Year.