Dylan Youmbi feeling part of Bradford City squad

Derbyshire’s £20,000 move from Great Harwood Town to Ewood Park in November 2003 would launch a professional career still going strong two decades on.

For Youmbi, this summer’s new one-year deal at City marks the first step on the ladder.

Like Bobby Pointon and Harvey Rowe, the 19-year-old is trying to learn fast from their daily involvement in the senior environment.

And he credits Derbyshire and the other senior pros for helping him to pick up the tricks of the trade.

“I’d say there was Vadaine (Oliver), Manny (Emmanuel Osadebe), Jamie Walker and Matty Derbyshire,” said Youmbi, when asked about his biggest influences on the training pitch.

“There’s a lot of experience and they are a big help to me.

“Strikers teach me different movements in the box to get the defenders in and out and find room.

“Matty is a very good finisher and you can learn some things off him, especially his movement.

“The manager obviously knows so much as well, especially in and around the box, when to hold the ball from defenders and creating space for your team-mates.”

They are also drilling in the habits and the routine that all long-term players need to abide by - some that Youmbi admits he needs to work on.

“It’s also about things like eating the right food, getting in on time and doing everything right.

“Sometimes I’m not the best at that but they are getting on to me so I have to do it.

“You have to do it properly and work hard to get the best out of everything.

“But it’s good. I like the first team stuff and the players have brought me into the group well.

“They speak to me and treat me well. I feel well integrated and they’ve helped quite a lot.”

Matt Derbyshire, right, training in Spain with Sam Stubbs (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Youmbi confessed that the initial promotion from the under-19s to join in with the older players was daunting. But with the week away in Spain under their belts, the youngsters feel very much part of the group.

“At first I was quite nervous because I’d not really been used to it,” he told the T&A. “I’d only been around players of my age.

“It’s very different when they are older and you’ve got to adapt. Stay back and just learn.

“But I feel more confident around them now and it’s easier. We understand each other - I can delve into their jokes as well!

“Seeing them every day and being in and around the changing room makes a big difference.

“Going to Spain was probably the best thing that could have happened to us.

“It was our first pre-season tour with the first team and being with all the players day in, day out. The whole trip was amazing.

“The running was the toughest part in the heat. I don’t even want to think about it!

“But I feel a lot fitter and things are a lot easier now because it’s nowhere near as hot as over there. The hard work has helped us a lot.”

Youmbi scored in the youthful Bantams side that faced Bradford (Park Avenue) in midweek but wants to make his mark this season in the “men’s” game.

“My goal is to obviously play with the first team but if I can’t, to go on loan.

“Score as many as I can and come back and show myself to the fans and players that I’m good enough to be here. I want to be out there showing I can do it.

“Defenders aren’t my age anymore. Adapting to the adults’ game is a key thing for me.

“There are some massive centre halves (in training) and I’m not used to the strength of their contact. Obviously I need to get in the gym and bulk myself up.

“But I’m looking forward to it. I’m just happy to get another contract and now it’s down to me to show what I can do.”