Being involved with the under-16s, we’ve come to that time of year where decisions are made about which boys will get scholarships.

We don’t just look at football ability, it’s the whole package – attitude, desire and willingness to learn. We look at people for different positions as well.

It’s easy telling lads that Bradford City would love to offer them a chance. The hardest thing is saying no.

Some of those boys have been there several years.

I’ve known them and their parents for a long time because Luke used to play with them before he went over the Pennines to Man United.

The parents will be just as disappointed. They’ve taken the lads to every game and every training session and it’s a massive commitment.

But there’s only so many scholarships.

I know what that rejection feels like because I was let go as a young boy at Coventry.

I remember being told the bad news by Bobby Gould and thinking “I’ll show you’re wrong.”

How you react is the most important thing. That’s when you have to show guts and determination to come back.

A prime example now is James Hanson.

He was at Bradford when he was younger and they weren’t impressed. So he went off to play locally at Eccleshill and then Guiseley and forced his way back in.

Keep working and you may get another opportunity further down the line. It’s the same with Neilson and Williams.

To those who haven’t made it, I wish them well. I hope they get picked up somewhere and make a success of it.

It’s like a rollercoaster for young players but that’s football for you. But don’t give up.

* Talking of the youth set-up, we’ve got a big night coming up on March 27 at Cedar Court Hotel.

Planet Soul, a seven-piece soul band, are providing the music and they are meant to be brilliant.

The evening is to raise money for our youth development programme and some of the funds will also go towards the Bradford Burns Unit appeal.

There will be an auction and I’ve already spoken to Tony Mowbray, who’s sent us down a signed Celtic shirt.

Stuart’s going to try and get one from Rangers as well, though no doubt the Celtic one will go for ten times more!

It’s going to be a fun occasion and tables are going fast. So please get in touch with the club to buy your tickets.