Christy Finch likes scoring goals; this much is clear. He's not alone in that, but what sets him apart is a remarkable goalscoring record. Finch hit 92 last season, a tally which unsurprisingly alerted the youth development staff.

The 17-year-old joined the youth scheme as a second-year scholar last month and is evidently relishing the chance to do just what most teenagers crave - play football every day.

"It's really good; I came up on trial and Jez told me at the end of the week that they would sign me," he recalls.

"It's a bit different training every day - it'll get my fitness up and hopefully I'll benefit from that. The youth scheme is really good, it's set up really well."

Finch, who had been studying engineering at college, arrived from Lowestoft Town, where his stock was rising. Involved in Town's first-team in pre-season (playing alongside former scholar Craig Bussens), this is his first foray into the academy of a professional club.

"I was there from 15 but I didn't find it hard to leave - I knew what was up for grabs. But my manager at Lowestoft (Andy Reynolds) got me to where I am."

Prior to that, he played at Gorleston with fellow second-year and CRC captain Blaine Hudson, a factor which has aided his rapid integration into the squad and life in the digs.

The forward made his debut within days, replacing Jack Bailey with 20 minutes remaining in the Ridgeons League defeat of Needham Market.

"It was a good experience," he admits. "It's a lot higher tempo to what I was used to, but my strength is scoring goals - I scored 92 last year (in all competitions) and I'm good at holding the ball up."

Christy is well aware that time is short, and his impact must be significant and swift. He said, "I've only got six or seven months to get my head down and get a pro. But Jez said if he didn't think I could get one, then I wouldn't be here."

The next few weeks will be crucial to Finch's chances of earning a professional contract, or indeed a third year as a scholar. Adam Marriott and Bailey are the pair currently in possession of the 9 and 10 shirts, but as Marriott pushes for first-team inclusion, Bailey and Finch may find themselves in a straight shoot-out for that deal.

If Finch's friends back in Suffolk are anything to go by, he'll have no trouble making the step-up. "Most of my mates think I play like Fernando Torres," he says, and without a smirk.

To conclude, I ask Christy if he has any interesting facts about himself he'd like to share. After a brief pause, he says, "I score goals."

And that's the long and short of it. Do not avert your eyes; with any luck there'll be fireworks.

Henry Milward

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