Academy Manager Luke Hussey has hailed the attitude and perseverance of 17-year-old Moses Alexander-Walker following his Football League debut against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
The young forward made his first-team bow as a late substitute in the League Two clash, capping off a standout season with the under-18s and taking a significant step in his development journey.
“We’re absolutely delighted to see Moses make his first team debut on Saturday,” said Hussey.
“It’s a proud moment not just for him and his family, but for everyone in the Academy who has supported his journey.
“These moments are a huge part of why we do what we do — developing good people and good players who are ready to take their opportunity. Hopefully, it’s just the start for him.
“He’s responded really well to the challenges we’ve set for him this season — improving his consistency, understanding of the game, and physical resilience.
“What’s impressed us most is his attitude and willingness to learn. That mindset has been key to his progress and ultimately led to him earning his debut.”
Hussey, who took over as County’s Academy Manager in November 2022, has a long-standing relationship with Alexander-Walker, having first worked with him at Bristol City’s academy when the player was just nine years old.
He admitted Saturday’s debut was a deeply proud moment for him personally as well.
“It was a really proud moment. Working with some players for such a long period you get to know them and their family really well and you become very invested in them," he said.
“It’s a privilege to watch his journey and play a small part in his development over the years. To see him make his first team debut was incredibly special. These are the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.”
Alexander-Walker isn’t the only academy product making waves at the club. Riley Lonergan also recently earned a spot in the first-team squad, making the bench for the Exiles’ trip to Fleetwood Town on April 26.
According to Hussey, these breakthroughs signal exciting progress for the club’s youth development.
“Like Moses, he’s earned that opportunity through consistent performances, hard work, and the right attitude,” he added.
“It also reflects the strength of the pathway that’s started to be built at the club — that if players apply themselves and meet the demands, there’s a genuine route from the academy to the first team.
“It’s encouraging for all our young players to see that progress is possible, and it reinforces the value of the academy to the wider club.”