Over the past few years one criticism of the Latics that’s really rang true has been the lack of local talent making their way through from the youth ranks and into the first team squad, well hopefully that trend is about to be broken with 1st year pro, 17 year old Jordan Flores making waves in both the under 18 and under 21 squads
Jordan is the son of Latics die hard Manny Flores, who is known to many both through his supporting of the Latics and his involvement with Aspull Juniors Football Club, Jordan has followed in his dads footsteps having played for Aspull and also he’s a lifelong Latics fan
I spoke to Manny on Friday who told me that Jordan was to be featured in the Latics v Liverpool programme the following day and that he was also playing for the under 18’s against Nottingham Forest at Christopher Park on Saturday lunch-time, Manny told me that Jordan was quite excited to be playing at lunch-time because it meant he could be at the DW Stadium for the 1st team game, once a supporter always a supporter
I have spoken to the club and they have very kindly given permission for the interview between Jordan and Nick Taylor that was printed in the programme to appear on Vital:
Jordan Flores – ‘I’ve enjoyed my first full year so far, it’s been a great chance to get to know the lads and it’s proven to be a good close group of players this season
‘Playing for the under 18’s here is really big for me because of my support for the club
‘I’ve supported the Latics all my life and still go to as many home and away games as I can’
‘I’ve played a lot on the left side and I’m really enjoying the chance to use my pace and I like to get a lot of crosses into the box
‘I’ve been getting used to this level of football and aiming on improving my strength and speed’
Having made his under 21 debut in February he said about the experience: ‘It was a great experience to be in the same dressing room as players like Callum McManaman and Jordan Mustoe and it taught me some things that I’m trying to use when I’m playing in the under 18’s as well’
Jordan scored after 3 minutes in Saturday mornings game against Forest, the Latics youngsters won the game 2-0
Jordan Flores on his way to the top?
By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic
