THE scrapping of the YTS scheme at Edgar Street could pay dividends for Hereford United youngster Nick Plotnek, writes ANDY HOLMES.

The 19-year-old defender has joined the club as part of a project run by the Bulls in conjunction with North Birmingham College.

The scheme provides young players at the college with an education and also a chance to perform in United's reserve games in the Central Conference. Plotnek has made such a good impression that he has appeared among the substitutes in recent first team games, as has his fellow student Melvin Gourlay.

He recently made his first-team debut when he replaced fellow full-back Paul Sturgess off the bench in the Nationwide Conference goalless draw with Kingstonian at Edgar Street.

Plotnek said: "It was a good experience, it was a bit quicker than reserve football but I thought I adapted well and I definitely enjoyed it."

The scheme has provided Plotnek and his peers with a second chance at playing professional football as he explains.

"I was with West Bromwich Albion when I was 16, but they released me at YTS level. Luckily, I was able to join this scheme when I was at college."

His ambitions for the future are clear and playing football full-time is high on the agenda.

"I'd like to. I just love playing, the money's not important to me. I just enjoy training every day and being part of a club."

With a possible mass clear-out of the more experienced players on the cards at Edgar Street, his chances for a contract are improved and he will not have to wait long to find out.

"It's a two year scheme and mine runs out at the end of the season because of my age. I'm coming towards the end of it and with a bit of luck I can get a proper contract here."