I THINK it is one of the duties of a manager to make sure it is not just the first team you work with.

It is also vital to keep a close eye on those other teams that feed in to your squad, such as the under 23s, the under 18s and even the age groups below that.

On Monday afternoon I went over to Peterborough to watch Chris Allen’s under 23 side draw 1-1 at Peterborough.

We were up against a really strong side, with players out there who would walk in to most other League One teams.

A few weeks ago I saw a similar game there and we were 3-0 down very quickly and very much outplayed.

OK, we had a little bit more experience this time. But it was still pleasing to see youngsters like Aaron Heap and Albie Hopkins learning from that first game and putting in very strong performances this time.

Sam Smith got our goal and that’s what these games are for as well – go out there, get a goal, and do all you can to get back in to the starting XI in the league.

On Wednesday night, I drove over to Hemel Hempstead to see the under 18s in the FA Youth Cup.

Now to some fans it might be a case of ‘that’s just the kids against a lower league side’ but trust me, that competition means a lot to those boys.

It was noticeable how many other staff were there to support us with Dan Harris, Chris Allen and Ed Waldron, from our analysis team, among those watching.

There was also a fantastic touch from Tiger, who sent the players a video message from Thailand wishing them well and saying how much he believes in them all.

They put in a very strong performance and won 3-0 – they now play Barnet in the next round – and it was a thoroughly enjoyable night.

I had a quick drink with a couple of our staff on the way home and we were all buzzing for the boys.

It did make me laugh, however, the next morning to see the same players out in the rain carrying equipment, putting out the goals and setting up pitches.

They did so without complaint and it’s that grounding and the way we try to produce good young men as well as good footballers that I think will be key to a very bright future.

I wish people wouldn’t throw the form book at me before every game!

Yes we are on a five-game unbeaten run, yes Scunthorpe have lost five in a row.

And no, it will have no bearing at all on today’s match!

Stuart McCall is a terrific manager and will get it right at Scunthorpe.

He has been fighting a horrific injury list, but will turn their results round once he gets his full squad involved.

We had a similar sticky run of results earlier in the season, but we became even closer together as a group and kept faith.

It has been paying off in recent weeks where we have been much tougher to beat and now we will look to make it six unbeaten.

Forget the last few games, forget the next few as well.

Just keep taking one forward step at a time.