The assistant manager on United's young wide man
Midfielder Dave Symington marked his first league start for the Blues with one of the best goals seen at Brunton Park for a number of years when he thumped an unstoppable 35-yard free kick into the roof of the net during the second half of the game against Doncaster.Workington-born Symington, 19 in January, signed his first professional deal in the summer having successfully negotiated two years with the U18 set-up and that was quickly converted to a three-year deal following some good performances at the start of the season.
Assistant manager Graham Kavanagh spoke to us about the goal and the impact the young wide man has had shortly after full time on Tuesday evening.
“The goal Dave Symington scored was fantastic," he said. "He has the most powerful shot I have ever seen in the game, and I’ve been involved for 23 years now.
"We know he can do that and he has no fear at all. He strikes the ball cleanly and he's done well to pick up some good goals already this season. He'll certainly remember that one for a long time to come."
And on his attitude to the game, he added: "He has been a breath of fresh air for us.
"He comes in every day with a smile on his face and he gets on with his work with very little fuss. All three of the young lads who have played regularly have come in and added something. They are now starting to grow into real men and this difficult period will stand them in really good stead."
As well as his trademark thundering shots Symington has also developed a knack of putting the ball into very dangerous areas from a range of positions.
"When you least expect him to cross a ball he delivers it, and it tends to be struck with tremendous pace and power," Kavanagh explained.
"Very few people can deal with it. I think Lee Miller will really thrive on that type of service. If that quality of ball is put into that type of area then Lee is the kind of striker who will benefit massively.
“It's been a good start for David because he keeps things simple. He has taken a lot of what we have tried to teach him on board and his enthusiasm for the game is great to see. Hopefully he'll keep improving and, if he does, he'll develop into a really good player."
