16-year-old Kyrell Malcolm became Salford City’s youngest league debutant in a 1-1 draw against Colchester United last night.
The teenage midfielder started for his team before being subbed off in the 57th minute for Ethan Ingram, being 16 years and 260 days old.
Salford City manager Karl Robinson said: “From my point of view I thought the youngster [Kyrell] did well for his age.
“When he closes his eyes tonight, I’m sure the one thing he’ll think about is that one that dropped to his right foot and went spiralling over that terracing,” Robinson reflected on the biggest chance the teenager had in his first League Two match.
Salford City boss added: “That’ll be his parting memory of the game unfortunately but that’s the ruthless edge of football, he’s got to find a calmness within him in those moment to take it.”
Kyrell made his debut for the first team last October in a 1-3 defeat against Stockport in the EFL Trophy. Coming off the bench in the 80th minute, the teenager played over 10 minutes but couldn’t help his team turn the game around.
After his debut in the cup, the Salford player was selected for the bench for two consecutive first team games against MK Dons and Stockport County but failed to get his debut in the league.
The Ammies gaffer added: “I’m proud of his efforts, I think he showed the pure, raw pace that he has. There’s a lot more to come from him, sometimes you expect a little bit too much of the youngsters.”
Karl Robinson gave this advice to Malcolm: “It’s about that protection now, him improving, working hard, dropping back down to the Under 23s, being the best player in the under 18s and not dropping the standards he’s already set. He mustn’t think he’s made it because he’s far from made it, this is the first steps of his journey.”
Malcolm might be a record-breaker for Salford, however Zak Emmerson still holds the record for the youngest debut in League Two. Emmerson was only 15 years and 73 days when he came off the bench for Oldham Athletic in October 2019.
The record for the youngest ever English Football League player is held by Reuben Noble-Lazarus. He was 15 years and 45 days when he played for Championship side Barnsley in September 2008.
Kyrell Malcolm will have the chance to add another start in the Ammies’ next league game against Gillingham this Saturday at 3pm.