UNDER-18s lead coach Andrew Surman is "loving" the challenge of imparting his knowledge to Southampton's youngsters as they challenge for the league title.
Surman has called on his side to control what they can as they gun to win the Under-18 Premier League title this season.
Saints returned to the top of the Southern division following a thrilling 4-2 win over West Ham on Tuesday, and kept their spot after Chelsea slipped up against Fulham.
Southampton bounced back from a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday and top the division by one point heading into their final two games.
They will need to rely on Aston Villa and Arsenal failing to make the most of their games in hand if they are to secure first place.
"It's been a great season. We can't control what other teams do, but what we can control is winning the rest of our games," Surman told the Daily Echo.
"That will put us in a position to take advantage if the other teams do slip up. The mentality of the lads has been brilliant, especially since I've come in to lead.
"They've been great, and they were even before I came in and Calum (McFarlane, now under-21s boss) was managing.
"They are a great group of lads and they're showing their quality. It was great to see them bounce back. Everyone was disappointed after the defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
"We spoke after that result about the character, personality, and mentality of the players. Can they go again three days later? They showed it.
"When West Ham pulled it back to 2-2, they could have crumbled, but they kept going, kept running, kept working.
"We just want to be in a position to at least finish strong and near the top of the table if we're doing it."
Despite the senior team enduring a turgid season, with relegation to the Championship confirmed before Easter, Surman remains confident about the long-term future of the club.
The success of the Under-18s and the Under-21s, who are fighting to win both the Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup, is a symbol of a healthy academy.
"It's always been in Southampton's locker to produce young players that will come through in the first team," academy graduate Surman added.
"It was great to see Jay (Robinson) come on, and the season Tyler (Dibling) has had as well. It's a great environment for the lads to come and learn from top to bottom.
"I'm really enjoying working with this group, and I'm looking forward to working with the next group that comes through."
Surman returned to the academy fold just over a year ago, rejoining after leaving his role at AFC Bournemouth.
The 38 year old had a storied playing career, making nearly 500 career appearances, and is now looking to impart his expertise to the next generation.
"I've loved it," he concluded with a smile. "I've got a lot of experience, but as a coach, you have to learn how to impart that knowledge to the players.
"I'm trying to help them with my own experience. It's a great group to work with, there are some great individuals and great team spirit. I've got great staff around me as well."
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