Southend United have already fielded six players who have risen through the ranks at Roots Hall this season.
Speaking to the Southend Evening Echo Duncan said: "I'm happy with the way things are going. To see Johnny Herd up against Chelsea in both games was just fantastic and I've never had a season where so many players have been called upon by the first team. I know there have been circumstances contributing towards that, including injuries and loan players not being allowed to play in the cup, but it's still fantastic. The chairman continues to back what we are doing and I think the youth system is the strongest it's ever been here now. We're punching above our weight in many ways but that's great and, when we turn to Academy status with the new stadium, we will get even stronger."
As well as Herd, Franck Moussa, Stuart O'Keefe, Charles Ademeno, Justin Hazell and Femi Orenuga have all tasted first team action. Medi Abalimba has also been on trial at Liverpool, while Everton and Manchester United have been tracking the progress of 15-year-old Orenuga who is the youngest player ever to appear in the Blues first team.
Duncan's work has also included setting up links with Spanish side CD Javea and German Bundesliga 2 outfit St Pauli while he is now looking to set up a similar partnership with a club in the English Premier League.
Congrtulations to Ricky and all his staff.