gurujuan Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Most of us on here really won't have any first hand experience, when it comes to watching our academy and development sides, but some do manage to take in games. Who do they think, will be the next person to break through into the first team squad? As the quality of our first team squad improves, the bar is being set ever higher for the youngsters hoping to break through. Joe Wildsmith was the last person to make the breakthrough, and his progress has been pretty rapid. Due mainly to injuries I suppose, but young Cameron Dawson has also featured in the match day squad on several occasions. Of course, we hear a lot about George Hirst! And he certainly seems to be a genuine talent, but could he breakthrough at 16.? What about the older group, those that form the nucleus of the development squad, are any of those close to a breakthrough? When I lived in Sheffield, I would regularly watch academy games on Saturday mornings, and have maintained an interest. My interest now relies mainly on media and forums for information, although I do have a friend who has been involved with the academy set up. His tip as the next lad to break through, is Warren Clarke. Producing a steady stream of players through the academy has to be the aim. Our neighbours across the city, were this week talking about a target of a 50% home produced squad. That's a bit ambitious, and quite frankly, it's harder to achieve the further up the pyramid you climb. A handful of home produced players within the squad is a reasonable aim though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wilyfox Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Don't think any outfield players will in the near future. That's something we may work on once we get to where we wanna be. Until then, it's experienced players all the way for our Carlos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklord Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 think that Messi lad might start getting included in the matchday squad once we have automatic sown up in early April Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OxonOwl Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Stobbs was on the verge but he got injured and we got better so I don't know where he is now progress-wise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Billy Bob Swychazerys Lad in under 13s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Baggins Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Billy Bob Swychazerys Lad in under 13s You're joking right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gurujuan Posted February 11, 2016 Author Share Posted February 11, 2016 Don't think any outfield players will in the near future. That's something we may work on once we get to where we wanna be. Until then, it's experienced players all the way for our Carlos. Actually it's correct, a specialist position, such as keeper, is a more attainable target due to a lack of options. A keeper might only have 2 or 3 rivals ahead of him, so he could find himself catapulted into the match day eighteen, whereas an outfield player has to get past many more barriers in the shape of interchangeable positions. I suppose, in theory, that also gives a young striker more of a chance as well. Injuries to 2 or 3 of our strikers for example, could see someone like George Hirst taking his place on the bench. Of course, you have to keep your place in the squad before you can be seen as a regular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southportdc Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Our academy was a shambles up until just a few years ago. It'll take a while for the benefits of improving that to show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gurujuan Posted February 11, 2016 Author Share Posted February 11, 2016 Our academy was a shambles up until just a few years ago. It'll take a while for the benefits of improving that to show. True, but players can make rapid strides, witness Joe Wildsmith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oh_weds_we_love_you Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Hopefully, we'll be in a position where we can loan out our young players to help them learn their trade/ make their mistakes elsewhere, and come back to us when they are Premier League quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F. Spiksley Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 think that Messi lad might start getting included in the matchday squad once we have automatic sown up in early April Too lazy, plus we've got Barry Bannan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 You're joking right? No he's a righty player from USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wilyfox Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 (edited) Our academy has only been reinvigorated over the last 3 or 4yrs since our return to the championship under Jones. He got the development side going again. But it's a long term project. Could well take 10yrs+ to yield outfield talent. It's all about reputation. Catch 22; you won't produce top young players until you can attract top talent, but you're unlikely to lure top talent until you can produce good young players. It's also harder to give them a stage to perform the higher level you play. Edited February 11, 2016 by wilyfox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock1961 Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 There was a good lad in the Alfreton friendly at the beggining of the season, short, blonde cental midfield. A sort of junior Bannan. Can't remember his name but remember thinking that he had a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wilyfox Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 You mean Croasdale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Baggins Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 No he's a righty player from USA Not having it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanharper Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Whatever happened to the future superstar Nathan Modest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesteel Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 I had high hopes for Betra. But he got injured. I think pre takeover and the emphasis being on raising funds these players, like lavery, would almost be guaranteed a go if they showed any signs. But now the objectives have changed I think they will all struggle unless they go on loan and blitz it somewhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock1961 Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 You mean Croasdale? Yes thats him, just looked him up. 21 so he's not a babby, I was impressed with him, but on reflection he'll find it hard to break into central midfield as things stand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wilyfox Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Yes thats him, just looked him up. 21 so he's not a babby, I was impressed with him, but on reflection he'll find it hard to break into central midfield as things stand. Needs to get out on loan. That's a common theme amongst our younger players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now