My guess is that Neil knows who he wants and probably would’ve had them when appointed if the timing was right (close season or January time). I reckon they’d have likely known this was happening too rather than it being a press release from a Newcastle paper! Just a change in direction and Neil knows what he wants imo
The article says a bigger role for Dodds which doesn't fill me with hope tbh. They need to appoint an u23 manager as well
Bailey Wright was still away with Australia until a week or so ago so I doubt we will get the announcement on him for a couple of weeks
I have reservations about Dodds, something went wrong at the academy last season, I hope he proves me wrong, and it was just a blip, but, last year was unacceptable imo.
Every time I’ve watched the u23s Zac Johnson looks an outstanding prospect. Big step up to the championship for a 17/18 year old centre half though. Think his next step will be out on loan for a season
Yes to zak johnson mate, forgot him. He looks a real talent. Not seen Carney much, but will keep an eye on him now.
A developmental pathway is something we've never had at the club. We've traditionally kept lads til they're 22, 23 then hoy them into the first team, usually out of desperation and wonder why they can't cope. That needs to change and we need to be moving most of the young lads out to get league games every year.
I don't think its realistic for us, as fans, to assume that good performances in the u23s will immediately translate into good performances for the first team. People develop, physically and mentally, at different rates. Some will be first team-ready at 16, some will take several years more. Now we're in the Championship again, we're in a much better position to place our prospects that need it with a variety of clubs lower down the Football League.
7 offers in for players currently Announcements on contractual situations will be spread out over the next few days The budget is big but publicly the club will be playing it very cool in terms of aspirations.. Summer starts now please log in to view this image This is from Hawyaat Earp over on RTG
I think he was saying he was at the fixtures breakfast this morning so must have heard it there. Sounds excellent
Aye, waiting for the first day of pre season training to announce 2 coaches are leaving seems strange. I assume their replacements are already done deals.
Think we’ll see a big influx of younger lads with potential. U23 manager and a loan manager are crucial. It’s a big balancing act between sending kids on loan and keeping a competitive second string Loan moves are great but also need to make sure those we keep can progress. Not easy to develop if U23s are losing regularly
Definitely. You don't want an u23s side that loses every week but getting players first team experience can be a key part of their development.
