Been to blyth a couple of times this season and could have sworn he was playing there, after reading that it all makes sense now
Graeme Murty says the reason Isaac Lihadji, Abdoullah Ba, Pierre Ekwah and Jewison Bennette played for Sunderland U21s was to get minutes into the legs. The quartet were the Black Cats' best players on the night, with Ba in particular rising to the occasion under the watchful eye of Tony Mowbray. “I think that we were convincing in the way we approached the game,” Murty said after the game. “I think the first-team players in particular were respectful of the game, respectful of the group they dropped into and made sure they pushed on and did things properly. “I thought that approach and that application lended itself to the situation and made sure we dealt with the football really well. We did all the horrible stuff really well with our pressing and our work rate, and then that let their talent shine and there is some talent in that group.” The quartet of first-team players, five if you include youngster Chris Rigg, were among the standout performers for Sunderland on the night, under the watchful eye of Tony Mowbray. “We just make sure we talk to the first-team staff, liaise with them really, really closely and make sure we're available if they need a platform for the players to play,” Murty added. “It’s a really useful platform, but it’s only useful if they approach it properly so that they can get something out of the game. They have got to showcase themselves in front of the owner, in front of the technical director, in front of the first-team manager. "They have got to make sure when people get their eyes on them they are standing out and showing themselves in a really good light and I thought they did that. They needed game time so we need to make sure we facilitate that and also it shows our young players what the standard looks like. “It’s great to see 15-year-old Chris Rigg play with first-team players because that’s where he wants to go and where we want to project him. We have to make sure this is as rich and as valuable a learning experience as we can make it.” https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spo...s/graeme-murty-reveals-reason-behind-26404449
https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2023/march/u21-preview-leeds-away Our Under-21s are back in action on Sunday afternoon Elland Road, taking on Leeds United in Premier League 2 action (KO 2pm). Graeme Murty and John Hewitson’s young side sit eighth in the PL2 Division 2 table with 17 points from the same number of games – just three fixtures remain as the Lads look to finish strong, with numerous Under-18 players now making the step up alongside our early-years professionals. A clutch of senior players may also make the trip to West Yorkshire, dependent on the events of Saturday’s first-team match with Luton Town. It was a successful night for the U21s last time out, dispatching Stoke City 4-1 at Eppleton on March 6 as Harry Gardiner’s double was supplemented by captain Ellis Taylor’s fine strike and a late own goal. Title-chasing table-toppers Leeds will be no pushovers, as demonstrated by their total of 35 points at the summit after 16 games. With four to play, the Yorkshiremen will be looking to see their lead over the line to earn promotion to PL2 Division 1, three points clear of second-placed Nottingham Forest. The reverse fixture in October at the Stadium of Light finished 1-0 to a strong Leeds side with Wilfried Gnonto scoring the winner – Joe Gelhardt was among the visiting side on the night. Due to Premier League broadcast restrictions, our U21 visit to Elland Road will not be streamed live. Social media coverage of the contest will be available via our dedicated Academy Twitter page, @AcademyOfLight.
Good job these lads will know they will be given a chance to get into the first team rather than sold off for peanuts at the first opportunity. Is Rigg playing?
Not sure mate I can only find the scorers waters and cotcher with a brace each and Ethan moore the other
Been no coverage of it by the Academy Twitter account but they tweeted yesterday about them playing today which is a bit strange.
According to Hank... Sunderland A. Richardson 2. T. Lavery 3. J. Jones 4. W. Cain 5. H. Fieldson 6. L. Bell 7. E. Moore 8. W. Dowling 9. M. Cotcher 10. J. Robertson 11. T. Watson 12. L. Salkeld 13. J. Waters 14. T. Ogunsugi 15. C. Mitchell 20. M. Young
