Not sure many managers from anywhere in the world would be accepting of playing young players like we plan to. Definitely more accepting of head coach role compared to British managers but I reckon most still would want the numbers to be in the favour of experience*. * Quick disclaimer I watch close no football outside of SAFC so have no idea if this approach to using youth is more common than I think, but I'm assuming we are in a tiny minority doing it to the scale we are.
It needs someone who sees the development of the players being just as important as the league position. That takes quite a special mindset to align with that utterly competitive nature that’s needed in any footballer. Maybe those young coaches that are starting to come through who didn’t make it as top level footballers may find that balance easier? Otherwise you need a strong paternal (or maternal) streak like TM.
We're definitely on the more extreme end of the scale, but there'll be plenty of managers out there who are used to it and would like the opportunity. Most German managers start in the under 23's these days, why wouldn't they take the chance if it was given? There's certain Danish clubs, the whole Red Bull system too. plus a lot of South America. 1 of the 5 youngest teams in a European top flight at the moment is Reims. They just happen to have the hottest new name on the block - Will Still. He's 30 years old and still doesn't have his licences yet, but he's on shortlists for Leeds and Southampton (who have the 2nd and 3rd youngest teams in the Premier League). I guess the likelihood is that we won't be appointing many traditional names in our future. Mowbray is an exception due to his existing working relationships and his personal circumstances. I'd expect us to be seeing the potential in young coaches like we do in young players.
Good point mate. Asking kids like Hume, to adapt to so many different positions/set ups/tactics/formations has been a big ask .... ... but they've answered every question and produced some incredible results.
Very few teams in this league could have coped as well as we did, missing so many key players for so long. Im hoping this season puts us in good stead for future seasons. Whilst most clubs may have had to resort to plans B or C when injuries kicked in, this season we have kicked on to plans W, X and Y. Next season we will have so many tried and tested options we should be able to cope even better with injuries and suprise a few more teams. Even without injuries we could bamboozle teams with a swift couple of subs and a total change in style and formation, doing things that we have actually been forced into doing this season.
It’s testament as well to the quality of signings that we have been bringing in. Under the radar, unknown, inexperienced signings but they have absolutely fit the bill due to their quality and desire.
We should go for Kalvin Phillips on loan next season. He'd be a canny 'rebuild project' like Pritchard was. Obviously he wouldn't play every week with Hendo bossing the midfield but hopefully he would fight for his place.
