Whichelow was hyped up last season. He didn't do badly, he wasn't fantastic. He was very hit and miss, which suggests that he wasn't ready. He went to Exeter, they didn't rate him...obviously he hasn't come on as he has been expected to, mainly by fans who want blood from kids who aren't ready to spill it. I trust Sean Dyche. I believe he's doing the right thing for the kids. I also believe he has fully explained to them what's going on with their careers and how he will help them develop, by not rushing them. These are not kids in their early 20s. These are still in the Academy kids, or fresh out. Unless they're absolute superstars, which Whichelow is not, they're not going to make it to first team football until they're ready. I trust SD to make that judgement, and i don't understand how any fan can make it for him, not knowing any of the facts.
I thought he did ok when he was used maybe hit and miss but so were barnes and Blissett when they were starting out ! also we have had some players bought in that have been equally hit and miss ,but had more opportunity (maybe they are better mentally although it was hard to tell on the pitch)!
I think it's probably best to 'drip-feed' the youngsters into the team. Malky didn't really have any choice... and fortunately the team was playing well, so it was an easier transition for them to come into the side. If SD brought in one or two in a struggling team, it could do more harm than good and knock their confidence for a long time - especially if the crowd start getting on their backs a little. For example, Ross Jenkins - He burst onto the scene, but then struggled to keep the high level up, and personally would say still hasn't fully recovered, as he still isn't a regular - I'd say signing Hogg also shows this a little. But he still has plenty of time on his side! You also have to be careful with their attitude. Too much too soon can also be very damaging. From being in digs, earning a hundred quid a week to playing first team games, signing a pro contract then being able to afford anything you want.... it will give many a kid a bloated ego. It's down to the manager and Co to keep their feet grounded. They think they have 'made it' when realistically they are only getting started! Maybe some need taking down a peg or two to ground them again. Send them to lower divisions to (and no offence meant) 'slum it', so they appreciate it when they come back to us, and want to fight for their place! Hopefully the FL sees sense and re-introduces the 7-sub rule, and SD can start having a couple on the bench. Even if the extra 2 subs have to be Academy/under-21s, it would be beneficial to so many clubs, esepcially ones like Watford!
In the 1st half of last season, when we had Andrew Taylor, Jordan Mutch, and Don Cowie and Stephen McGinn were fit, the youngsters were used sparingly. In the 2nd half of the season, when Malky had no choice but to use the youngsters, we had an absolutely awful record. Look back at last year from Jan onwards and it was relegation form. We could also have 7 subs last year so a couple of youngsters could be included on the bench over the five subs that we can have this year. I think Dyche could see that from the 2nd half of last season that some were not ready and were being pushed too early, and is therefore nurturing them much better this year. maybe he is being over cautious? But I trust in how he is handling the youngsters.
We are able to have 7 subs against Bradford as it's not an FL competition. If SD plays a full strength side, the composition of the bench could give us a clue to what he would've done if it was still 7 subs in the league.
Oh, that will be very interesting, though we won't know if the bench reflects the cup or the cup and league...but my guess is he'll put some kids on the bench...
TBH I hope he does it will give them a sense of belonging and boost their confidence and when we are comfortably winning he can bring them on for the last quarter
wfcbadgemoose Watford FC Official Young #watfordfc striker Gavin Massey extends his loan at League 1 Yeovil till mid-January. Keep up the good work, Gav! http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2540335,00.html that'll please Norway...not! lol
I didn't realise we were resorting to using baby goats in our squad. I find the term inaccurate and a tad derogatory for our young players. Sorry to be pedantic but I wouldn't call my children kids and they're in the main younger than our players.
Not at all H he seems to be enjoying himself down there and has Rene to keep him company plus ex horn Blizzard! as well
Good we will see who is in his plans in the nearer future! and if Al is correct we can bring on some of our talented "young men"(is that better for you Aberdeen?)
Absolutely, far more respectful and an accurate description of our true junior gentlemen.........If there were some gin in this tonic i'm sure I'd be more creative and tolerant...
No, I think you've missed the point! You were busy comparing the current crop to Barnes - as H pointed out, none of them actually are comparable. Barnes was one of those footballing freaks who crop up every now & then - much like Rooney (spit, spit) - who can and do make it early. None of ours are in that league I'm afraid to say.
Lovely to see some of our young gents having a good game http://thecoldend.blogspot.com/2011/12/wealdstone-through-to-face-afc-hayes.html
