When I watched him this season he had the same problems he had with us plays the game when he can be bothered
He captained the u18 and u19 sides at Leipzig before coming here. It was a bit of a coup getting him here, but testament to how we are seen as a club where academy players have a clear pathway to the first team at very early ages. It is why I will always value academy players getting a chance above buying in, although a balance is clearly important. I believe we are actively seeking to bring in elite youth talent this summer, maybe 2 or 3. I am also told we are now the destination of choice for youngsters acroas the NE. I am 100% convinced we will get huge success as a club in the future as a result of our academy operations. Speakman deserves all the credit in the world for this, as does KLD of course. Getting someone like Murty in as a coach has been completely transformative too. I want to replicate what Man Utd did for so long, always have at least 1 academy lad in the first team starting line up. It is such a unique thing and an brilliant selling point for the club.
So are we trying to shift everyone out we can before 1st July for PSR so we can maximise our spending?
I wonder if we couple benefit from papa johns trophy or whatever it’s called these days putting our best kids up against league one and two sides along with the 21s season will help bring them along too surely? If we are able to enter a side this year that is not sure on the structure of it, it is great having a core of safc lads in the team all the videos from Wembley make me want to keep this team forever and never bring anyone in
John got one game out of loyalty to complete his collection of playing in each division. He never had the capacity to adapt to top flight at that point. O’Nien has faced every challenge to step up and has not only worked his balls off but adapted his game intelligently. I think it might be a step too far but if it is it certainly won’t be for lack of commitment and I wouldn’t bet against him adapting.
Has anyone else read anywhere that Ghisolfi is focusing on the immediate signings when he comes in. So the crucial 4-5 signings that are first team ready. could have sworn I read it somewhere
Also depends on who’s coming through. I’d be inclined to loan not sell yet because he’s improving but if him as a 22year old maybe blocks the path of a highly rated youngster we might as well get a few quid in and invest in better.
Didn't he get the Norwich away game for prosperity and then didn't see him again. We threw away some games that season mind.
Yeah I'm not against keeping him and loaning him out, I just feel we might be better selling him now tbh We don't want to have a bloated squad, I'd like to see us loan quite a few out but there's a few I think if we can sell we should then reinvest that money
I wouldn’t want him loaned back to Hibs mind. I’d go championship if possible. A good year there and we’d be able to make a better judgement.
Not worried at all, he's a clever footballer, he does it because he knows he can get away with it in the lower divisions.
I get that, suppose the club will have to judge whether they think he will ever be good enough for a PL club/top of championship club. He has 2 years left on his deal so if he's not going to sign an extension, I'd lean towards selling now It's always a risk selling players as they might really kick on after they leave, I just don't see him having the pace to play CM at the level we want to compete. He is so slow covering the ground and while his reading of the game will likely improve I don't think he will ever be able to play at the tempo needed for the PL I'm def not against loaning him but feel now might be the best time to sell (obviously depends on what teams are willing to pay)