It's bothered me for a while that the Club tells us very little about the youngsters - who they are, never mind the games they play. There is a section tucked away inside the Official Website called 'Academy' which includes a list of players by age group, albeit incomplete, but that's pretty much it. Hopefully with the advent of the new Academy Structure and the additional coaching staff we'll get more and better information. In the meantime, I thought it might be appropriate to have a thread with news specific to the progress of individual players and to kick it off - Three youngsters have been invited to join the England U16 Camp - Magnus Norman, Wesley McDonald and Patrick Roberts http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2012/06/08/initial-england-u16-summer-training-camp-callups/ Patrick isn't in this particular list (not sure why) but it's worth noting that he was the Club's top scorer in pre-season games with 6 goals. Congratulations to all three. PS On a slightly downbeat note the Club have confirmed (as rosc said in another thread - forgive my memory if it was somebody else) that all Academy home games will be behind closed doors. On the grounds of security, H&S and similar stuff. Pretty limp and surely defeats one aim of the new U21 and U18 leagues - to provide a more competitive environment.
I find the clubs statement,if true, that academy/under 18 games are to be played behind closed doors totally unacceptable, and the limp excuses the club has given for doing so. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a season ticket,but what about those usually, of mature years, who have given their support to the club in the hard times,and for a couple of quid could feel a part of FFC for at least once every other week.This also applies to the parents who often take along the young who will hopefully be our future. I am writing to the club on this matter,asking whatever "idiot" formulated this idea to give a sound rational for this action.We pride ourselves on being probably the most family orientated club in the premiership,this does not bode well, if for whatever ,a sections of our supporters are to be excluded. If other 606rs feel the same please do likewise.
Who are you writing to, Ros? PM me some details and I'll happily write a letter too. With the poor coverage on the club website, how exactly will we have any idea about our young stars if we're also not allowed to see them play?
I read that as over 66rs first time round rosc, and thought hey, not just the old geezers. And you're right everyone should be challenging this decision. I did email the general address to get clarification but haven't had a response and will now take up your suggestion to write. I'd suggest we write to Sarah Brookes, Communications Director. Do you see any merit in the Tweets amongst us sending messages? They would be seen by a wider audience and might catch on (is 'trend' the correct term?) The relevant Twitter names are - @FulhamFC and/or @SarahBrookes1.
Hi all Re; the above i am writing to the chief executive. And at Saturdays match,a couple of the disgruntled will be giving out fliers on this subject
I would hope that, as a supposedly media-savy club, someone in the media/comms department actually keeps an eye on social media, including not-606 (although it amazes me sometimes that businesses don't).
I'd be amazed if they paid any attention to what gets said on this forum, and I can't say I blame them. They'd take one look at the boards from the top 6's clubs and never look again.
Good to see the "Academy" getting it's own page (up front) on the newly formatted Club Website. Nothing of note in it currently but hopefully that will change. http://www.fulhamfc.com/the-teams/academy EDIT: Sorry, only just finding my way round the new Website. Under "The Teams", there are also separate sections for "U21" and "U18" Player Profiles. And fixtures. Now that is an improvement.
Cauley Woodrow The Club have done a profile on the young U18 striker - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/21/academy-insight-cauley-woodrow I've only seen him play in a couple of games - strong, good in the air and his style is a wee bit like Sherringham (although I suspect the nickname is for other reasons!).
Emerson Hyndman please log in to view this image The young man from Dallas is settling in well this side of the pond in his first year with the Club. Having picked up goals pre-season he scored a hat-trick in yesterday's U18 League game against Woves. Not only a goal scorer though he linked up much of Fulham's forward play and was credited with one assist. Certainly one for the future. Here is a mini-bio - http://usa10kit.com/2012/01/19/hyndman-learning-the-ropes-at-fulham/
Thanks for the info Cottager, on this obviously gifted young lad, lets hope his senior countryman does not exert any unsavory ideas,while he is still with us.
George Williams Another from our talented U18s team, George signed from MK Dons in the summer for a rumoured £300k. please log in to view this image He has already made a big step up in his International career and was selected to play for Wales U19s against Germany at the weekend. Here is a video including his goal in that game - cant' understand much of what's going on in the clip but his goal (about half way through - 1min 50 secs) is so well worth watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzPalICgo_Y
Dan O'Reilly The Club have posted an interview/profile of the U18 player - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/17/academy-insight-daniel-oreilly
Patrick Roberts please log in to view this image Less than 2 years ago he was playing for Surrey schools. A couple of weeks ago the 15 year old was in the U18 starting line up to play Middlesborough in the Academy League, retaining his position the following week in the game against Man City. Tomorrow he turns out for England U16s against Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield - http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2012/09/12/england-u16s-squad-for-n-ireland-victory-shield/ Remember his name - he's one to watch.
Just noticed that the NI v England (U16) game featuring Patrick Roberts is on SkySport 2 tomorrow night. If you haven't got that it should be available as a PC link on "atdhenet.tv". C'mon Pat !!
Patrick came on with 25 minutes to go and settled straight into the game. He showed real composure for a 15 year old and took up some good postions. Should really have scored a couple himself before an excellent dribble and seeing his own shot blocked, made an assist. When you see the rest of that England squad you can realise how fantastically well the lad has done to be selected. We have a couple of other players, Magnus Norman and Wes McDonald, knocking on the door as well, so good for the future. And of course the Fulham Academy as a whole. COYYW
Hadil Tihouna please log in to view this image Not the mystery CM signing mentioned in the other thread, the 19yr old is being given a trial - presumably to bolster the U21 midfield which has been struggling of late. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8121585/
