Looks like Huddlestone and Carroll will be playing a fair few U21s games, then. Good for the youngsters to go out and get some first team experience. I guess all of those convincing wins attracted some attention. Got to be a positive thing in the long run, I think.
I'd imagine there's not much more they can learn or prove at under 21s either, they've all shown they can perform at that level and some of them are probably above that too. If they don't learn anything from the short loan spell they could still return having proven that they're able to play at that level. It's good to hear you say that these loans are seen as a reward, I always worry that youngsters see having to move away to an unglamorous club/town in the Football League and don't see it as the opportunity they should.
Exactly. There comes a point where players have clearly outgrown the level they're being asked to play at. Townsend would be a good example for this season, so it's logical to test their talent elsewhere, particuarly at this stage of the season. In the long term it can only benefit both parties.
Beautiful day today. Might pop to the county ground and check out our youngsters in action. - All are expected to be in the squad.
Jordan Archer's been recalled from Wycombe, despite playing for them in all of their recent games and featuring in 29 games for them this season. Too late to go out again, I think, so I can only assume that he's been recalled to cover for Miles' absence. Is that what's best for him in the long run?
Up until yesterday, Jonathan Miles was our 3rd choice keeper. The approach from Dagenham was late and unexpected, but once it went through, it was essential we recalled Jordan Archer.
Massimo Luongo and Dean Parrett both play 90 minutes for Swindon today and Nathan Byrne came on after 55 minutes and is credited with an assist for their equaliser in a 1-1 draw after ex-Spur Lee Barnard had put Oldham ahead.
True. Given our excess of keepers at the start of the season, I tend to forget that we've lost half of them.
Leicester v Millwall just about to start. Harry Kane on the bench for Leicester and Adam Smith starts for Millwall.
My father in law was impressed with Parrett today. Tooooooo cold for me - I missed the game. Swindon really need ANY_STRIKER. They're throwing promotion away...
Swindon just need to win their homes games! They keep drawing! No win in 6 at home now. All 3 spurs lads contributed a lot to the game. - Parrett was the best player on the pitch.
They've got 6 games left but only 2 are at home. Win those and they'll have 74 points, which along with their superior goal difference will pretty much guarantee a play off place as realistically it's 7 clubs going for 6 places. I would think they haven't given up on an automatic promotion spot yet, particuarly with Tranmere dropping and Yeovil beginning to stutter. This competitive run-in will be a great experience for our 3 lads there. They were due to take Ceballos on loan as well but that fell through at the last minute. Must admit, I didn't realise it was permitted to take 4 loan players from one club but that was what was due to happen going into the last day of the loan window.
Both played for Birmingham in an under 21 game against Leeds. They're both going to be released by us at the end of this season and Birmingham were given permission to play them with a view to signing them. Following that game, Birmingham's interest has now ceased.
Munns is going to be released? I thought he'd been having a decent run in the U21s? Can't say that I'm surprised about Ekong, though.
Rose dealt with Valencia pretty comfortably today, until he was subbed off with a few minutes left. Strange move, for me. Not sure how much of that was down to good defending though, as the Man Utd winger looked a bit dodgy throughout.
