The movers and stayers among the main squad are covered in other threads - mainly "The First Team Squad Next Season" thread. All 38 of them if we follow the squad list at the back of the Crystal Palace match day programme. However that still leaves a fair number of Academy players with a lower profile and where I think we will see quite a bit of movement. So I thought a separate thread specifically about them would be sensible. I suspect it will be mainly be about youngsters released or not offered contracts but have left the title vague to cover, well anything relevant really. The first piece of news then: Daniel O'Reilly Centre Back please log in to view this image Daniel is being released. The 19yr old Dubliner joined 3 years ago and was a regular in the U18s but hasn't been able to break into the U21 team. He only played one full game last season.
Coombe Boys School are celebrating two cup final successes this week. The year 10s won the Kingston U15 Cup Final beating Richard Challoner School 3-1. But pride of place went to the year 9s who won the ESFA Play Station U14 Schoolsâ Cup for Boys beating Christleton High School (Chester) 4-1 in the final at the Madjeski Stadium. Jay Rodriguez and Bobby Zamora were present at the event and Zamora awarded the Coombe boys with the trophy. please log in to view this image The Fulham connection isnât BZ, of course. Coombe Boys School look after the educational side in development of our Academy U17s - the Scholars. Weâve been involved with the school for the last seven years and based in New Malden, as well as fulfilling academic needs, it has sent the odd player or two along to Motspur Park as well. For instance, Stephen Arthurworrrey in the current U21 group.
Betsy and the Youngsters do us proud. please log in to view this image "The Academy improved its standing and credentials further still last month in a high-profile European tournament where our 2000 age band U13/U14s were crowned Champions, beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Final. The game format was 11-v-11 and was hosted by Bundesliga outfit Nuremburg Football Club, a team previously managed by Felix Magath, at their prestigious training facility in Germany. The prize awaiting the winners was the Jeno Konrad U14 Trophy. Our youngsters overcame a tough group and qualified top, winning every game and also beating Bayern Munich 3-2. The Quarter-Finals showed the level of opposition as we were drawn to face Borussia Dortmund, but we won 3-1 to advance to the Semi-Final in a rematch of our earlier group game with Bayern Munich. It was a match full of quality from both teams but we advanced by beating the pride of Bavaria 3-2 to reach the Final. The Final was a game of high standard of youth football, as attractive and attacking football was displayed by both Academy sides, with Fulham coming out on top with a goal of real quality from Matt O'Riley. Overall the tournament was a fantastic experience for both players and staff. Further still our young player, Cameron Thompson, was the top goalscorer at the tournament. Head Academy Coach U12-U14, and former Whites player, Kevin Betsy, who took charge of the team along with his assistant Peter Booth, said: “These experiences are fundamental to our player development programme. The value of travelling abroad playing varied opposition types, playing strategies, oppositions that are able to keep the ball for long periods, and tournament scenarios, are all challenges to which we want to expose our young players to deal with to improve them long-term. “The technical and tactical aspects of a tournament such as this level have vast benefits, not to mention the social and character building of our boys, showing high standards off the field and representing the Club in a positive manner. “We can really see where the boys are at present compared to players at clubs regarded as some of the best developers in Europe. On this showing the individuals and group have shown an excellent level and we are optimistic about their development with us.” Fulham made many friends on the European stage during this tournament and gained appreciation for the Academy’s playing style, individual quality, and also the manner in which our players conduct themselves on and off the field."
Sky Sports understands Fulham are planning contract talks with George Williams to fend off interest from a number of Premier League sides. Williams made his Wales debut in midweek against Holland and with the 18-year-old entering the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage a number of Premier League clubs are monitoring his situation.
It would appear that we are scouting for Steve Wigley's replacement, rather than appointing from within. Unless there are other shuffles/departures within the Academy management structure that we haven't heard about. "Millwall's Academy boss Scott Fitzgerald has turned down the chance to join Fulham. Fitzgerald was named Lions youth team manager in 2007 and became academy director in 2012. Lions boss Ian Holloway confirmed that there had been an approach from the Cottagers but says that Fitzgerald is a vital member of his staff. Holloway told the club’s official site: "I'm delighted that Scott, our academy director, has decided to stay with us in spite of a very good offer from Fulham. He is vital to us because he is doing an excellent job, setting the standards for our young players and bringing them through. I think he shares my vision for the future of this club and will take great pride in every one of his boys who makes it into the first team." Source: http://www.newsatden.co.uk/36961-millwalls-academy-director-turns-down-fulham-approach.html We should make another bid to get him, if for the name alone!
Was there not something in the press recently about Southamptons youth squad coaches moving on, if so it could be a good appointment from that area, looking at what they have achieved..
If things go badly, we could shout, 'What the F, Scott Fitzgerald?'. You get a better class of swearing down at the Cottage.
Meet our new signing please log in to view this image Link to pic: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrZr4UBCUAESMDs.jpg He's the one on the right - Rav Shami. The young man, who made some U18 appearances as a trialist last season, has signed on as a Scholar. He's a right sided midfielder and we should see lots more of him the U18 this year. PS Beckham was at Motspur Park today watching his son.
Foday Nabay (billed as a 'wonderkid' and who we pinched from Birmingham) also signed as a Scholar today. please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608023664007840287&pid=15.1
Did Stevie Humphrys also sign a deal? He tweeted yesterday: "New chapter in my life starts tomorrow! I'll be proud to represent @FulhamFC Night everyone. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it!" P.S. He has a great Twitter bio - "Play for the name on the front of the shirt and they'll remember the name on the back. Footballer at Fulham FC." That's exactly the attitude you want to see from youngsters.
Yes he did. please log in to view this image Link to pic: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bre8kBqIEAAdEcM.jpg Today was the day for taking stock of the Academy players and the information is dribbling out. One that has gone - Mekhi Leacock-McLeod has signed for Wolverhampton.
We've also signed a young lad from MK Dons by the name of Auguste Koutê. A centre midfielder I believe.
Is this the Walker that rosc was talking about? Josh Walker - another new Scholar : please log in to view this image Link to pic: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrfRqEtIIAEg6Ft.jpg:large
Tom Richards and Jon Buatua have had their contracts extended. And here is the new young striker Mattias Kait signing his contract with Huw Jennings - please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/917165_299459266881229_1885222159_a.jpg
The Club have, belatedly, announced the new Scholars for this season: Elijah Adebayo: “Elijah is a tall, rangy centre-back who hails from North London. He’s a converted striker who has been at the Club since playing for the Under-9s and is continuing to progress well.” Lucas De La Torre: “Luca is a US Under-17 international. He’s an attacking midfield player who can also play a range of other positions. An exciting prospect who’s following in the long tradition of players coming from the States to Fulham.” Adetayo Edun: “Tayo is an assertive individual who is comfortable operating anywhere on the left, either as a full-back or wide midfielder. He’s got excellent determination and is also a strong athlete.” Stephen Humphrys: “Stephen’s a striker who came to us from Bury at the start of last season. He’s looking to push on from the Under-16s and settle into his role. He’s got a strong profile; he’s a clever player who can create and score goals.” Mattias Kait: “Mattias is a young man from Estonia, who’s joined us from a club called Levadia. He’s a creative midfield player who can also play in wide areas or centrally as a number nine or 10. He’s very pleasing on the eye, is an excellent character, is industrious and hopefully will be a good asset to the squad.” Foday Nabay: “Foday is a central midfield player who hails from Birmingham and is an England youth international. During his time at Fulham he has shown an excellent desire, both in training and in matches.” Ravin Shamsi: “Ravin is an Oxford boy who came to us late last season. A wide player who can also operate as a number 10, he’s described as ‘a bottle of pop’ who’s always looking to do exciting things when he gets in possession. He’s a hard worker with good pace and can score goals.” Joshua Walker: “Josh came to us from Tottenham Hotspur last season and we think their loss was our gain. Josh is an exciting striker who can play wide or as a number 10 as well. He’s got a good eye for goal and is a clever player who links play nicely, as well as scoring. He featured in the FA Youth Cup squad last season." They've all been performing for the U18s pre-season and will probably form the focus of the league team. Josh walker in particular has been among the goals with 3 in the tour games, not to mention a similar number of assists.
The Club have confirmed three more Scholars: Anthony Dolan: “Anthony is an Under-16 international for the Republic of Ireland and he came to us from St Kevins Boys. He’s a marauding midfielder who is very hard working, and he normally operates as a left-sided player. He’s a very industrious individual.” Harrison Paton: “Following the arrival of Luca De La Torre, Harrison continues the North American theme, but this time from Canada – he comes to us from Kitchener. He joined us having been on trial at an alternative London club and was recommended to us by some guys that we work alongside in the Midlands. He came in and showed real technical attributes. He’s a very good player on the ball – a midfield player who can probably play any of the positions in midfield.” Jake Soutter: “Jake sort of completes the global exploits, having come to us from the East Coast of Australia. He’s a giant of a goalkeeper, and stands at around 6’5". He’s never been in a full-time programme before so this is all new to him but he’s a very big presence in goal.”
Happy Birthday please log in to view this image Congratulations to Stevie Humphrys who had a birthday yesterday and signed his first professional contract with the Club.
Goalkeeper Magnus Norman, who has been with the Club since the age of 8, signed his first professional contract today. please log in to view this image
