Seeing the issues about some our fringe players not getting enough playing time does anyone think it might be a good idea to resurect (sic) the reserve team?
I can't believe we got rid of it, resurrect it and make Tim Sherwood manager, he seems like he will go on to be a manager so why not give him a go.
It seems to all the rage these days to ditch the reserves. I personally don't think random friendlies are a suitable replacement. Why not Tim Sherwood ?- what about Clive Allen wasn't he in charge before?
I can see why Harry has ditched the reserves, of course it has it's pitfalls but it has a lot of bonuses to it from what I see. - Loaned out players get taken out of the comfort zone of the reserves and introduced to an unfamiliar footballing environment, I would say this helps a player's mental aspect, improved resilience which Spurs certainly lacked before Harry came along. - They compete in league football where results matter. - Playing the above football puts players in windows, proves their worth and helps retain player value. players coming back from a good loan experience are generally easier to sell for an acceptable value than a player playing in the reserves. - Helps him see who is cut out for first team action judging by competitive performance levels. - Playing competitive football helps keep players happy and prevents disharmony among the squad when there is a large number of players like we have. - Usually loans carry a signing fee and a contribution to wages, lowers wage costs by a small margin. - Improves relationships with other clubs.
I can see what you are saying Darren, but where is the aspiration for players who are not in the first team and not on loan? If we had a reserve team, arguably Niko would have forced his way into the team. Banging goals in during reserve games cannot be ignored, a hat-trick against Stevenage in a friendly can. Agreed Harry can see who makes the grade when on loan, but he cannot take advantage of that burst of form until the end of the loan period. If he is on loan, a player can go and coast (relatively) and give it Charley big spuds at a smaller club. A waste of time. Or if he is a real success, he demands first team football or asks for a transfer. So then we have a much bigger problem than a player trying hard to break into the first team. The loan system has yet to produce a first team regular for us as well don't forget. Don't underestimate the power of being in the reserves. Unless the player is happy to play to empty grounds, then he is, without a doubt, busting a gut to get out! Also it gives players gametime together in a competitive game (remember the opposition is trying to play it's way into the first team too, results matter.) When their time comes they are not playing with strangers. Also, it helps get players recovering from injury back on the pace, as well as being a good first step for youth players.
The need for a reserve team was clearly seen in the CC game against Arsenal They had a team who had been playing regularly with each other while we had a collection of squad players and youngsters who got little to no game time with some being played out of position
Darren raises some good points. This year we will be fielding weakened teams in the Europa League, League Cup and the early rounds of the FA Cup(since we are now seeded). I think that any surplus players will get ample chances without the need for reserves.
I have to agree with Lidls on this one. The current system is supposed to have a few problems, but they should be addressed, rather than abandoning the whole thing.
It's had little time in effect, 2 years. That is a short space of time for someone to push on from that level and secure first team football in a top 10 club. I may be wrong but I think you're about to see your first product next season in Kyle Walker. I could flip your statement and say how many first team regulars have we had from reserve team football lately? People who've really shone and broken through cementing that first team place? Harry's trying to do the best thing for the club and players and no matter what he does there are going to be downsides to it and fans disagreeing with him. Ideally we could run both side by side, loaning players he feels would grow the most from a loan and keeping the reserves for maintaining fitness levels. He has on ocassion arranged one off matches but a league would guarantee a chance of some form of football for all involved. Jumping back and taking a look at the original statement coinciding from the decision we can remind ourselves over the reasons why it was ditched in the first place: Explaining the thinking behind the move, Redknapp added: I agree with some of you on the flaws of having no reserves and this is from what I can see: - Team unity is lost amongst reserve teams / youth players breaking through. They won't get used to a system if there is an inherent style of play within a squad and they won't bond with fellow team mates as strongly. They may struggle to adjust to London life upon there return being relocated each season. - Allegiances to club may be tested, a player enjoying a great spell at home or abroad will have his horizons broadened and may enjoy the experience so much he'll hamper for a move - Players on the bench, unless used don't get any game time which could lower confidence, sharpness and in effect transfer value. Sitting on the bench not getting games suggest they're a squad player, for an ambitious player they'll either bust a gut and improve to be first choice or pick up the money and accept their role in the squad. If they can't force themselves into the first team the player becomes disgruntled with a lack of support or faith in them. (Want to add here I think Niko has been top class in how he's handled himself the past season in this respect) As some have pointed out though I think the issue is lessened somewhat this coming year, with the Europa league and the Carling Cup available for some good level football it may be worth keeping them in house while we're in them. Perhaps with a 5-6 month loan for some in January if things go awry.
