On OS, it's reported that instead of taking in 5-8 young players into the Academy, we've taken on 15 youngsters because the squad was the best they'd seen. Interesting to watch and see who will come through to the full squad. I bet Wenger's already writing the names down!
I've just read that Fran and it did make me wonder if they really are that good. Adkins said last week, that more kids need to be rought through the system, so it could be thta some of these or the year 2 kids will be getting more chances this year. It would be good to see more kids coming through if they are good enough, as without a doubt that is by far the ebst way to build the club for the future.
The spokesman also mentioned it was a challenge to the do the best by these kids when there is such a large group, but I'm sure the boys are all relishing this opportunity. Whatever the future holds for them it's a marvellous start in life and will be good for their character development. The best will always rise to the top and get an opportunity.
notice that 2 i have heard good things are in there - jake sinclair (scott sinclair's younger brother) and ward-prowse. agree with comments that surely they all cant be this good but we have seen comments from NA and NC about importance of developing youth - who knows in years to come will people compare us to la masia? irregardless im glad to see the club developing talent like this and i do think some of this may be the reason why NA doesnt need to buy so many players in as he will give opportunies to younger players to come through - i mean its not like we have a reputation for it is it?
Some good names there... Branker... can't imagine any football crowds coming up with a song for that name Bevis (where's butthead?) Gape (giggle) I should really act my age at some point in my life.
Hopefully they should really benefit from being in the development squad, now we have more players to mix between U18 and higher it should work really well. By the way, Harrison Reed = mint.
http://www.youtube.com/user/EskWeston#p/u/35/lB7FNchw-0k The u18s in action against Chelsea - pretty impressive
This is the best news so far this summer. Regardless of who we sign to go straight into the first team, this means we have our future secured. Some of these lads will get chances in cup games and so on and might even break through this season.
It's the price we pay for having just about the best academy in the country, someone is always going to be sniffing around to see who they can lure away.
To be honest, we can't keep them all and would hope to sell some on. However, we want to be in the position where we do the choosing and keep the ones we want for ourselves.
I know we have a good youth academy, but when was the last time it ever won the youth cup etc.. I know we lost to Ipswich in the final a couple of years ago, but that's it.
at that level it is not about the silverware, but getting players into the first team. Thinking we need to win all the youth cups is the English Disease and one of the reasons our national team is miles behine the likes of Spain ... another debate on another thread.
that Ipswich year was the last one, with Dyer and Theo. Think we lost to Liverpool on pens the year after in quarter or semi final.
