Just following on from Remote's thread about our very talented youngsters coming thro the Dev squad, thought I'd have a look at the mix of ages already first choice players or regular bench members. Against 'Ull, the Don was the only 30+ on the pitch (and he's only 30), and the rest were mostly a fair bit younger. Lewis...........25 Theo............23 Caulker.........21 Turner..........25 Taylor..........27 Kimbo...........23 Medel...........26 Whitts..........28 Gunnar.........24 Campbell......25 Add to that players like Cornelius and Amondarain, both only 20, Jordan Mutch and Joe Mason barely into their 20's, and there's a basis for a few years yet. Not saying we shouldn't look to strengthen with a some established and proven "elderly" players, but if Malky can mould the current crop together and introduce some of the excellent dev squad when he feels it right, it shouldn't take a fortune to at least just stay in the Prem. Admittedly, Champions League football may have to wait for ayear or two.
Totally agree Sparkey. Over the last few transfer windows MM has built a balanced squad. A few players in their 30s (Smith, Bellamy, Hudson, Odemwinghe), planty in the mid 20s and some good prospects in their teens and early 20s. Funny that the youngest player on the pitch last weekend was the captain. With most of the new signings penning 4 year contracts there's the basis of a good squad for some time to come. Hopefully good enough to keep us in the top flight. As you say Sparkey, I'm sure MM will want to add one or two 'older' players in the coming windows, but it can be to bolster the team and add quality and experience rather than pad out the squad which is what has happened in the past. We've developed our own experience over the last few years with Taylor, Turner, Whitts, Gunner, etc being old hands at the club now. They are ready to be the leaders on the pitch when we put younger players in. Others like Campbell, while not old hands at the club bring experience from elsewhere.
You forgot the oldies like Smith and Bellers who raise the average squad age but it is also improtant to have the experience of these types of players who have the been there done that views to pass on to the younger players. The likes of Hudson, McNuggs and Lappin come into this category also. While Lappin is not in the 25 squad I don't believe he has let us down when called upon and his experience could be useful in the development of Declan John. I forgot about Odemwingiethingie who falls into the above category as well. So out of a named squad of 25 plus young players and Lappin, say, 32/33 in total, we have 6 of 30 or over, less than 20% of the whole group. I wonder how that compares with other clubs?
Didn't forget about Bellers, Smithy and OdemThingy - I just chose to ignore them for the sake of the thread......... You're right there though - we need those sort of guys around to pass on their considerable experience.
Who I had forgotten about Bluey were Joe Ralls and Ben Nugent both out on loan. Another two great prospects with Joe probably at a good Championship standard already. Don't think Ben is far behind him either.
I'll have you know I'm still in my 40s and will be for some time........ ........well, for the next 4 months anyway.
Same for me. I must have had a paper round in Beirut on a bike with square wheels. Cant believe i now qualify for one of those Michael Parkinson Death plans with a free pen !!
