Had the pleasure of working with that age group a little bit. He was just a sponge. And he was so comfortable on the pitch. He aerial stuff is class, for a relative short lad. I have coached players with more about their natural game, but he is one of those I always remember for commitment. Nice lad as well.
Nothing better than coaching players like that, I've coached a few like that over the years (not at that standard like) - always prefer coaching players like that
It is the ultimate pleasure mate. A genuine privilege. I have been lucky to have a couple of coaches in elite academies who liked me and I got to do bits and pieces. Usually defensive work. I had to have the quals though, or I wasnt getting through the front gate. I love lads who love football. It isnt rocket science for me. Any lad who wants to listen and then try to do things, I would give all the time in the world too. I have coached more than a few who dont want to listen, or dont listen well enough. I was always clear they werent worth the effort. Got it wrong mind, one lad in particular made me look an idiot on that score in terms of his progression. There is a lad coming through at Forest at the minute. Best I ever coached. I am still in touch with his Dad and one of the coaches there. His isnt far off the first team on a coaching session and the club love him. He played a year up, as a real bairn at 9 year olds. A mate of mine, who is ex pro had him and asked me. I took him straight to a mentor of mine at forest for some sessions. We let him develop a bit more outside and he came to me on a Saturday morning when I had a really good group doing some extra sessions. He shone so brightly. I never had to ask twice. Every day day he came on and said hello, always ready on time. Always said thanks. Always asked for feedback. He was levels above mentally for a young age. Loads better technically, none beat him on the pitch. When you can coach lads and families like that it is a real joy. Not as good as playing, but not far off.
Same, i think the teams coming up are a lot stronger plus a few teams have spent some money this season Derby my dark horses at the minute
Great to hear mate Yep i loved coaching, coached both youth and then amateur - was lucky enough to coach at a cup final in Hampden (won it on pens after being 3 down at HT as well, unreal experience) Spot on about players that don't have the attitude. I coached a young lad who had older brothers at Hearts and Celtic at the time, he was more talented than they were at the same age but he had no desire to learn or work hard. He thought he knew best as his brothers were both pros at the time, was such a waste as he was technically superb - lovely 2 footed players. 1 of his brothers has actually had a decent career and just joined Mansfield in the summer
They have a great coach for the division. They also arent daft in the tfr market. Not got loads of money, but smart with it. They have one of the best, if not the best, home atmosphers. Might count for a bit if they get on a roll. Two Derby season tickets in my house
Great stuff mate. Coaching is a lovely way to give back. Mind you I have so many club tracksuits and coats it is ludicrous. I will never buy a winter coat again I gave it a up a year ago. Time for better and younger folk to have their time. But coincidentelly I have been to Mansfield for a one off this summer. Might do a tiny bit with them when needed. I like their staff a lot and Nigel Clough has done bits and pieces to help grassroots in my area and been nice with it. I am like Steptoes grandad on the pitch, but I can maybe help in a way if they ask.
Ipswich definitely favourites as it stands for me. Had the least upheaval of the relegated sides and made some shrewd championship signings last season. Our season all depends on how good Still turns out to be as squad wise we should be well up there even excluding the ones likely to leave. Got a tough-ish start though and it's essential to start well given we play the ****s down the road 5 games in.
Shame you stepped away but like I mentioned to you previously with my scouting, family life can take over and there becomes a time when football stuff has to take a back seat You'll need to keep me posted, the lad is Regan Hendry, hope he does well for them as he's a really good lad
All will stay safe imo, all will be in the top 10 I'm not convinced by Leicester and a lot will come down to their points deduction but they've still got some very good players for that level
Nah no chance. Luton was a rare one last season and I think the first time it happened since you lot did it? The gap is so big now you have to get so many things wrong for that happen and I just don't see it. Think in recent years something like two thirds of relegated teams have been in the top 4/6.
Would love to see it mate but sadly it just seems incredibly unlikely and I think he's done as a top level footballer. Shame as the bits we saw of him end of last season showed me how much of an asset he'd be in this league. Hopefully we're not relying on him playing a lot this season as it'd be beyond daft to do so.
