I remember start of last season I think, Laing starred in pre season games and I was convinced that he was going to break into the first team that season
I will gamble money this lad wins a full England cap. F*cking pathetic decision by SAFC. Only reason I can think this is happening is regarding Gus saying there were some deep rooted problems. Is it some of the youths causing bother?
Not that long since one of the apprentices got the push for misdemeanours - related? From SAFC.com "Club statement Published: 18 February, 2013 by Sunderland AFC Statement from Sunderland AFC. The club was informed by the Football Association in October that Lewis Gibbons, who was a scholar with the club at the time, had failed an in-competition drugs test, testing positive for recreational drugs cocaine and cannabis. Following an FA investigation, the player was given a mandatory two-year ban from football. A club investigation also took place at the time and his scholarship with Sunderland was cancelled with immediate effect. SAFC’s chief executive, Margaret Byrne, said: “Empowering and educating our young people to make the right choices and decisions, both on and off the field, is fundamental to our Academy philosophy and ethos. We expect the highest standards of all players who have the honour of being part of Sunderland AFC, which is why this came as such a shock to us. “It was enormously disappointing for everyone at the club who works so hard to support our young players and give them every opportunity to make it as professional footballers. We are strong advocates of the rigorous testing programme that our sport adheres to and we will continue to educate and advise all of our young players as to the enormous dangers of drug use. “ Sunderland AFC’s Academy Manager, Ged McNamee, added: “Lewis not only let our club down, he let himself and his team-mates down massively. We took the strongest possible action in terminating his contract as every footballer knows the severe consequences of this type of offence. We have, however, worked to ensure that support and assistance was available to the player and his family through what has undoubtedly been a difficult and challenging time for them.”
Not Kevin Ball that's the problem, it's the aforementioned Ged McNamee and his assistant/family friend Robbie Stockdale. More interested in giving his son contracts and jobs for the boys then helping develop talent. Incidentally Manchester United now looking at Egan as well as Laing.
That was Waghorn I believe - Leadbitter did OK as well. Ben Clark was mooted as "the next Bobby Moore" - sure he's in Scotland now down the leagues
