. There will be articles every week/fortnight which takes a closer look at some of the youth players. This thread can be used for each of these articles, where we can easily refer back to when needed. .
First up..... KIERAN PRESTON Kieran is a 18 year old goalkeeper who made 22 appearances for the Under-18's side last year. Preston signed for Rovers in the summer of 2013 having previously played for Nottingham Forest since the age of 8. Glasgow born Kieran has represented his country at Under-19's level making his debut against Belgium in August and is yet to concede at international level. Kieran was named Youth Team Player of the Season in 2013/14 and his form during pre-season was such that manager Darrell Clarke used him as understudy to Steve Mildenhall. Since Will Puddy joined the club as second choice keeper Kieran has continued to play for the U-18 side and made his first appearance for them this season against Torquay United on 23rd August. Academy Manager Tom Curtis was a coach at Nottingham Forest when he first saw Kieran play and moved quickly to sign him when he was released from the City Ground as a 16 year old. http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/focus-on-youth-04.11.14-2062207.aspx
Seems a very good prospect! Wonder which Prem side will take him from us for peanuts like they usually do!
Will Puddy has the experience and im sure if we picked him as a number 2 then Mildenhall gets injured, people will moan that we dont have enough cover and moan about the lack of experience etc.
HARRISON TRUEMAN At the club since he was 11, Harrison Trueman has been climbing his way through the ranks of Bristol Rovers’ academy and now finds himself a part of the U-18 side. Positioned at left-back, Harrison can also play at centre-back upon request. His season got halted with a groin injury earlier in the year, but when fit he remains a permanent fixture in the U-18s. Born in London, Harrison’s ultimate goal is to play in the Bristol Rovers first team further down the line, as he hopes to continue the progression he’s been making. Hard working and strong in the tackle, Harrison proves to be a no-nonsense defender who acts as a great asset to the club both on and off the pitch, because his attitude is one other young players should look to emulate. Harrison also has two younger brothers who are both in the Rovers set-up; Flynn, currently in the U-12s, and Mason in the U-15s. http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/focusing-on-youth-2134825.aspx#I9ZxssKWFjAk8dVP.99
MITCH PALMER Mitch is a 17 year old central midfielder who played for Cardiff City between the ages of 8-16 where he was part of the Welsh Super Cup winning side. Injuries have hampered Palmer's time at Rovers so far but he featured in Saturday's game at Cheltenham Town after almost a year on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury. Although they don't want to rush him back into action, youth team coach Alan Walsh said “We had hoped to ease him back gradually and put him on for the last 15 minutes or so. However Mitch was one of only two outfield players on the bench and an injury to Lewis Ellington five minutes before half time meant that he joined the action sooner than expected. Considering it was his first game in such a long time he did very well although, naturally, he tired towards the end of the match. He’s worked very hard, under the supervision of Steve Bissix, to get back to fitness and has only been back in training for four weeks. He deserved to be back in action after the setback to his career and it was good to see him playing again.” Everyone at the club hopes that Mitch's injury woes are now behind him and he can enjoy the rest of the season in the blue and white quarters. http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/focus-on-youth-28.10.14-2046157.aspx#z4QsU3J0wLvZUvwi.99
PIERCE MITCHELL Defender Pierce signed a contract with Rovers in August of this year after spending the summer on trial with the club and appearing in a number of pre-season friendlies. He was released by Bristol City at the end of last season after coming to the end of a two year scholarship. He first impressed for Rovers when played out of position in a Development game against Swindon Town in April. A right back or right sided central defender, he will be hoping for a first team opportunity as the season progresses. Pierce, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U-19 level, has spent time on loan at Weston super Mare this season. Mitchell most recently captained the Rovers side that won 2-1 at home to Cinderford Town in the GFA Cup Quarter-Final at the Memorial Stadium. http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/focus-on-youth-19.11.14-2091829.aspx#2kgX8vs0V4LmV2zC.99
