Ayoze Perez

[DarloGeordie]

I'm not disputing he may be a gem, or that hopefully he'll be knocking on the first team door. But "hope" and "may" aren't the same thing as simply being excited because we've finally replaced someone. Perez, in my mind, is only really a replacement for Campbell and just as many ifs and buts prevail. I'd treat Colback with much more relief than Perez, is all I'm saying.

2nd signing announced next week likely to be Colback.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sp...oze_and_close_in_on_second_signing/?ref=var_0

 

[Warmir Pouchov]

We need to do something different in bringing these kids through because too few are making the grade. I look at someone like Raheem Sterling and think surely we have players who can be blooded in the first team at the same age (17). Rolando Aarons (18) looks a similar player (even born in Kingston, Jamaica like Sterling) but will we see him get a chance next season? Armstrong got 4 PL sub appearances I think last season but I don't think he was ever put in his natural position which I think is just plain daft - stick the lad up front, not on the wing. Like I say, something needs to change in producing home grown talent.

Aarons looks more ready than Armstrong for me. Neither looks in Sterlings class to be honest. We do need to produce better players but the club are trying. It'll take time though because we are behind the game. The actual number of 17 yr olds who break through at the top level is actually very few. Look at Southampton. Only the really class ones like Walcott (hasn't gone on), Ox have managed. Players like Shaw, Chambers etc have had to wait that extra year. Its purely a physical thing, 18 is the age most lads become some sort of man.

Like you, I just hope we start to produce more. Aarons is 18 now but he was poached from Bristol I think?