I would get him some game time whatever mate. He and his family need to see first team football this season. Get him involved now and get him signed up. If he is as good as they say he can spend 2/3 years in our first team squad and get tbe big move at 19 or 20. Too many lads these days moving on at 15/16 and not developing anywhere near the pace they should be. Delap is a prime example from round here. Should never have gone to Man City.
Thing is he can’t sign a pro contract until he’s 16. And we can’t get anything for his development either. Apparently the mags are sniffing around him (only heard rumours nothing from anywhere substantial). Hoping his feet are on the ground and he’s not dreaming of £££££
was hoping one of Batth, Cirkin or Gooch might make the bench to cover us defensively but never mind.
It's slightly more attacking than the team v Wigan I'd say. I'm presuming it's a back 3 with Hume and Clarke as wing backs. We're trusting Neil and Michut to play as a double pivot and keep the middle solid which allows Roberts and Amad to both play off Stewart. The other option of course is that it's a back 4 with O'Nien and Hume as full backs but I hope not. I'm very happy that Michut is being rewarded with another start. The rest of the team picks itself at the minute. Clarke needs a rest but we have too many people out. He'll have to get by for another game and we can rest him next week for the cup. Rigg on the bench is exciting too!
Surprised Evans doesn't come back in. Also think it's harsh on Ba who was excellent Assuming it's 3-4-3 again? Patterson Ballard Wright O'Nien Hume Michut Neil Clarke Roberts Stewart Amad
Ba has come out for Roberts tho. And whilst Ba was good, Roberts was undeniably better. Plenty of time for Ba
Turns 16 into June mate. Give him first team appearances now, make him part of it, better chance of him signing with us that way. I would throw the kitched sink at him between now and end of the season. First team every weekend, coaches talking constantly about his development with us. I would even give him a mentor, somebody like ONien, to really show him and make him feel part of it. Keeping players like Rigg is more important than signing lads from elsewhere with big reputations. Our pathway at minute is very good with Patterson, Neil, Embleton all showing how well youngsters can do here. I would show him the likes of Hugill and Pye as alternatives. We have to prioritise academy lads above all else in my opinion.
