Can't see why we would sell Bertrand when our defence is a problem. Hasn't been at his best recently, but form is temporary, class is permanent. I'm sure Ralph could use him. It is actually possible for a player to carry a niggling injury...we have never been a team to explain our injuries in detail.
Barnes isn't in the 25-man squad, and neither is he counted as an U-21, so he won't see first team playing time until January at the earliest: https://www.premierleague.com/news/844127 Interesting on that basis that he's training with the first team; demonstrates Hasenheuttl's commitment to getting a look at the younger players.
And suits everyone involved, I think. Promote some of the capable youngsters to backup (or at least third-string) and shuffle off some of the players whose lack of action is likely a frustration. Reduces the wage bill, which makes it easier for us to pursue higher-quality starters. Everyone wins.
Indeed. We've squandered a bit of an opportunity, not just with Staplewood, but with the elimination of catchment areas. We can go out and get youngsters from anywhere in England, plus supplementing with kids from abroad, but to keep that pipeline flowing we need to demonstrate that we offer an excellent chance to turn promising kids into first team Premier League footballers. That has fallen by the wayside of late; it would be invaluable if we could reestablish that reputation. While the manager/DoF appointments have gotten most of the attention, and rightfully so, getting the right Academy leadership post-Hunter could be just as important.
Have a sneaking suspicion that we'll have a few openings in the squad come January, and Barnes will be back-filling the roster.
Neil Warnock says we have best squad in the lower half of table....yes, I know that is a lot of hot air, but I agree to a certain extent. I have never thought that we lack good players, but they have underperformed for whatever reason...not a balanced side, lack of confidence, poor management, wrong players being selected etc. I do think there is something to work with there for the right manager...hopefully, RH ,,,,if he can improve fitness (and stop those late goals), fire them up so they want to perform for him, there is hope of an improvement even before he gets the opportunity to make player changes in the longer term. I'm looking for entertainment and the return of the feeling that the team left it all on the pitch at the end of the game, regardless of the result..
If Bertrand is AWOL and Targett struggling, I would rather see Vodkins given the opportunity than bringing Cedric over There is no point spending millions on an Academy and then not giving the lads a chance especially when they are doing so well playing at the lower levels Not sure Cardiff is a good start for a youngster but a baptism of fire will sort the men out from the boys as Warnock teams are somewhat "DIRECT"
