Always took Bigi for being older than 20. 1993 Gael Bigirimana born Bujumbura, Burundi. (2012-present) Midfielder who moved from Burundi to England (via a spell in Uganda) as a youngster and settled with his family in the Coventry area. Turning up unannounced at Coventry City's training ground to request a trial when aged 11, he was reportedly sent away - only to be called back by a member of the coaching staff when they saw how fast he could run! Returning the following day for a trial - when he admitted lying to City about having any playing kit or boots - Bigi made an immediate impression and signed schoolboy forms. Later entering Coventry's youth academy, Gael signed a professional contract in the summer of 2011 and was handed his first team debut by Toon old boy Andy Thorn in the season opener against Leicester City. Going on to make 28 appearances in all competitions for the Championship side, news of United's interest in Bigi first emerged back in May 2012, when a bid said to be between £500K and £1m was made, although the final deal was officially for an undisclosed fee. It had been speculated that Bigi could be loaned out but after featuring in pre-season first team games, Alan Pardew opted to retain him and a senior debut followed in the 1-1 draw against Atromitos in Athens. Gael went on to make 25 first team appearances that season, scored once with a spectacular effort in a home win over Wigan in the Premier League. Eligible to play international football for England, Burundi, Rwanda and DR Congo June 2013 saw Gael included in the England squad for the U20 World Cup in Turkey. After featuring in a friendly against Uruguay, his participation in the tournament was limited to an 89th minute substitute appearance against Iraq, England soon heading home after failing to win any of their three group games. Beginning his second season as a Magpie, Bigi's fleeting international bow meant that he was given extended time off and didn't link up with the first team in pre-season. First sighted when taking the captain's armband for the U21 season opener at Reading, Gael confidently netted from the penalty spot and then notched a fine long range effort at West Brom some weeks later in the same competition. Amid talk of a possible loan move, his 20th birthday arrived with just one further first team appearance to his name, against Morecambe in the Capital One Cup. From NUFC.com
Anyone else concerned that despite Pardew admitting we're trying to loan out most our younger players (barring Dummett) that we've had no takers. I've never been convinced by Vuckic and I think the fact that he was training with Bradford for a few weeks (a league one side) and they failed to make a loan offer speaks volumes about him. He simply isn't going to make the grade in my opinion. You then have Curtis Good, by all accounts he did a steady job at Bradford last season and even played in the Capital One Cup final. He's had no loans offers either, he was only playing in League two last season so if he's got a future with us he should be on loan to a to a mid table league one side by now. He's 20 years old so it's not like he's a baby. If he has aspirations to be a Premier League footballer he should be getting 30 plus games at a league one club by now, no arguments. Bigi is another, had some great games for us last year and some not so great ones (to be expected as he's very young) but based on the fact that he did perform well in some Premier League games why haven't there been a host of football league clubs clamouring to sign him this time around? Our midfield is the strongest area of our squad, he's not going to get a sniff of first team action with us this season (he's not even making the bench) so he's another that should be out there getting first team experience. I'm baffled he's sat in our reserves rather than out on loan. Finally we have Adam Campbell and we're led to believe he's the prospect that stands out above anything else we currently have. At 18 he's still very, very young so training with the first team and playing reserve games isn't so much of an issue. However he too had a loan spell at a then goaless Carlisle (and they were bottom of the league) and he also couldn't get a look in. At 18 Jermain Defoe scored in 10 consecutive games for Bournemouth. Now I'm not saying I expect anything like that from Campbell but I would certainly like to think that they'd have looked to kept him in their ranks given their league position and lack of goals at the time. I find it hugely concerning at the lack of progress the majority of our younger players seem to be making. On this subjest anyone know how Ferguson is getting on at Birmingham? I know they're struggling but is he playing week in, week out and if so is he playing well?
Fergie's form slumped a little by all accounts. Probably when JK made the enquiry! I know he was on the bench for the slapping they took off Leeds. Curtis Good was all set for a loan but picked up an injury I believe at the start of this month. I think it was a hammy too unfortunately. Campbell, Vuckic and Bigirama are a bit of concern. They all need game time. I suspect we've had offers but are probably stipulating that they play. Pardew seemed to suggest that the "options" were right for all 3. Obertan is also available.......
I hate this "they have to play" philosophy - if they need to be dropped then they need to be dropped from the team even if it is a L1 team. Didn't do Rossi any harm when he never played for us whilst on loan. It will give them desire and the will to play and not like it is with the England team over the last few years with certain individuals knowing that they will be picked no matter what their form is.
I'm just guessing at that of course but I agree. Part of the learning has to be the general experience of being part of a first team squad. Naturally they have to play some games or tere was no point taking them on loan but I don't think guarantees is the way to go.
It's possible Pards wanted to keep some players for cup runs to suggest a bit of effort, yet adhere to the clubs no cup runs policy. Then come January when we're out of the cups, loan them out. Did Dummett go up to Scotland in January? maybe that's his plan. Or do any of them tick boxes for the homegrown squad quota?
No Pards has openly said they are looking at loans for Bigi, Campbell, Vuckic, just no takers or least the right takers. They will want them playing first team in the Championship. Understandable of course as that is traditionally the division which helps players take the big step forward. Barkley made huge strides. However look at Beckham when he was younger, Preston were in Div 3 or something. We just need to get them playing somewhere. St Mirren wanted Campbell so I'd revisit that. Dummett and Newton benefitted hugely.
The better the opposition they play against the better, it'll prepare them more for the rigours of top flight football.
Yes, but Campbell couldn't force a game for Carlisle. Not entirely sure wtf that's about; maybe he's just another that's going to fall by the wayside. I'd love to see him come good, but he's just not there. I mean, look at the likes of Villa, Fulham, West Brom - throwing kids in who then just ARE good enough (Lowton, Patjami, Berahino). These kids didn't go out on loan, unless I'm mistaken?
Actually, do you know a question I'd like to ask the club? When "offering" players out for loan, do we do what everyone else does and pay their wages? Or do we do the usual penny pinching sh!te and ask for money in return? I'd put a hefty wager on the latter, knowing Mike/Joe.
All three have had grounding elsewhere. Lowton was bought from Sheff U after playing there, Berahino has had two or three loan spells (Northampton maybe?), I think the Fulham lad came fro Italy or somewhere. Campbell being unable to force Carlisles hand was disappointing but he was injured while there I believe.
Hold my hands up on that, then. Still seems odd we cannot get kids game time for free at places like Middlesborough, or Sheff United.
