But there's no real reason for players and their families to give the regime the benefit of the doubt. Ten years ago? Absolutely. We had a strong record of prioritizing the Academy and making good our promises. But until we have someone to point to as a success, we aren't going to get that leeway again. Gomes is the obvious one here. If we want any chance of holding him until 17, let alone 19, he needs to be on the pitch this year. And then he needs meaningful appearances next season, no matter what level we're at. Yes, at age 16. Basically, what Brighton did with Ferguson, which has resulted in Ferguson trusting them enough that he has remained for three years despite massive interest from bigger clubs.
I think we can kiss any notion of Brooks joining us (or any championship team) goodbye. Absolutely demolishing Swansea on his own tonight in the FA Cup. Lovely player.
Gomes is still only 15, and the fact that he is now starting games for the u21s, would imply that the club very much do intend on getting him onto the first team bench asap. But it's difficult, because if we do start giving him playing time, then heads will turn, and he will even more likely be poached. I think we'll be very lucky to keep onto him. Just unfortunate that he has such a long time to go before he can turn pro.
We're way past the point of worrying about heads turning frankly. Every Academy scout in England, and half of those in Europe, already knows who he is and have for some time now. He didn't get called up to the England U-16s (as a 15 year old) because he's an unknown quantity, and after scoring a hat trick against the Netherlands, he's now a very well-known quantity.
Weren’t they lining up a big money midfielder from Inter ? Suggests they have some pull . My assumption on that was to him they’d look nailed on for promotion
What's most funniest is their arrogance, "Brighton?!" Like they aren't a European team that has been competing with the top Premier league teams for a few years.
