Sunderland striker Mikael Mandron took his pre-season goal tally to six in two games as he scored twice in the Under-21s’ 3-1 win at Consett as they visited Belle View Stadium for the first time. The Frenchman, who scored four times in the 5-0 win over another Northern league side, Tow Law Town, on Saturday, opened the scoring after 15 minutes. He slotted home from close range from a right-wing cross by Greek winger Charis Mavrias, having already put one effort just wide. He added a second goal on the hour, converting from the penalty spot, after Lynden Gooch - one of seven half-time substitutes - was tripped in the box. Mandron had a chance to claim his second hat-trick in four days in the 77th minute when he was hauled down as he tried to round former Blyth Spartans custodian Peter Jeffries, but the keeper redeemed himself by saving the penalty. Consett pulled a goal back in the 81st minute when midfielder Calvin Smith - a former Sunderland Academy player - fired home a stunning strike from 25 yards. But the Black Cats’ two-goal cushion was restored a minute later as Gooch got in behind the Consett defence and fired in a shot which Jeffries got a hand to but couldn’t prevent looping over him. As well as Mavrias, French defender Valentin Roberge played the first half, but there was no place in the 18-man squad for Argentine outcast Santiago Vergini, who left the ground before kick-off in a taxi. Sunderland: Talbot (Stryjek 46). J. Robson, T. Robson, McEvoy (E. Robson 46), Roberge (Brady 46), Ledger, Mavrias (E.Robson 46), Smith (captain) (Wright 46) Mandron, Nelson (Gooch) 46, Blinco (Greenwoood 46).
Well he's now too old for the U21 squads age wise(we can still play him for the U21s) and he's not out with the seniors so it looks like he ain't going to make it for the first team, but no reason why we can't loan him out and keep developing and make at least a small profit covering some academy costs from the lad. Just cause he won't cut it here doesn't mean should give up on a sneaky half mil if we can get him on the right loan to buy deal. We should at least be getting fees for the lads who don't make it imo.
That's a good point that! Off the top of my head I cant name any reserve/youth player in recent years where we have even made half a curly wurly from! Especially within the 50K to 500K bracket. They always seem to just get 'released'
From the little I've seen of the lad, I'd like him to be retained, he's got a bit of power about him and he didn't look out of his depth one bit when he had his admittedly miniscule first team chance. I signed him on FIFA 15 and he got to an 88 overall, in completely irrelevant news.
Mandron has been loaned out to Hartlepool. The fact he still hasn't progressed beyond a league two level at the age of 21 tells us all you need to know, Back in the 13/14 season we may remember him going out to Fleetwood in League two. He may be there physically but not out-growing league two in 3 seasons says all you need to know. But we have much better prospects so no need to worry.
Problem is some players are not suited to the lower leagues and develop later anyway. He probably needs 15 minutes here and there for the first team. Unfortunately we are not in a position to take risks like that at the moment.
Send him to Celtic. They play at a similar level week-in week-out to the U-21's so he should score a few and be worth a few quid after a season up there.
Not a bad idea that. I'd imagine Rangers will be looking for similar once they're back in the SPL which looks like being next season.
That country needs them in the SPL mate, Celtic fans pissed themselves but truth be told, the lack of competition has made them a poorer outfit. Rangers needed to be punished though. I'd sooner have either of those two clubs in the PL than Swansea or Cardiff, although I reckon there'd be a fair bit of crowd trouble. Can't see you lot loaning players to RFC with Ashley being a shareholder mind.
He's nowhere near the first team imo. Doesn't bring a fraction of what Borini, Fletch, Defoe and Watmore bring.
Yeah - Kevin Phillips, 24 years old in Watford reserves! First game for us was pre-season up at Carlisle. He was ok but nowt flash. If we climb a bit later in season, give this kid maybe 20 minutes to find his feet.
Celtic & Rangers are like two huge sharks swimming around in a fish tank with the tiddlers. I agree with Rangers being punished even though they've always been my second team. They've served their time & no one can use it as a stick to beat the club with anymore. Can't see Ashley's involvement getting in Sam's way of possible player development either mate.
It's more the other way round mate, Ashley playing a part in the development of a Sunderland player. Considering how he runs his other businesses, I think he'd be quite cut throat if he edges his way in. I think he's trying to remove King from their board under the fit & proper owner's rule, no doubt he'll have some ****ing ruthless lawyers. He's a powerful bloke, with a bad reputation in football but he would run them properly and I can't see why Rangers fans object so much to that sort of owner, considering their only alternatives.
If SAFC did loan players to RFC I'd hope it would be purely down to football management rather than any board interference. Maybe I'm just being naive.
There's a squad full of development players who are better. Why shouldn't they get the chance? What's so special about the limited forward who's failed to progress? Why should he get the chance to shine? The lad needs 6 or 7 chances. he isn't going to get that in 15-20 minutes against players who are so far out of his league it unreal. With the service he gets in the development squad he should be hitting Ryan Noble figures. Kevin Philips was a rarity, something that comes along in football once in a blue moon. To make him the blueprint for every youngster who's coming of age but still not making the grade is strange imo. But if any player at the club is truly following that blue print it's Duncan Watmore, a player started late through the lower leagues. Not Mandron. His contract is up after Christmas. I think if anything this Loan his last chance to earn a contract as a low level pro. He could well be at Gateshead by this time next year.
