Saints Academy Thread

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I was also concerned last evening that we didn't play some of our better players? No Slattery, No Ramsay and we haven't got a fit central striker, which makes you wonder why Afolabi was allowed to go out on trial. We finished the game with Vokins playing centre forward, the shortest player on the pitch! It is rare for Jaidi to get it wrong, but he did in my opinion make some errors, but it was the red card that wrecked our chances, not tactical decisions. Can't ask for my money back as it was a freebe!
 
What was the final score? I assume Dinamo had a decent side, most of the top Croatian players seem to have started in that academy.
 
I was also concerned last evening that we didn't play some of our better players? No Slattery, No Ramsay and we haven't got a fit central striker, which makes you wonder why Afolabi was allowed to go out on trial. We finished the game with Vokins playing centre forward, the shortest player on the pitch! It is rare for Jaidi to get it wrong, but he did in my opinion make some errors, but it was the red card that wrecked our chances, not tactical decisions. Can't ask for my money back as it was a freebe!

I did wonder if the likes of Jones, Slattery & Ramsay should've played - in fact, I was very surprised they didn't.
 
I was also concerned last evening that we didn't play some of our better players? No Slattery, No Ramsay and we haven't got a fit central striker, which makes you wonder why Afolabi was allowed to go out on trial. We finished the game with Vokins playing centre forward, the shortest player on the pitch! It is rare for Jaidi to get it wrong, but he did in my opinion make some errors, but it was the red card that wrecked our chances, not tactical decisions. Can't ask for my money back as it was a freebe!

I believe you get a sense of the player transitions this stage of the season.
Players pushing to move up and those likely to be on the way out.

If we don’t see a future for Afolabi here, then it seems a little unfair to deny him opportunities for a move because we’re a bit short upfront.

I’ve wondered before on Ralph’s value on matches for younger players.
Slattery, Ramsay & Jones are part of the first team training squad, but are not featuring that regularly for the u23s. Think he holds greater value in his training sessions
 
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https://www.inter.it/en/news/67365/...-in-a-working-group-with-other-european-clubs
Saints involved in a working group with other European clubs including Inter and Red Bull Salzburg to discuss their Academies. Must be interesting for the people involved to meet up with like minded people from other clubs and be exposed to different ideas. Seminars like this can revitalise people who may have become a bit stuck in a rut and stale.
 
Sorry that Reed couldn't finish the season...as I'm sure Blackburn are. He's had a successful time there. I wonder what the summer holds for him.
From what I've read he wants to try to earn a place in the premier league with us, and we will look at him in the summer. If Ralph decides he's surplus then theres an offer open at Blackburn which I think he should take.

Personally I see hasenhuttl liking him. Seems like exactly his type of player as I've mentioned.
 
From what I've read he wants to try to earn a place in the premier league with us, and we will look at him in the summer. If Ralph decides he's surplus then theres an offer open at Blackburn which I think he should take.

Personally I see hasenhuttl liking him. Seems like exactly his type of player as I've mentioned.
An advantage that Reed has is that he is already ours....no point in laying out money unless the player you bring in is much better than the one you already have...not a few % better, but enough to warrant the outlay. And new players have to adjust and fit in. It really comes down to whether Harry is a player that Ralph needs and can work with....we already know that he prefers a tight ship and not have excess unhappy players around. An important time for the player...he will surely only want to stay if he can see a reasonable chance to be in contention for game time. Saints obviously make decisions for the club's good, but Harry's needs should also be a consideration.
 
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