I’m not too worried about younger players tbh they just need to be enough of the right type to play at this level and the right ability. Some surer bets among the gambles.
I don't think that the model needs evolving to bring more experienced players in. As has been said several times, they have brought in several experienced players over their time in charge, so its not true to say that they won't sign them. I think the key thing is whether they can bring in the right experienced players for the right price. Players with more experience are going to cost more and if that blows the budget, its not worth it. The other thing is, our young players are gaining more experience all the time. Presuming they all stay, Neil will be starting his 4th season as first choice, Patterson will be starting his 3rd season as first choice (and the season before he really established himself he played 20+ times for us and 9+ for Notts), Ballard's made 122 appearances all told plus 18 International appearances, Styles has had 4 seasons where he's made 30ish or more appearances and several before that where he's played a good number (plus his international experience), Roberts has struggled for games some places but has made appearances at some big clubs, Rusyn's had at least four seasons where he's played 20+ games and has international appearances. Even Aouchiche had two seasons where he made 30+ appearances for St Etienne. Then there's players like O'Nien, Evans, and even Dack.
I think what we're talking about here is maturity. While age usually (sometimes) brings maturity its also a character trait and some people naturally have a mature outlook while others don't. I'd also say that experience can bring maturity so the more games people play, the more experience they have, the more chance that maturity as a footballer increases. I think the key thing is that it's about bringing in the right people with the right character and mentality, regardless of age and experience, or even position. I'd hope this is the way the club would be looking at it- Saracens rugby club have made big deal about bringing in people that are the right character for the club and have been very successful that way.
The right quality / qualities signed up front last year and we wouldn’t be hearing or caring about experience. It’s that simple.
Ross Stewart in this team and things are massively different.
Yeah, fair point and something I've said before - the easiest thing in the world of football is to get it wrong.
In principle I would agree, however how many goals have Rusyn, Ba, Jobe, Adil and Mundle scored this season compared to how many RS would have scored on the treatment table. His sale covered the cost of what it took to bring these players in, I loved RS and would have loved him to stay, I PMd @Smug in Boots during the summer about RS contract situation. He wanted to stay and the club wanted him to stay, but due to his injury it made financial sense for both parties that he left.
Trouble is with some experienced players is that they have become Jaded. For example we had John O Shea as an experienced player who should have rallied the troops and used a wise head, same as Cattermole (would love someone like him right now by the way) and a few other players who could be named ended up getting us relegated. Experienced players can also bring their own problems so it is identifying the right kind of established players who will relish being integrated with a young group and can lead by example and not just turn up for another pay day (Dack). It really is all about the right balance and blend, good players with good attitudes willing to show up and support the coaches and put his heart and soul in to the club and the style we want to play, regardless of age.
Agree completely. It's as much about character as it is ability.
