Cheers Spurcat. Our elite prospects (not sure how other clubs operate) are generally sent on loan. Giving them regular games against players of similar or lower quality in this new U-21 competition isn't greatly beneficial in my opinion, sure they'll gain match fitness etc but I personally see them as just training ground matches. What the lads need are a real test of football, playing against teams fighting for promotion or survival. The passion and competitiveness of league football far outweighs anything a Reserve/ Under 21 league can offer and I think we've reaped the benefits on some of the lads. I never heard of Tom Carroll until he his loan stint at Orient and then last year in the Europa, he was brilliant to watch and now personally see him as one of our brightest prospects all due to the foundations of a 6 months loan stint at a League 1 club. Had he played in just the Spurs XI games last year, he'd have still been in the shadows. I like the idea of there being a regular flow of football for our young players don't get me wrong but I'd much rather know that the ones who the club value as a good prospect, will be sent on loan to grow as a player and as a man, while the one's who aren't considered to make such an impact, get the chance to impress infront of our coaches and potential scouts.
sending the players out on loan is all well and good but surely having the players in-house playing a similar (or same) formation and tactics as the senior squad will enable an easier progression into the senior squad/team? Its hard enough to make a breakthrough, let alone when you are adapting your game to completely different tactics to what you are used to. I really hope thats how we approach it and don't go for 451 in the seniors and 442 hoof ball in the U21. If they do that then it is pointless
Since the loan system was introduced, we've had the likes of Walker, Livermore, Caulker, Carroll, Townsend and Kane - all of whom had had successful loan spells - now challenging for some part in the first team squad. Prior to this, before we scrapped the reserve league 3/4 years ago, I can't remember the last time a player came through the ranks and challenged for a part in the first team bar O'Hara. When the lads go on loan, they may not play the same tactics/ formations we play but they're getting competitive first team football, in which the standard of football is higher and the expectations and pressure also far exceed that of a reserve game and therefore vastly improves the youngster. To me, the loan system is just far beneficial than that of a reserve league when it comes to developing youngsters.
Certainly there are plenty of people involved in the game who would agree with you. The traditional school of thought is that you can't beat giving these youngsters a sample of the 'real thing' by having them play in the rough and tumble of the Football League in front of reasonable sized crowds and with the professional preparation that goes into these games. However, the bottom line is that there are many who go out on loan who simply don't get enough games to have made it worthwhile. There are a number of reasons for this, but the bottom line remains the kids do not get enough regular playing time. This new league allows for a kid to be on the first team bench on one matchday, and then to be playing in the under 21 competition the next day. Last season, Gus Poyet was asked why he hadn't selected a loan player, and he replied it was a crucial league game and he was reluctant to throw in an untried and relatively untested youngster ahead of a seasoned and experienced old pro. Notwithstanding the examples you have quoted, Poyet's approach is pretty typical througout the lower divisions. I think it's reasonably fair to say there has been a swing within the clubs from your approach to the approach taken by spurfectionist, as to the next way forward. This is part prompted by the unforseen success of the Next Gen competition, but also the fact that Liverpool were comprehensively stuffed in one of their games, and the message hit home that clubs needed to come in from a different angle in developing their elite talent. Plus of course, there is the potential for future sponsorship/possible TV deals arising from a league with Premier League links. At the end of the day though, the success of this venture does depend on the competitiveness of the league.
I think that this presents us with a new opportunity and I'd like to see us embrace it, while still using the loan system as effectively as we have done during Redknapp's reign. Some players will get more out of regular first team football at a lower level, whereas others will be totally unsuited to it. The likes of Millwall and Orient seem to be fruitful destinations for our youngsters, for the most part, so I'd be happy to see those links continue. Keeping the players close to home, bringing them back for some games and monitoring their progress, seems to be an ideal way to deal with the tricky last step. It's got to be extremely tough to go from playing youth and reserve matches to jump straight into the Premier League.
Looking at our fixtures, it seems we start with two away games at Newcastle and Manchester United, before taking on Sunderland at home on September 1st. The club has still not officially announced all this, despite there being an official launch of the new league today at the Emirates. Interestingly, our home ground for these games is stilllisted as "to be confirmed".
Is it overly optimistic of me to assume the delay in us communicating anything on this being because we're busy sorting out some transfers?
For those that are interested- Here are our National Group Two fixtures: Saturday, August 18 v Newcastle (A), KO 12pm - Newcastle United Training Ground Wednesday, August 29 v Manchester United (A), KO 7pm - Altrincham FC Saturday, September 1 v Sunderland (H), KO 11am - venue TBC Monday, September 17 v Watford (H), KO 12pm - venue TBC Monday, September 24 v Southampton (a), KO 7pm - St Mary's Stadium Monday, October 1 v Aston Villa (H), KO 12pm - venue TBC Monday, October 8 v Watford (A), KO 7pm - Vicarage Road Saturday, October 27 v Manchester United (H), KO 11am - venue TBC Saturday, November 3 v Newcastle (H), KO 11am - venue TBC Monday, November 12 v Southampton (H), KO 2pm - venue TBC Sunday, November 18 v Stoke (A), KO 3pm - Britannia Stadium Sunday, December 2 v Watford (H), KO 1pm - venue TBC Monday, December 10 v Sunderland (A), KO 7pm - venue TBC Monday, December 17 v Aston Villa (A), KO 7pm - venue TBC SC is there any indication where our home matches are yet? I think having them at the Lane would be a huge boost for the youngsters.
I found out yesterday there is a ruling for this new league that at least 2 games in the first league stages, must be played at the main ground. Still no news on which 2 games will take place at WHL, or where the others will be held. Should we qualify for the CL style format to be played after Christmas, then all home games have to be at WHL.
As bad an idea as that clearly is, it'll still draw larger crowds that the Titanic women's football has...
