Evening all. I am sorry if this has been discussed as it is oldish news but I myself have just come across the article in the independent. The Premier League is to launch a national U21 league which I assume we will obviously take part in. What is everyone's take on this? Is it better for the likes of Massimo Luongo, Alex Pritchard etc etc to play regularly in this or to go out to the lower leagues on loan if the oppurtunity arises and gain experience that way? http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-u21s-league-to-replace-reserves-7622226.html Also in regard to the younger players I read a quote earlier today from Danny Rose saying: âIt's been very frustrating,â he told reporters. âI've wanted to go out on loan at the start of the season and in January but I wasn't allowed. âIt looks like I'm in the team for the last four games now so I've got to play well.âI haven't been happy. That's been no secret. The team doesn't get rotated that much. If Harry does stay on for next season and the forseable future I do fear for our younger players getting any sort of chance. At least with this U21 league if players do get recalled (Adam Smith for ex) or cant get out on loan then at least they will get the chance to play regular football which is key to their continuing development.
Thank you for posting the link on here Dos Santos. I was aware of this new initiative but hadn't seen this informative piece, so thanks again As you know, I was fully behind the clubs' decision to withdraw from the reserve league and have remained supportive of that move ever since, but seeing the extraordinary success of the NextGen competition this season, made it clear that something needed to be done to dodge the "void" between the Academy league and the "real thing". Anything which offers more competitive football for the 'inbetweeners', can only be good imo.
Its unlikely an U21 league will be of the same standard as the Championship, might aswell be the reserve league re-named, thats my first initial thought anyway. Edit - wrote this before seeing Spurcats post. Hadn't thought of it like that, good point.
but Notso in the reserve league you can play anyone as oppose to playing youngsters only in the U-21 league? which means the emphasis becomes on nurturing tomorrow's players as oppose to just keeping the players fit and game sharp?
Regarding Danny Rose, this is ot the first time he has been disgruntled in public. Didn't he make mutterings about staying at Bristol City if he was guaranteed regular football ?? I think his words and the timing of these words are not good, and normally I would have little patience with a player who says things like this at a time when he is virtaully certain of a few a games in the first team. But in Rose's case, I'll willingly cut the plaer some slack and agree he should have been given more games or at least, a short term loan move.
No problem at all mate That next gen series was fantastic I have to say. What a shame it all came to an end due to what I can only think was an administrative error with one of our players? I never did really get to the bottom of it. If you don't mind me asking what is your opinion on Ceballos, Uvini and veljkovic. I haven't seen nearly enough to comment on these three and wondered what you made of them so far?
Ceballos has bucketloads of skill, reminds me of Ryan Mason of a few years ago, very easy to knock off the ball though and allows his head to drop easily. Uvini doesn't impress me a lot, has struggled when I've see him (admittedly only twice) and clearly need more time to settle down. I think there's a talent there, but it will need a lot of patience from Sherwood to nurture that talent. Veljokovic looks ok to me, without being spectacular. He's one of those players who needs both coaching and regular football to develop. A lot of players usually benefit from one or the other, but Veljkovic needs both imo.
Thanks a lot I am going to try and do my best to get to a few of the U21 fixtures next season. Living down in the South West I dont get as much chance to go to as many first team/academy games as i would like. Really enjoy the youth side of the club and seeing the younger guys develop
I'm a little surprised at Rose's comments, basically admitting he's not happy as a squad member at a top club...no such mutterings from Livermore.
What a top professional he is and I am so happy for him that he has been given his chance this year. injuries have really hurt him over the past season but by christ he has always kept his head up and obviously never stopped believing. I must add as well that I think he was unlucky not to have played more through our barren run of late. In recent games Parker has looked off the pace and his standards haven't been up to his usual and for that matter i thought Jake would have started more. But as you say not a murmur out of him whether he has played or not - deserves everything he gets
To be fair, Livermore's played 29 games this season to Rose's 18, despite the former facing direct competition from Sandro and Parker.
Rose was muttering a few months ago as well - on one hand you can't blame him, given he often doesn't even make the squad let alone the first team, although it would be preferable if he kept it between himself and Harry.
The sooner they put the reserves/youngsters in league one and two the better. A proper competitive league and great experience for them.
To be even fairer, Rose has not been available for selection due to injuries, I'm sure I remember him missing EL games. Quite what that has to do with this and being professional, and the team being a unit for these last few games, I don't know, if you think it gives him license to speak up I'm surprised at you. If you're trying to go down another stats road...you're in a cul-de-sac!
I was pointing out that Livermore has less to be unhappy about, as he's featured in a lot more games. He's also made a lot more match squads, if I remember right. Rose played in 4 Europa League games. He also played in 5 FA Cup games, which means that he's only featured in about a quarter of our league games. Livermore's played in 17, by contrast. I'm not excusing Rose's comments, as it's not very professional. Livermore would have far less reason to make a comment though, so I don't believe it's a worthwhile comparison.
They are two lucky young players chosen to be squad members of a top side, less games for one for whatever reason is happening in every other squad, it isn't an issue. I can understand his frustration, but he wouldn't be the only young player in that position...but he's the only one moaning. So imo, its a very worthwhile comparison as far as temperament goes.
What are the plans for Souleymane Coulibaly? He looked fantastic on YouTube around the time we bought him? Do you think he'll be sent out on loan for a season, or kept for the NextGen competition (I assume it's going to continue)? I'd love to see the day when he breaks through to the first team.
I think that Kane and Coulibaly could end up being a very interesting combination. It'll be interesting to see what happens with them next season.
