Finlay Holcroft is my mates grandson. He's started getting minutes under his belt and he seems to be doing well
Matty Young will play at least 1 first team game this season imo. From what I've seen of him and Patto at u21 level I reckon Younger is ahead. Patto has cracked on and is superb but we've got another gem there.
Looks like he started most of the games and played as RCB in a back 5, or RB in a 4. Hartlepool didn't keep any clean sheets and they've been struggeling.
He’s a natural finisher, seems like these kids are being pushed out a bit by the poor quality strikers we have signed. Playing them in the u23 is going to end up forcing the likes of Harry into the u18 Loan move will do him good as he is playing against men now.
A Pools fan at work reckoned that Johnson looks like a top quality player - time on the ball, reading the game and technique. They have had some bad injuries to their best players (Mancini, young CB on loan from Boro, etc) which mostly explains the poor results. Also said that Johnson lacks a bit of pace so I wonder if that will determine the ceiling he can get to.
https://x.com/academyoflight/status/1744388498759598088?s=46&t=bFwez-5oi7CdxUG56_1QKg Ones a smart finish the other good positioning
https://x.com/academyoflight/status/1744360156689735851?s=46&t=lGmS7t3fhKmjcaf4pF4tQw If anyone knows a young 'keeper get them signed up, you never know what might happen.
He's the pick from the u21s for me, such as shame to see him at Blyth because I reckon he could do it at a higher level.
He’s also gone there for guaranteed playing time and experience against senior players. Definitely showing the right attitude, would love to see him get a chance at his home club.
Not convinced he will make it at us from the games ive watched him but you never know. Seems a nice lad so hope he proves me wrong
His contract is up in the summer and he's 20, doesn't look great for him but he has good movement and an excellent finish. Reminds me a little of David Dowson, who also didn't make it in league football.
Yeah he lacks the physicality for me in general play to make it at a good level. Weve had a few lads like this that then get released n we barely hear about again
Max Thompson just signed for a Slovakian team. People were calling for him to play last season so it just shows the difference between u21 and first team football
Yep will harris is another, playing in non league now n struggling. Josh hawkes in L2 now was another folk were keen on getting 1st team minutes for us. I havent seen much of the u18s this yr but for me we have 3 youngsters who will def play at championship level or above for a long time - rigg watson n young. I think johnson has a chance, as i really like him but needs more minutes on loan. Young fullback archie lightfoot looks a talent but not seen enough of him yet to decide if he will be championship standard. Plus there's the 15 yr old who scored against boro in fa youth cup but again not seen enough of him
