I braved the awful weather and stuck it out to the end. The game was totally one sided as Mansfield were awful. The Stags barely got out of their own half. I was very impressed by Max Clark playing in midfield. He seemed to be the playmaker. The forwards also knew where the net is, albeit against very limited opposition. I felt the Club go have been more professional by having the tannoy and the big screen on. We didn't even get the teams, substitutions or goalscorers named over the tannoy. All the crowd were ordered into the lower West Stand. I would number the crowd at around 400, which was understandingly low considering the awful weather and what had just occurred with the first team. At least City should be credited for offering all supporters a free hot drink, as it was certainly needed considering the conditions. All in all it was an enjoyable experience. I hope the young lads get more chances to play at the KC. They certainly played football the correct way, and all looked comfortable on the ball. You never know we might need a few of these lads if the first team take a rapid descent through the divisions!!
I'm not just basing it on his appearance against Manfield, he was called up to represent England u17's a couple of years ago, he must have something about him. Plus the fact that Huddlestone, Meyler and Livermore have been **** all season, how could he be any worse than them? The same was probably said when we threw Tom Cairney in against Chelsea, didn't he get man of the match?
Cairney was playing in the Premier League Reserves League against the top clubs and not against Mansfield, Scunny and Grimsby. If you put any of the mentioned 3 first teamers in that Reserve Game they would have looked like Xavi. It's a ridiculous argument, I'm not saying Max isn't talented but he needs to get some experience elsewhere. Margett's scored a hattrick but he's only been on loan at Gateshead! Tonny Pennock's interview with Humberside in the week is worth a listen. I think there's a link on the club's FB/Twitter page.
He's played three 3 for the England U17's and 12 times for the England U16's, the problem's going to be holding on to him, he's had scouts from the top four watching him.
My point is, the kid can't be much worse than Huddlestone, Livermore and Meyler. I'm not saying he should be starting above them, I clearly said a place on the bench. He'd put more effort in than Huddlestone, Livermore and Meyler put together though.
Exactly why he shouldn't be to far off getting a place on our bench. He signed a 2 year deal last July didn't he? At least that should keep him here for a while. They were, only once did they manage to string more than 5 passes together in the first half. It was like watching Manchester City against North Ferriby.
There's a difference between having the ability and having the potential. He can put in all the effort he wants but if his game isnt at PL level then it could be worse than having a lazy but talented player in the side. A bad game could also knock his confidence for the future. I'd like to see Margetts loaned out to somebody better than Gainsborough Trinity, he's probably good enough to play at League 2 level at least.
Is Cooper really captain at TWS? I assume he's doing well then? Of the crop of kids we had, he really is the one we should never have let get away from us. Real calm and classy centre half.
I saw Ter Horst play a full game against Scunny. Not a chance is he anywhere near the first team bench.
And yet despite that, he'll probably never get a first team game. Remember Paul Anderson? No one figured out he was actually a decent prospect until Liverpool came in for him, then it was too late.
Never seen him play before but thought he looked good on Saturday in the first half. Linked up well with the midfield. Too many of our loans don't get game time though. Whether they're juniors or first teamers, anyone we loan out seems to end up on someone else's bench.
Signed him on 4th January. Oxford wanted him on loan as well but was deemed to early to go out as they applied the next day.
I was just thinking that even though SB doesn't watch the kids to see how they're doing surely it's down to Tony P to advise SB when a player has potential & should join up for training with the first team, after all he's watchingthem day in day out.
He probably does but due to the pressure he is under we can't afford to throw youngsters into the first team.
Fair point, but I think the same can be said of Ben Clappison and who arguably has more pace and ability with the ball in tight situations. The lollipop he pulled off down the touchline around halfway was quite exquisite.
