Youth & Loanee Watch

He had been playing regularly for the Under 23s and DF was sitting just behind me when he ran the Saints Under 23s ragged and forced defenders to concede 2 own goals.

Exactly. I know it's slow news time .......#pinchfsalt

 

Of course Middleton's move had nothing to do with Graeme Murty. I get the impression that Middleton was happy when Murty was here and the lunatics were in charge of the asylum. Of course along came DF, the environment changed and he felt more comfortable following Murty rather than staying and having to prove himself to a new manager.

 

We seem to be recruiting mid-fielders, which will marginalise our younger players like Phillips.

 

If Phillips were ready, I don't suppose we'd be signing them. When Phillips proves he's ready then I'm sure he'll get his chance. Another loan beckons, we'll see if he can make the grade?

Bah!

 

Phillips hardly set the world alight at Cambridge. He couldn't force his way into their starting XI, and so was recalled to play in the U23s.

If he can't at the very least impress in League 2 this season, I can't see us renewing his contract in a years time.

 

So why was he made captain of our U23 team before going to Cambridge? Our people must have been impressed with him, Maybe the Cambs coaches are less astute?

 

It takes different qualities to be a good captain, rather than just a good player. McGeehan was our youth cup winning captain, but there's no doubting the Murphy's and Morris were the standout players.* Last season Ben Kilip oftened captained, and he's now second choice 'keeper at Grimsby.

Phillips having captaincy qualities is certainly no bad thing, having an older head on young shoulders is often beneficial for a central midfielder. That doesn't mean the rest of his game is necessarily good enough. At Cambridge, I get the impression he struggled for opportunities because they started to get results with a settled midfield pairing. The proximity meant he also trained at least one day per week at Colney, which probably didn't help him force his way into contention. It's certainly not all a question of ability, it was a poor loan move, but equally I don't see a lot of evidence that he's ready to jump two divisions.

*Well, other than Loftus-Cheek and Christensen for Chelsea!

 

Certainly it's going to be critical for us to keep bringing young players on if we have to keep selling players to balance the books. Another possible breakthrough is
Diallang Jaiyesimi, though his loan at Grimsby was also rather limited.

http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/canaries-youngster-has-the-talent-1-5553804

 

Another article on Diallang Jaiyesimi:

http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/the-other-team-city-fans-should-have-kept-an-eye-on-1-5553826

A more upbeat interpretation of his 35 appearances, though 22 of those were as sub. Interesting that he has had his contract extended to 2020. Playing WL, he can also play WR or as an AM. One to watch in the pre-season.

 

I was always pretty impressed when I saw him playing for the Under 23s.

 

Just seen Carlton Morris on twitter in hospital after ACL reconstruction being visited by Ben Killip and Cameron McGeehan. Good to see CM keeping in touch

 

Toffolo has now found his way to Lincoln, good luck to the lad, hope he can kick on and maybe make his way back up the ladder with time.

Bah!

 

Savvas Mourgos off out on loan to another dutch 2nd div club.
Hopefully as productive as Cantwells last season. Good luck to him.

Bah!

 

New Jamal Lewis alert: Academy product Max Aarons has been given a 3-year professional deal, and will travel to Germany with the first team squad for pre-season.

Played most of his football at RB (occasionally LB) last season in PL2 for the U23's. Was captain frequently.

 

Will he also be better than Pinto? I like pinto so hope do!

Bah!

 

I've seen him in quite a few Under 23 games and he looked cool under pressure. Got up to support forward play when he could.

 

Could he be a good backup to Lewis and Pinto?

 

Happy with that. Really like what I have seen and heard about him. Proper Wing-Back qualities.

 

Mason Bloomfield, apparently a striker we signed in March (but didn't join until the summer) from Dagenham and Redbridge, has been loaned to Hamilton Academical.

 

Adam Idah signs a pro deal!

The full list of "promoted" players is:
Atli Barkarson
Adam Idah
Ciaren Jones
Louis Lomas
Alfie Payne
Thomas Scully - new to U23 squad
Anthony Spyrou - new to U23 squad
Caleb Richards - new to U23 squad