They were, but I think the idea was they would play friendlies whenever/where ever they could, e.g play a non league side midweek. That sort of thing. Wouldn't have been any league format, so very structured other than, this is the sort of challenge we want next for you lot because this team has x, y, z.
In the same way we are seen as a good loan spot by PL clubs due to the crowds and expectancy, we can look down. Derby jump out, and Bradford in League 2. Goes under radar how well supported Bradford are for the level, I know it’s a massive city but many don’t get near there numbers.
Johnson captained England today, great achievement for the lad - he played 60 minutes and Jobe played the 2nd half. Someone said that Johnson went off with a knock tho
Jobe looks really raw to me. I know he's only young but there's a hell of a lot of giving the ball away in that video. Looks like he's forcing things a bit too much. Gets outmuscled a few times by much smaller lads as well. But he very clearly has all the tools. I just don't think he's going to have much of an impact next season if I'm honest. I'm usually wrong tho like.
I know I have banged on about this for a while but Johnson is the real deal for me. He has is a very modern centre back in that he is strong and mobile, and he is comfortable receiving the ball. Captaining your country is a hell of an honour and we should be proud of him. I appreciate it is exciting signing the Aussie lad but when we have Johnson in the ranks captaining England at youth level that is much more exciting to me. I know some diagree but I think Johnson might well be in our first team squad this season rather than out on loan. Just a joy to see another local lad shining. Going to be fun watching him progress.
Bellingham probably needs some tips and encouragement like Ekwah did - having the physique but not knowing how to, or not necessarily wanting to use it to full effect. Bellingham will need to fill out a lot as well.
Id love to see him break through this season, the thing that stood out for me when I've seen him is his mentality- if he makes a mistake (all young players make them), he doesnt let it effect him. Saw a game where he gifted a goal by playing a sloppy pass out, 5 mins later hes demanding the ball from the keeper and played a great ball through the lines when hes pressed.
He was injured for a fair bit of the 21s season as well but he always made the effort to go down and watch his teammates with a moon boot on. He was always round by the dugout encouraging his teammates. That's where the bairn likes to stand down there next to the dugout to hear what the coaches are shouting
It was noticeable last season though,how Mogga and the coaches were able to improve these young players. They'll be aware of his weaknesses and will work on them with him.If he has the raw talent to begin with,and the right attitude,the player we have at the end of the season may be much improved from the one when he joined.
I temember when they were, briefly, in The Premier League. They always brough a happy crowd up here for their games against us.
Watching the highlights of the Aus game, he's nowhere near ready for our first team, imo. Should be loaned out to League One or Two this season to get some senior experience. I doubt Triantis will play much for us this year, either (unless there's another injury crisis) fwiw.