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Post by Topper Gas on Feb 28, 2022 15:53:46 GMT
We had a development squad a couple or 3 seasons ago, Wael spent quite a lot of money bringing in some quite good quality youngsters from all over Europe. In the 1st year Chris Hargreaves led the U23s/Development squad to the title of the Central league (I think that is what it was called). Then for whatever reason Hargreaves and Manse were swapped with Manse taking the U23s and Hargreaves taking the Academy. Covid then intervened, and the U23s were decimated, and had no games. Most of the promising talent were let go, not having had a chance to prove themselves at league level. Maybe they weren't good enough, or maybe it's difficult to keep many 1st team regulars and many U23s happy and busy and employed at the same time. Who knows? The fact is, we had a quality U23s setup, until Covid hit; and we don't now. What has happened to these quality youngsters ? Did any of them make it with other clubs ? Wasn't Michael Kelly the star player of that team, is latest club after leaving us for Yeovil appears to be Eastleigh, the rest seem to have disappeared further down the non league pyramid. I doubt an U23 squad will be viable whilst we're a L2 side. As far as Barton taking the praise when youth players make the first team in the future, that's only going to be the case he's here more than just another or two, which seems unlikely?
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Post by gassedOut on Feb 28, 2022 16:10:01 GMT
I said it mid way through this season, after hearing rumblings Between Chris and Barton, That nothing will happen with the academy until Chris has gone, then JB will bring in his own team and a development team will set up and he will have total control of everything and when youth start coming through he will be praised for it. Can I ask what is your relationship with the youth team as that is all you comment about on here? Just an observation. Been watching all the Age groups for 10 or so Years, I used to play for what was the Centre of Excellence under Des Balpin too many years ago to remember when it was at the Old Hambrook site long before it became a Golf Range! Went to watch the Son of a Guy i knew and then started bumping into some old faces. You then get to meet Parents, Coaches and Scouts. Its been really interesting and I really enjoy the football and seeing people progress. I'm no Expert but you get a good handle on what's going on!
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Feb 28, 2022 16:21:01 GMT
Can I ask what is your relationship with the youth team as that is all you comment about on here? Just an observation. Been watching all the Age groups for 10 or so Years, I used to play for what was the Centre of Excellence under Des Balpin too many years ago to remember when it was at the Old Hambrook site long before it became a Golf Range! Went to watch the Son of a Guy i knew and then started bumping into some old faces. You then get to meet Parents, Coaches and Scouts. Its been really interesting and I really enjoy the football and seeing people progress. I'm no Expert but you get a good handle on what's going on! Thanks for reply. 👍
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