....good point, I think historically folk have thought goalies are better the older they get but perhaps things are changing.
....good point, I think historically folk have thought goalies are better the older they get but perhaps things are changing.
Its such a specialist position eggs and I personally think it shows coaches in a poor light that so many keepers signed to top clubs at a young age don't make it right to the top.
Goalkeepers have to play to get better. They also tend to develop later. Take Adam Davies who came through our academy. Player of the year on several occasions. We released him, got a month by month deal with Sheffield Wednesday, eventually joined Barnsley. Now League One keeper of the year and highly in demand.
Billy Dean
Player Valuation: £70m
Didn't Pickford also play a ton of football in the lower leagues too before getting in Sunderlands first team
....reporter Alan Nixon saying Everton are very keen to tie up 16 year old striker Lewis Dobbin on a lucrative contract. He must be highly rated.
Anyone know any recent info on what will happen with Keiran Phillips? Into the U23's?
It was always hard to find info on Phillips situation. We know he suffered a horrendous injury which kept him out of the u18s for his two Scholar years. We then gave him a years contract up until June 19 I think , and played him when he was overage in the u18s up until Christmas , presumably with FA permission. Then after Christmas he never appeared , not in Youth Cup or league. It suggests either an injury or his dispensation to play at u18 level ran out.
He looked a talented player , but hard to judge until we see him at U23s , certainly worth a punt into the U23s . On the other hand, I know nothing , so with our club’s lack of news reporting of youngsters he could have left already
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
Never heard of Alan Nixon, sounds like one of those rumours we often get that clubs are after one of our youngsters, we need to sign him up etc , Simms and Astley were the last two . Lewis Dobbin appears to be the pick of our u16s who will be moving up into u18 this coming season, he’s played regularly for England at u15, u16 which is always a good sign. I’m assuming, but don’t know for sure, that he’s signed and agreed a Scholar’s contract of two years, and then we would look again at his contract and make it longer and more lucrative when he’s 17 in January.
Perhaps as you’d expect he’s looked a bit small when I’ve seen him, but the youngest on the pitch. Certainly not the build of Simms , but appears a more technically adept and sharper player, so closer to the 16 year old Gordon than Simms.
...thanks, that’s a good insight. I wondered about his physicality, but he must be talented and one to keep an eye on.
catcherintherye
Player Valuation: £80m
Looks a really good player mate. Very well thought of at the club, they've trusted him in the 10 role a lot. Maybe the biggest prospect.
messymascot
Player Valuation: £35m
He's been offered a contract along with Iversen, Anderson and Defreitas-Hansen.
Jimmy Grimble
Player Valuation: £20m
How saddle we be if he doesn’t make it?! We need to harness talent like this or we’ll end up with donkeys who just hoof it.
6 out of 10, but better than the “House Elf in Harry Potter” quips
