Duffus and Jones i havent heard much about but Byrne was a strange signing at the time as he had been punted by united. Unless there was clear ability there then i would have thought we would have preferred to go down the "scott spencer" route (whatever happened to him!) And pay out to sign a top prospect from the lower divisions like we did with Foulds.
Regarding Leandro, Martinez said he was actually going to sign him in Jan but made the move early so he could settle in. How do you think hes done so far, you dont seem impressed...
Pennington had fantastic reviews last season at coventry and had some game time with us but i cant see him getting into the squad as theres so much competition. Strange we didnt loan him again with a view to selling in the summer?
Grant also getting good reviews at the moment, do you think he will be sold in the summer and this has been a showcase loan?
I never really understood the Byrne signing. Sometimes a scout sees something in a player though. Maybe they just felt he could lead the line well for the under 21's?
Leandro has been injured a fair bit so hard to say. I would be surprised if he made the grade here but that's just my take on it.
Pennington has always impressed me. At Coventry and then with us. Oddly I think he is also a good right back. I really liked Pennington and would love to see him make it but I think he lacks the physicality to play Centre Half. I also think he is too far down the pecking order at right back and the fact we went so far trying to sign Byram doesn't sit well. I am being harsh but I would be surprised to see him make it at Everton but I really hope he proves me wrong.
As for Grant I thought he was gone really from what I can see. He has done very well at Doncaster and has really come on, they think he is an excellent player. Similar to Pennington last season he has an earned an opportunity. He's grown a fair bit whilst on loan so there is a bit of a left field shout for him. I would be surprised if he got a chance though.
When you consider these questions you have to ask, can you see this player replacing say Mirallas or Cleverley or McCarthy/Barkley from the first team? they are the players he'd be up against. It's a big ask. The same is true of our strong age group however they still have time on their side. I could see Ledson in 2 years having the potential abilities to be a superior player to where Barry is currently.
Likewise with Walsh I can see him being a unique player in 2-3 years, someone none of the senior players play like and who suits Martinez's system.
However by the time you are 20-21 as some of the above I am mentioning are that is the age where you do need to start making a case.