- Jun 14, 2012
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two of the harder clubs to break through at.
two of the harder clubs to break through at.
Worth remembering Devine is a year younger than Chukwuemeka.Don't see much stand-out quality in this age group based on the games so far. Chukwuemeka the only one who looks a cert to make it at PL level, though Iroegbunam and Devine have looked good in patches.
Acting like a “big club” includes retaining our top academy talent without needing to make them part of the first team setup
that means offering 100k per week to the teenagersActing like a “big club” includes retaining our top academy talent without needing to make them part of the first team setup
I think it’s very difficult to blame the club. This happens at every club even City. I have no idea what might go on in regard to houses, cars jobs for the family etc. But if you’re keeping everything above board it’s hard to imagine a better all round set up than ours. Must be soul destroying for some of our coaches who put years of work into a prospect to see him walk out the door. Imo I think it’s a bit low from the kid unless you have some overwhelming reason. A massive club gave you an amazing opportunity in life least you could do is show a little bit of gratitude till at least you’ve signed pro. If feel same at 18 then fine toddle off to Dortmund at least we get a few quid.
Before you start bemoaning a lack of loyalty from the player, think about the many players who spend their childhood at the club only to be released at 18. Where is the loyalty towards them? There is none, the club decides that they're no longer useful and they sever ties. It's a business. This kid hasn't broken a contract, he owes the club nothing.I think it’s very difficult to blame the club. This happens at every club even City. I have no idea what might go on in regard to houses, cars jobs for the family etc. But if you’re keeping everything above board it’s hard to imagine a better all round set up than ours. Must be soul destroying for some of our coaches who put years of work into a prospect to see him walk out the door. Imo I think it’s a bit low from the kid unless you have some overwhelming reason. A massive club gave you an amazing opportunity in life least you could do is show a little bit of gratitude till at least you’ve signed pro. If feel same at 18 then fine toddle off to Dortmund at least we get a few quid.
You're right, absolutely. I agree that loyalty has to work both ways or not at all and its clear its not at all. That said, however... I am a passionate and dedicated fan of Tottenham Hotspur and it upsets me when people mug us off. I think a lot of fans feel the same way. Is it rational? no. But supporting a club isn't rational, its tribal.The kids owe themselves the best chance to maximise their talents. We'll lose 16 yo players, we'll sign 16 yo players. Ultimately those kids will judge us on our ability to churn out PL ready players who make it in the league. Even better if we get a few into our first team. We've been doing pretty well, and we can do better.
I agree. It is really disappointing to see kids we have nurtured and developed going elsewhere for the money. The irony is that often we sign these players from smaller clubs eg Meghoma who I believe we signed from Wycombe a few years ago. He came to us no doubt because of the better facilities and coaching. It is said they are second to none. However we don't seem to match the money available at other clubs and I think it is unreasonable for us to expect the cream of schoolboy footballers to sign for us for less money than is available at other clubs, unless they are really dyed in the wool Spurs fans.It's perfectly fine for these lads to
You're right, absolutely. I agree that loyalty has to work both ways or not at all and its clear its not at all. That said, however... I am a passionate and dedicated fan of Tottenham Hotspur and it upsets me when people mug us off. I think a lot of fans feel the same way. Is it rational? no. But supporting a club isn't rational, its tribal.
No one is a cert of anything at these age groups. Chukwuemeka included. As I've said before, I actually don't even think he is the most likely to make it at PL level of that group at all. I think Alex Scott looks the most likely candidate to me. Mostly because he has that grit and seems well balanced. The fact he's already an established championship player helps too.Don't see much stand-out quality in this age group based on the games so far. Chukwuemeka the only one who looks a cert to make it at PL level, though Iroegbunam and Devine have looked good in patches.
For the most part I agree, but I think Chukwuemeka is already beyond that point - he got plenty of games for Villa last year (pretty much the only U18 player they got regular PL football, 11 appearances in total) and there's no reason to think that won't continue. Spot on about Alex Scott though, he really stood out when he came on as a 'proper' footballer for want of a less vague term. Very crisp and tidy, but actually impacting the game at the same time.No one is a cert of anything at these age groups. Chukwuemeka included. As I've said before, I actually don't even think he is the most likely to make it at PL level of that group at all. I think Alex Scott looks the most likely candidate to me. Mostly because he has that grit and seems well balanced. The fact he's already an established championship player helps too.
Yeah, but Onomah also got minutes at that age. Taarabt also. Josh McEachran also, James Vaughan from Everton got way more minutes at that age. And at villa itself Delfouneso is an example.For the most part I agree, but I think Chukwuemeka is already beyond that point - he got plenty of games for Villa last year (pretty much the only U18 player they got regular PL football, 11 appearances in total) and there's no reason to think that won't continue. Spot on about Alex Scott though, he really stood out when he came on as a 'proper' footballer for want of a less vague term. Very crisp and tidy, but actually impacting the game at the same time.
On Alex Scott, he got 12 yellow cards last season as well, without getting sent off. Maybe he needs to calm down a little, but as someone who is nominally a more offensive midfield player (though he has played DM, CM, AM, RWB and RW this season) it's something I love to see. To pick up so many bookings show you know how to work for the team and suggests a bit of edge too, to never get sent off shows you have control. That's a good sign for a young player.For the most part I agree, but I think Chukwuemeka is already beyond that point - he got plenty of games for Villa last year (pretty much the only U18 player they got regular PL football, 11 appearances in total) and there's no reason to think that won't continue. Spot on about Alex Scott though, he really stood out when he came on as a 'proper' footballer for want of a less vague term. Very crisp and tidy, but actually impacting the game at the same time.
Seems to be a lot of u-16 poaching going on at the mo... ?