I'm not sure what ange's track record is for playing youth but maybe he just doesn't feel its either the right time or they are ready.Yeah, it's not a great look, especially considering this season is a bit of a free hit for Ange.
My son was Promoted to his first team before Xmas, all be it league 1, he loved it and desperately wanted to play, supporters online wishing it too, but truth of the matter is, he ain't ready in my opinion, whilst getting great feedback, I don't believe he is ready, several years away in fact.
He admitted at rhe weekend those first days he found it intimidating, but slowly getting used to big crowds and training and that, it was a massive learning experience for him.
I've watched our 21's and u18's play a lot, it's impossible for me to see whose ready, because opposition is at such a level under the top level, its difficult to judge, I can only imagine ange himself is focused on first team under difficult circumstances and going with those more experienced.
That being said, I spoke directly with Jamie and Alfie back in October and those and a few other lads were full of praise about how things were going since ange came into the club, whose club has been uplifted, although how long that remains - as trix said, promised the world in talks, is one thing compared to being given the opportunity.
I'm going through exactly the same process with my son, co teacts on the table, but need to figure out what is real or not is a real challenge too