U23's

2002

Very true.

You have probably heard a lot of criticism on here of our U23 coach Ehigou well thats not helping matters but we have a very young side with many 16 and 17year olds playing in our side.

CCV, Winks, and Onomah have been promoted to our first team squad and to be honest only KWP, Edwards and maybe Harrison are of the required quality at the moment to make the break through at Spurs.

We have Oakley booth, Shashoua, Sterling and Tanganga coming through who are great talents but are still young.

John McDermottdid a seminar a while back which was doucumented by an attendee.

Essentially, the younger sides are not there to win at all costs - they are geared up to prepare players for playing in the style the first team does.

If that means playing younger players, playing boys out of position, making mistakes or getting a hiding occasionally then so be it. Results are a nice bonus, but development is the main thing.

Chelsea are winning competitions left right and centre while not producing anyone who would seamlessly fit in their side. I know which I prefer.

Hmm...interesting, surely playing in our current style and winning more often would breed confidence in a young side? Can't believe losing consistently is anything to take positives from?

comment by Salt Beef Boy (U2699)
posted 9 hours, 20 minutes ago
Hmm...interesting, surely playing in our current style and winning more often would breed confidence in a young side? Can't believe losing consistently is anything to take positives from?
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Of course winning is nice, but apparently the point is to encourage young boys to not be scared of the ball, to want the ball in dangerous areas and to play their way out, without getting bawled out for making mistakes.

There are positives to take from most games, and lessons learned in defeats I assume.

Essentially getting away from the win at all costs nature youth football has had in years gone by, where the biggest and strongest were picked because you were more likely to win matches.

That hoofing it clear was encouraged if it meant not conceding a goal, at the detriment of learning and getting used to composure under pressure.

Chelsea and Villa have both won the youth CL for example. Barcelona are nowhere to be seen. Which academy would you prefer to be supplying us with players?

I believe the coaches are encouraged to play lads in different positions too, especially those that are too dominant in their preferred one. Think of the old Ajax philosophy where kids played everywhere on the pitch.

If you are a defensive midfielder by trade, a stint at centre back or attacking midfield could give you a better understanding of what is required of you.

The under 23s may not be doing too well, but we really have to bear in mind the first team (outfield players) only had an average age of 24 at the start of last season. Many of our first team squad are able to play in it

Thanks HRH, good points and well put. You're quite right, Barcelona every time pal

That is the theory anyway

It may be they are just pony