Re: Mr Branson's positive spin! I've tried to be supportive in the past but I'm tired of the same old cliches. As soon as the reserves went 4 - 2 down last night, Mr Branson immediately put the two Under 16 on the pitch so he could report back on the website the usual "we finished the game with 3 under 16's which was good experience for the lads" etc. Very predictable now and very boring. New spin required please!
Does anyone know Daveys track record when he as Acadamy manager {sorry centre of excellence} at Preston Who did he Bring through at what happend to the lads he signed for Barnsley Academy whilst in charge
Exactly. We need some club legends working in the academy to make it more appealing. Get the likes of Neil Redfearn, Andy Liddell, Craig Hignett etc to work with them.
Yes we should always go for experience Spackman, Parkin Hart were much more sucessfull than Wilson Ritchie and Davey. Ritchie got us promoted, Davey has kept us up Anderson didnt make things worse either Oh and Clarke and Hunter were also first time appointees as well, Basset is the only "experienced" manager who has done a decent job for us
Its not potentiall its can they play in the championship read your own posts so which 1st years can play championship football obviously RNL cause Davey as stated so
It has been confirmed by the 1st year scholar who lives next door to me. Adam has a contract and Free is still waiting to here. All the other have been released.
I thought there were a lot of players still on their first year? Won't they be finishing their two/three years then or is it just the older ones who are getting contracts or getting shut?
An overheard conversation confirmation by a next door neighbours son Are the News of the World aware of you
I don't think any of the 1st year scholars could play in the Championship now and probably not even in 12 months time. But given maybe a further year or 18 months then maybe. That is my point. There are very few 18 year olds playing in the Championship at any club. So if that is the only criteria for our club, then the Academy is a complete waste of time and money. Most of them are not physically strong enough at 18 to play at that level. Which is one of the reasons why I believe we should still have a Reserve team. Look at two opposite ends of the leagues; Manchester United and say Grimsby Town, they both plan to run reserve teams next season as they see it of value. So why don't we see it as being of value. Look how much we have invested in "Agents Fees"! To keep two promising young 18 year olds for an extra two seasons would cost less than £40k per season. I think that is more worthwhile but if there is no prospect of competitive football, would they want to stay anyway?
Just the second year scholars being released or given contracts. There are 10 or 11 first years who have 12 months left. It is only a two year scholarship now.
RE: Do you agree that the ones getting released aren't good enough? I try to watch all Barnsley home games;1st team, Reserves and the Youth team. In answer to your question; Yes in my opinion I think the club have got it right. Those that have been released were not good enough.
RE: Do you agree that the ones getting released aren't good enough? So which 1st years do we need to look out for
RE: Do you agree that the ones getting released aren't good enough? for what championship football or just not good enough at any level and who are the kids being released and your opinion of them maybe red rain and barney could add there thoughts
RE: Do you agree that the ones getting released aren't good enough? I think it would be unfair to name the lads that I think have got a chance. Much of football is about opinion. You only have to look at the vast difference of opinion on this website to verify that. Get along to Academy pitch at Oakwell and have a look for yourself. See what you think. You may be surprised!
RE: Do you agree that the ones getting released aren't good enough? I don't think that they would be good enough to play in the Championship now or in the near future. I hope I am wrong. I really hope they all get fixed up with lower league clubs but time will tell if they are considered good enough to play lower down. If you look at last years "releases" only Luke Waterfall (Tranmere Rovers) was taken by a league club. Many of the other I understand are playing for non league teams. I would not pass opinions on individuals as I feel that it is very unfair. Red Rain normally gives the lads an end of term report. I will leave the assessments to him. As I said in a previous posting, it's all a matter of opinion. I am realistic to know that mine counts for nothing but we still have one!