The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Yellowcoat]

Jake Sheppard has apparently gone on loan to Wealdstone & will be available to them for the FA Trophy semi-finals against Brackley.

[Sutekh]

Didn't the U23s play Villa last night?

[Yellowcoat]

Yep lost 3-1. Mendes played the first half & scored the goal. Two own goals though from a young looking defence.

[Hound]

Reading U23s XI vs. Aston Villa: Driscoll, Balogun, Odimayo, Howe, Frost, East, Green, Rollinson, Shokunbi, House, Mendes.

Subs: Rosario, Omolabi, Wilson, Coleman, Nolan

Bit disappointing to see neither Watson or Harriott involved. Watson's comeback has been very scratchy - do wonder about the logic of that new contract. Obvs quite a few of the better prospects - Barratt, Osho etc out on loan

Novakovich scored another 2 yesterday for Telstar

[Hendo]

Reading U23s XI vs. Aston Villa: Driscoll, Balogun, Odimayo, Howe, Frost, East, Green, Rollinson, Shokunbi, House, Mendes.

Subs: Rosario, Omolabi, Wilson, Coleman, Nolan

Bit disappointing to see neither Watson or Harriott involved. Watson's comeback has been very scratchy - do wonder about the logic of that new contract. Obvs quite a few of the better prospects - Barratt, Osho etc out on loan

Novakovich scored another 2 yesterday for Telstar

Watson &/or Harriott could be involved tonight?

[Hound]

doubt it tbh. Think both are well away from 100%. Harriott prob only has eyes on next season, but Watson first played again a couple of months back.

Reckon Mendes may be under consideration after the Norwich game though

Had a quick look at Novakovich's stats this season. 18 goals already, and Telstar, who were 5th bottom last year, are this year challenging for promotion. He has had a great season, and scored some lovely goals. 6ft 4 apparently as well. Even if that division is say the standard of our 3rd tier, he must be coming into thoughts for next season with us

[Coppells Lost Coat]

doubt it tbh. Think both are well away from 100%. Harriott prob only has eyes on next season, but Watson first played again a couple of months back.

Reckon Mendes may be under consideration after the Norwich game though

Had a quick look at Novakovich's stats this season. 18 goals already, and Telstar, who were 5th bottom last year, are this year challenging for promotion. He has had a great season, and scored some lovely goals. 6ft 4 apparently as well. Even if that division is say the standard of our 3rd tier, he must be coming into thoughts for next season with us

If he is not considered next season, people really need to look at the point of loans. He has done incredible for a youngster in his first full season.

[Ranty McRantface]

Nova has done incredibly well over there in a league that is split between League 1 and lower championship standard. In the games and highlights I've seen him play he has not onl scored some good goals but his all round play is excellent. He can hold up the ball, knows when to pass, makes some intelligent runs and always seems to be a step ahead of the oppositon. One of his goals was a storming run holding off 3 players whilst keeping close control and getting a shot off. He looks an absolute beast of a striker. He has also looked like a player who should be playing at a higher level than he is currently playing.

I have to say I would not be suprised if the club had considered calling him back in January, but probably felt it would be better for him to play every week with Telstar. I have no doubt he can play in the Championship next season and I hope to god it is with us.

[Hound]

Meite looks like he has performed well for Sochaux as well. A little frustrating when we are so short on width that he is on loan - but think he is worth another go next season.

[Snowflake Royal]

Anyone know if he's playing with a strike partner, lone wolfing or as a winger / wide forward?

He's not struck me as the lone striker type, but couldwork as a partnership or wide forward a la Blackman under Clarke.

Don't see him as fitting our current system in place of Bod or Aluko.

[Coppells Lost Coat]

Anyone know if he's playing with a strike partner, lone wolfing or as a winger / wide forward?

He's not struck me as the lone striker type, but couldwork as a partnership or wide forward a la Blackman under Clarke.

Don't see him as fitting our current system in place of Bod or Aluko.

Looks like he plays in the middle of a front 3, formation looks pretty same as Readings 4-2-1-3 (depending on how the wind blows when Stam picks his team)

[Snowflake Royal]

Anyone know if he's playing with a strike partner, lone wolfing or as a winger / wide forward?

He's not struck me as the lone striker type, but couldwork as a partnership or wide forward a la Blackman under Clarke.

Don't see him as fitting our current system in place of Bod or Aluko.

Looks like he plays in the middle of a front 3, formation looks pretty same as Readings 4-2-1-3 (depending on how the wind blows when Stam picks his team)

Awesome.

Hope to see him, Bod and one other competing for that slot next year then. With Yann as emergency cover.

[Hound]

I'd hope Loader would be a bit more involved as well, and send Smith out on loan for the year

[Hound]

new 2 year deals for House and Driscoll. Not seen either play I don't think

Is that 9 or 10 Academy players signed up on at least 2 year deals?

[Stranded]

new 2 year deals for House and Driscoll. Not seen either play I don't think

Is that 9 or 10 Academy players signed up on at least 2 year deals?

Good to see we are building out next years L1 title winning side.

Stupid question time: If we go down, our 1st team will be in the Checkatrade Trophy. However, as we have a Category 1 academy if there are not 16 academies taking up slots from the PL/Champ teams, could we see the 1st and U23 sides in the same competition?

I would assume no.

[Hound]

Wonder who makes the decisions on these contracts

Gourlay obvs get his fat chops in all the photos but wonder if it is Stam, BT, Marshall or a combo of all 3 who decides they get one

[Hendo]

Wonder who makes the decisions on these contracts

Gourlay obvs get his fat chops in all the photos but wonder if it is Stam, BT, Marshall or a combo of all 3 who decides they get one

Probably a combination of all 3. Marshall probably recommends who are the best prospects and who should be given contacts and then everyone works out the details.

[Hound]

Another goal for Novakovich. 19 for the season now. Hope he gets a go here next year

[Sutekh]

Another goal for Novakovich. 19 for the season now. Hope he gets a go here next year

How does Telstar's division compare to Division 3/League 1?

[P!ssed Off]

Another goal for Novakovich. 19 for the season now. Hope he gets a go here next year

How does Telstar's division compare to Division 3/League 1?

A younger, less-able Pelle Clement was a regular in the B-team that were runners up last season...

Lisandro Semedo currently tops the league for assists.
For those unfamiliar, Reading gave a 3 year contract to Semedo in Summer 2016 before offloading him to a Cypriot team a year later. And he's now on loan in the Dutch 2nd tier.