On a positive note - Uche Ikpeazu

[maffff]

Given that Obita's training with the first team atm one would assume he's under contract, same with Taylor

Just strange how both were hyped so much and they publicised their contract details then it's all gone under the radar. Perhaps they aren't the golden boys they used to be....

And as far as I know all 3 of them are set to sign.. [if they haven't already]

[SCIAG]

Why did they only offer Partridge a one-year deal? Seems bizarre.

[winchester_royal]

:|

It was probably the Academy's best season ever. They could've given it to a number of players Shirley.

As you pointed out he scored 28 from 29 so unsure why they wouldn't rate him.

I imagine they look for more than just whether he can score goals against defenders 6 inches smaller and 3 stone lighter than him when it comes to evaluating a striker's potential tbh

[winchester_royal]

Of course, if we're looking for an example of a big guy who excelled at U18 level and has since gone on to do not an awful lot, they don't come more fitting than Frank Nouble.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5424976,00.html

[maffff]

Ipswich thought he was good enough to spend £25k on last January......

[winchester_royal]

I stand corrected

[CrispyRoyal]

It's official, he's announced it on his Twitter. Shame.

[maffff]

"Evening I just now want to clear the air, and let everyone know I have joined Watford football club, I just want to use this moment to thank
All the reading people right down to the fans, I'm not going to answer any questions as to why but I am now looking forward to a new
Challenge, thank you once again and hopefully I can do my best for the @watfordfcsays FC"

[winchester_royal]

Nice shirt, Watford buy you that?

[maffff]

Watford don't field an u21 team, so I wonder where he'll get game time next year.

[winchester_royal]

#stackingshelvesin5years #reversedavekitson

[ZacNaloen]

Watford don't field an u21 team, so I wonder where he'll get game time next year.

He can't be that stupid that not being "officially" part of a development squad gets him any closer to the first team, can he?

[GreaterTorontoRoyal]

Wish all the best for Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu.

Watford better not be trying to steal all of our awesomely named players - next they'll be after Jobi, Tariqe Fosu, Ugwu and Crossdale

[Tilehurstsouthbank]

Gutted about this. Big Uche looked to have massive potential. Wouldn't be surprised to see him play in Watford's first team. They've lost nearly all of those players from last season due to the tightening of the loans from Europe rules.

[Royal Ginger]

Best titled thread ever.

[Norfolk Royal]

Why did they only offer Partridge a one-year deal? Seems bizarre.

He deserved a second series in my book.

[maffff]

Now on their O/S - http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/1 ... 84926.aspx

OFFICIAL: Hornets Sign Ikpeazu

Highly-rated 18-year-old signs for Watford on three-year deal
WATFORD have completed the signing of promising young striker Uche Ikpeazu.

The highly-rated 18-year-old joins the Hornets having agreed a three-year professional contract at Vicarage Road.

Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, the powerful centre forward scored 28 goals in 28 appearances for Reading’s Under-18s side in 2012/13, finishing the season as the country’s top scorer at Academy level.

Among his strikes last term were impressive hat-tricks against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn and QPR.

Ikpeazu, who was born in the London Borough of Harrow, joined the Royals’ Academy in late 2010 and experienced a successful loan spell at Evo-Stik side Didcot Town in 2012, scoring two goals from three games at the age of 16.

The Hornets’ Technical Director Gian Luca Nani said: “We are very pleased Uche is joining us at Watford.

“At 18 he is still young, but he’s a very bright prospect and we’re looking forward to seeing him progress under Gianfranco Zola.”

Return to watfordfc.com and Hornets Player this afternoon for exclusive reaction from Ikpeazu.

[melonhead]

bit weird.
was being hyped alot. and the cryptic lack of reasons seem odd.

[Elm Park Kid]

Have RFC made any significant missteps with letting young players go in the last 10 years? I suppose Simon Cox was looking like a mistake for a while but not sure now.

[andrew1957]

This is very disappointing and very odd all round.

I think he could go on to be a top player and if so could be the worst mistake the club have made in recent years at Academy level.

Why was he not contracted at a younger age? The likes of Tishbola and Tanner were. He went off to play a tournament with Man Unt a year or so ago with Cooper if I recall rightly so was obviously highly rated.

I can see from his point of view that potential first team football at Watford is a big draw.