Who will be the next academy player to break into 1st Team

[Esteban]

From what I've seen of the U18 side this season, none of them. Good ability in there, but there's no one who is talented enough to take a punt on in a league game and they all need time to develop physically. I do think we'll see a good number of them make a career out of football though and some at Reading.

As for the U21 side, obviously Taylor and Hector have had playing time already and D'Ath and Samuel now have league experience, which will stand them in good stead. Khul looks good, is rarely more than 15 yards away from the centre circle, but he's bossed the midfield in every game I've seen play (which isn't a lot, probably 8-10). But Tshbola is the one who looks most likely to me. I wouldn't be concerned if he got 30 minutes from the bench at any time. A very good player.

Our U21 side is very good though and I think we'll see a few break through and most look like they could have a decent career at some level.

If we end up having to 'cut our cloth' again, then I hope we prioritise our academy and find the money to fund the cat1 status requirements. I really believe it will pay for itself in the long run.

[SCIAG]

Some of the forwards will have to be introduced next season so the likes of Tanner, Samuel (when fit) and Ugwu. If we don't go up we will need Pav off the wage bill and Le Fondre will be snapped up by a prem side, most likely.

One or more of Tanner, Ugwu and Samuel have a great chance next season. If we fail to get promoted this season, we are in a very difficult position financially. While some just shrug their shoulders and say we'll lose Pog, Guthrie, Kelly, Roberts, Leigertwood.. and that's a big saving, the reality will be that a lot more will need to go that just those five.

I am not sure about that. Whilst we do not have Zingarevich, we still have all our parachute payments, so we won't be any worse off than this season. We'll just need to fund the usual "black hole".

Pog, Guthrie and Roberts are on huge wages and losing them will help a lot- we would save approximately £5m a year. We could probably get £2m each for Guthrie and Pogrebnyak. Based on past sales, I would be surprised if that doesn't cover the "black hole". That would hopefully mean any more money raised or saved (for example, the sale of Federici or Kelly; the saved wages of those two and Leigertwood) would be available for transfers.

[Royal Ginger]

That would hopefully mean any more money raised or saved (for example, the sale of Federici or Kelly; the saved wages of those two and Leigertwood) would be available for transfers.

If SJM is feeling generous. With both owners wanting out, freeing up money doesn't meet we'll spend it. They mat just want to keep it for themselves.

[Loyal royal 247]

Jake cooper who is of to the under 21 World Cup in Slovenia . Saw him play the other night and he played amazing.

[Ian Royal]

From what I've seen of the U18 side this season, none of them. Good ability in there, but there's no one who is talented enough to take a punt on in a league game and they all need time to develop physically. I do think we'll see a good number of them make a career out of football though and some at Reading.

As for the U21 side, obviously Taylor and Hector have had playing time already and D'Ath and Samuel now have league experience, which will stand them in good stead. Khul looks good, is rarely more than 15 yards away from the centre circle, but he's bossed the midfield in every game I've seen play (which isn't a lot, probably 8-10). But Tshbola is the one who looks most likely to me. I wouldn't be concerned if he got 30 minutes from the bench at any time. A very good player.

Our U21 side is very good though and I think we'll see a few break through and most look like they could have a decent career at some level.

If we end up having to 'cut our cloth' again, then I hope we prioritise our academy and find the money to fund the cat1 status requirements. I really believe it will pay for itself in the long run.

I'd happily see Stacey, Watson, or Owusu get a game in an emergency. And Kuhl and Hyam arnt far behind and only because kuhl is tiny and hyam is a centreback.

[Royals and Racers]

From what I've seen of the U18 side this season, none of them. Good ability in there, but there's no one who is talented enough to take a punt on in a league game and they all need time to develop physically. I do think we'll see a good number of them make a career out of football though and some at Reading.

As for the U21 side, obviously Taylor and Hector have had playing time already and D'Ath and Samuel now have league experience, which will stand them in good stead. Khul looks good, is rarely more than 15 yards away from the centre circle, but he's bossed the midfield in every game I've seen play (which isn't a lot, probably 8-10). But Tshbola is the one who looks most likely to me. I wouldn't be concerned if he got 30 minutes from the bench at any time. A very good player.

Our U21 side is very good though and I think we'll see a few break through and most look like they could have a decent career at some level.

If we end up having to 'cut our cloth' again, then I hope we prioritise our academy and find the money to fund the cat1 status requirements. I really believe it will pay for itself in the long run.

I'd happily see Stacey, Watson, or Owusu get a game in an emergency. And Kuhl and Hyam arnt far behind and only because kuhl is tiny and hyam is a centreback.

Are you getting your Kuhl and Kelly mixed up ?? Hyam is the best prospect IMO

[Ian Royal]

No. Kelly is even smaller, and I'm not convinced he actually has a clear position yet.

[Royals and Racers]

No. Kelly is even smaller, and I'm not convinced he actually has a clear position yet.

Kuhl is not "tiny " pictured here with Stacey https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=aaron ... B615%3B409
Suppose he could be standing on a box !!

[Esteban]

No. Kelly is even smaller, and I'm not convinced he actually has a clear position yet.

Kuhl is not "tiny " pictured here with Stacey https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=aaron ... B615%3B409
Suppose he could be standing on a box !!

In terms of physique for the position he plays, Kuhl is a little lightweight; but he is young and has time to fill out. Kelly looks like he's about 12, but again has time on his side and could grow a few more inches. He is a very good player, but some way off the first team yet. I agree with Ian, he's not really got a position yet. Great that we've got him contracted though.

As Ian said in response to my earlier post, there are several that could do a job from the bench, with Hector and Taylor in line for a start sooner rather than later. I hope to see Tshibola get his debut soon.

Due to family and work commitments, I struggle to get to Saturday games, so I use the Academy and U21 games played at the stadium to supplement the evening first team games I can get to. I'd encourage everyone to go and see a youth team game if you can. The standard of football is good, the style of play is not as direct as the first team (not getting at Adkins with that remark!) and there are some great players coming through. Our academy is beginning to support our first team squad with several players and although there is probably some uncertainty about its future whilst we have ownership issues, it's achieving its goals. I think that's something to be proud of.