The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Simon's Church]

And people think this dolan mug can lead the first team?

Shambloles

[Pepe the Horseman]

Ennit. And it's no coincidence that since these players that Dolan 'developed' have come into the first team, we've been losing 4-0 almost every week.

[maffff]

Kuhl out!

[Simon's Church]

Ennit. And it's no coincidence that since these players that Dolan 'developed' have come into the first team, we've been losing 4-0 almost every week.

Damn straight. We could bring in murty as new academy director.

[maffff]

Anyone posted this yet about Theo Alexis?

http://owhentheyanks.com/2014/08/21/99- ... eading-fc/

’99 Theo Alexis impressing at Reading FC



OWTY has learned that ’99 Reading FC midfield/winger Theo Alexis is an American and interested in playing for Hugo Perez’s U15 National side.

OWTY first discovered in Alexis in 2013 upon entering the Reading Academy from Aldershot Town. Alexis entered the Reading Academy at the U15 level but has since been promoted to the U17 division.



The ’99 midfielder was born in London, England but moved to the United States weeks after his birth where he obtained a US passport.

“Right now I am focused on earning a scholarship with Reading FC, but it has always been a dream of mine to link up and represent the USA,” Alexis told OWTY over an internet interview.



Recently Alexis has been impressing in the Reading U17 side throughout the midfield, drawing plaudits from Reading first team coach Nigel Adkins, who has been thoroughly scouting the Reading academy. Both Alexis and star US U20 striker ’96 usynt Andrija Novakovich have been short-listed by the Reading staff for there promise.

Alexis’ performance with the Reading U17s in the middle of the park has earned him a spot on the Reading U18 side this season. There he plays out wide as a true winger. Alexis is hopeful that if he continues his success will lead him into the U21 side by the end of the year.

[Simon's Church]

Hopefully he's as good S his namesakes Theo Walcott and Alexis texas

[kwik-silva]

Nike Academy played us today, apparently. We won 6-4, I think.

[winchester_royal]

Harry Cardwell scored two for the Scottish U19's last night, and had this to say afterwards about why he moved to Reading from Hull:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/calculated-risk-add-ups-for-cardwell.25236080?

[Hendo]

Any chance of posting the article as you can only read the first paragraph without subscribing?

[P!ssed Off]

THE Scottish Football Association's decision to fix up training camps for English-based teenagers appears to have borne further fruit in the bustling form of Harry Cardwell.

The Reading striker notched a couple of fine goals for Scotland's Under-19 team during the 2-2 friendly draw against the Czech Republic at Cappielow on Tuesday night, further justifying the £75,000 which the Championship side paid Hull City for his services last summer.

Steve Bruce might have splashed in excess of £30m upgrading Hull City's squad this summer but essentially Cardwell made a different calculation: that his chances of career progression were far better under Nigel Adkins and the Category 1 standard academy at the Madjeski Stadium.

The issue of Anglo-Scots in the national team has rarely been thornier - the likes of Charlie Gilmour and Mackenzie Heaney now appear likely to be playing against Scotland in the Victory Shield this autumn rather than for us - but Cardwell for one is following in some famous family footsteps.

While he was born and raised south of the border, his Scotland appearance honoured his grandparents Tom and Catherine Wilson, in particular his grandfather who played with distinction as a central defender at both Millwall and Hull during the 1960s.

Indeed, Tom Wilson's family footprint wasn't restricted to playing, serving afterwards as both caretaker manager and club secretary at Boothferry Park, and granted a testimonial illustrious enough for it to be graced by both Charlton brothers, Billy Bremner and Welsh legend John Charles.

"My grandparents are both Scottish, they were born in Rosewell near Edinburgh so it is a really proud moment for me and my family to represent Scotland," said Cardwell. "As a professional footballer, my grandfather was ecstatic that I got picked to play for Scotland. He was a centre-half who was involved in 56 unbeaten games or something like that in a really successful Millwall team. And he has given me a few tips, what he didn't like playing against and things like that."

After today's closed-door game against the same opponents, Ricky Sbragia's side travel to Lithuania next month to tackle a qualifying group which includes Norway, Finland and the hosts. Cardwell, part of a sizeable Scottish contingent at Reading which includes the Under-21 player Dominic Hyam, and Under-17 regulars Zak Jules and Jake Sheppard, feels ready to take his chance for both club and country.

"The Scots do stick together, it's a bit like Scotch Corner, and we get a bit of banter from the other lads," he said. "But I was lucky enough to sign a three-year deal at Reading this summer, so it has just been positive things for me recently.

"I tried to look elsewhere, look for places that are giving players their chance, rather than just buying big name players in. I was determined to better myself as a player and if that meant moving away from home and moving to a better academy then so be it."

[Hendo]

Good reading. Can't think it will be long before he is included in a first team squad.

[maffff]

Great attitude there, hopefully he keeps progressing. Doing well by all accounts so far.

[Old Biscuitman]

Thanks for posting this article WR. Very refreshing and encouraging attitude from the lad. Seems to have his feet on the ground.

[JordCot]

Long and Griffin playing for Ireland U21's live on eurosport 2 now

[Royal Ginger]

How are they doing?

[ZacNaloen]

Lost 2-0 but it was Germany

[winchester_royal]

U16's qualify for next stage of the Premier League Tournament after beating Brighton 3-0, Southampton 2-0, and drawing 1-1 with Chelsea.

[JordCot]

They were outclassed by a pretty experienced and quality german side. Having said that, I can see why Long (RB) was put in the side ahead Griffin (LB) even though we lost cummings who was playing LB. Understandably neither were able to make an impact going forward but I thought long in general was a bit more solid at the back, closed down his man better and made a few good tackles. I think Griff was up against the better winger but was beaten a lot down his wing and completely switched off for the wrongly disallowed goal

[winchester_royal]

U21's win 2-1 at Stoke

[AthleticoSpizz]

Jon Henly goes on loan to Welling