The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[CountryRoyal]

Good stuff SCIAG thanks for your notes.

Re your last point, just like the senior team for the last couple of seasons.

[Nameless]

Agree with most of that SCIAG ,
Osho and Andersson certainly show our production line of centre backs continues , especially given Tom McIntyre wasn't playing. Both good on the ball, strong and calm. Andersson is a big lad, but his throws were a waste of time. Lobbing a loopy long throw towards the box needs a big guy to cause problems under it and if Andresson is taking the throw then there is. O one of his size to get on the end of it !
The lack of genuine wingers was noticeable. If Stacey and Fosu and been in that age group it would have made a big difference.
The keeper had little to do but was noticeable very comfortable with the ball at his feet and despite United trying to close him down I can't recall him miskicking or panicking. Would have been nice if he had had to make a save so we could have judged his actual keeping ability.
I was disappointed in Barrett. Had high expectations but felt that while he clearly has lots of skill it wasn't put to best use. Perhaps he'd look a more polished player in an U21 game ?
Overall it was good to see the number of talented players we have, there may have been nerves at play last night and hopefully they will grow into the tournament. If McIntyre is fit for the next round it will be interesting to see if he plays and what difference he makes.
Would certainly recommend people getting to these u18 /u21 games, they are usually well worth the price of admittance....

[CountryRoyal]

U21s beat Boro 3-2 at home.

[If you still hate Futcher]

Decided to go on Tuesday as I'd not had a chance to see the U18s and was particularly interested in seeing how Ryan East got on (he used to play in the same team as my nephew).

Agree with everything that nameless and SCIAG have previously written, we were by far the better side and our movement and passing meant the United players looked to be tiring after about 30 minutes. It seemed only a matter of time before we'd score although United were content to sit back and let us play around the fringes, only really pressing us in their 3rd of the pitch.

Unfortunately it was them who got the goal and I then thought we'd be in for more of the same or worse as they'd continue to sit back. But fair play to them, apart from one clear chance straight after the goal, they probably enjoyed the best of things for about 20 mins after they scored as the goal lifted them and knocked us off our game a bit and we tried to force things.

The long throw may work against some other teams but was bread and butter for the massed ranks they had back with no real target for us to hit.

The penalty was correct but the red card was harsh (unless it was for dangerous play) as it was hardly denying a goal scoring opportunity. it would've been interesting to see what action the ref would've taken had the ball gone in instead of past the post.

All in all it was a deserved win but we really should've done it inside 90 minutes

[ZacNaloen]

In theory there is achance Ryan could have caught that ball if not taken out there was no one to clear it, that's why I think the Red is correct by the letter of the law.

However, those challenges shouldn't be a Red. He was going for the ball, not the player, it's not a professional foul.

[If you still hate Futcher]

I suppose it comes down to where you stand with the "Andrew Johnson debate" or "kick it into row Z and run into the keeper"

In my opinion there was no way our forward would've got to the ball after knocking it goalward and he certainly wasn't taken down trying to go round the keeper. Add to that, t wasn't deliberate and there is also an argument that their centre back wouild've got to it first in any case.

For me there was too much doubt give a red (or to put it another way the ref had the option to not to send him off) and in a game of such importance the ref should look to keep both sides equal

[RG30]

If we beat Fulham in the next round of the FA Youth Cup then we face the winners of Wolves/Met Police

[From Despair To Where?]

Met Police have got an U18's side??

Good thing Nick Blackman's not in that age group. They might mistake his name for a policy directive.

[CountryRoyal]

Met Police have got an U18's side??

They have all age groups but the seniors haven't had an actual policeman play for them since 2011. All seems a bit pointless.

Good thing Nick Blackman's not in that age group. They might mistake his name for a policy directive.

[Nameless]

Wolves haven't had an actual Wolf play for them since 1996

[CountryRoyal]

Wolves haven't had an actual Wolf play for them since 1996

None of our players have read anything since 1896.

[Royals and Racers]

U18`s lost 2-0 at Leicester today-with only 4 matches left of the 1st stage, they are looking good to finish in the top 4 and progress into the top group for the last stage.
competition explained http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/matc ... on-format/

[Royals and Racers]

Reading`s FA youth cup 4th round tie is to be played at Fulham`s training ground in Motspur Park on Monday January 18th KO 7PM

[Royal Ginger]

Stacey is back at the club after his loan at Barnet and scored in a 4-2 victory for the U21s against the fakeys.

[mambo3]

Why has Craig Tanner got no squad number and the other players out on loan have.

[Tomahawk25]

http://youtu.be/2zl731X-uIM

New player, one of the best Bosnian young players. Signed a 3-year contract with the club. Wanted by Tottenham and Everton, but decided for Reading, cause he believes, he will faster get a chance to play in the first team.

[Simon's Church]

Good to get Williams' replacement in nice and early

[maffff]

http://youtu.be/2zl731X-uIM

New player, one of the best Bosnian young players. Signed a 3-year contract with the club. Wanted by Tottenham and Everton, but decided for Reading, cause he believes, he will faster get a chance to play in the first team.

Nice spot!

Self confirms on his instathingy

[Tomahawk25]

He won several awards for the best young player in his generation, scored over 100 goals in last 3 years in youth competitions, plays attacking midfield and both wings. Was regular in the U-15 and U-17 National team. They call him the Bosnian Messi, really good with the ball, his technique is amazing, and in my opinion the club needs a bit of "magic" to move things a bit.

[P!ssed Off]

He won several awards for the best young player in his generation, scored over 100 goals in last 3 years in youth competitions, plays attacking midfield and both wings. Was regular in the U-15 and U-17 National team. They call him the Bosnian Messi, really good with the ball, his technique is amazing, and in my opinion the club needs a bit of "magic" to move things a bit.

Welcome to the board Seid.