The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Royals and Racers]

Anyone know what the side is?

I know we started out playing Popa, House and Barrett as a front three, but I think House went off and there was another sub at HT.

Our No. 3's looked decent

Legg,Holmes,Osho,Andresson,Medford-Smith,East,Sheppard,Holsgrove,House,Popa,
Barrett
House replaced by Frost
Sheppard replaced by Howe

Ta. I thought 3 would be Osho. Can't say Andresson has really stood out to me. Med-ford-Smith hasn't particularly impressed me. East, Sheppard and Holsgrove all looked tidy, but not hugely impressed though. None of them have played badly though.

I like the 2 Holmes- he looks a decent prospect.

[Sutekh]

Dragged my backside down for the second half. Quite a good crowd and atmosphere considering

Playing pretty well imo, quite entertaining. Couple of nice assists for Popa

Not getting why Popa is continually not getting a look in for the first team while struggling players like Aluko and GMac (sadly) are always involved. He’s looked really sharp on the few occasions he has got a chance. Now he seems to have been dumped in the U23s so i’m now thinking he’ll be leaving in January

[Hound]

Agree Sutekh

Like his attitude and his movement

Been good tonight, obv bearing in mind the oppo

[windermereROYAL]

Really good game. enjoyed that, we`ve got some decent players there. Villa keeper kept them in it.

[Snowflake Royal]

Popa had some great moments, but looked to be determined to score himself once the third went in. I'd have liked to see him continue to play more for the team and maybe pick up another couple of assists. He's definitely hungry for the first team.

I like him, quick, good feet and stocky with a low centre of gravity so should have the strength to hold the ball up.

Barrett also stood out, but given our squad balance I don't think he's going to be pushing for many starts just yet. Looked harder working and more built than last time I saw him. Less of a fancy dan.

Overall a good team performance. Some poor decision making and sloppy play, but what can you expect. We could easily have had more. Mind you, if Villa stopped diving at every opportunity and Grealish passed more often Villa could say the same.

Very sensible display from the ref for a youth team game.

That was the best Reading match I've seen for a while.

[windermereROYAL]

Gutted Popa doesn`t figure in Stams plans, surely he would be better leading the line than Beerans?

[Snowflake Royal]

Gutted Popa doesn`t figure in Stams plans, surely he would be better leading the line than Beerans?

I thought he seemed to move more central in the second half for the academy and was less dangerous, so I'm not sure. Maybe.

[Hound]

His starting position was generally on the wing, but was often making runs in behind the CBS

Agree was a thoroughly enjoyable game. Obvs don’t want to pollute this thread about passing styles etc, but as shown when done well it’s great to watch.

Barrett has something about him certainly. Osho looked decent. And the midfield generally looked tidy and intelligent - wasn’t quite sure who was who tbh, but I think it was Frost who had a couple of good chances

Glad I went down there anyway. Nice to be entertained and see us win

[tidus_mi2]

At what point does Barrett get another shot in the team?

[Hound]

At what point does Barrett get another shot in the team?

Wouldn’t say yet. A loan would do him good. Think he has it in him to make it as a pro though

[Snowflake Royal]

At what point does Barrett get another shot in the team?

He seems to play left side of a front three, which puts him in competition with Barrow and Beerens, as well as a fit Harriott and maybe Swift and Clement... so no time soon I expect. I'd argue our left hand attack is one of the more functional parts of the team right now.

Be good to see him at least get some FA Cup minutes and maybe a couple of appearances in the league towards the end of the season if we're safe.

[3points]

Barrett played as a centre forward once House went off. Put in a decent shift and was surprisingly decent in the air, though the Villa centre backs weren't exactly impressive. Agreed he's also bulked out.

Thought Osho looked like he could have a future. Seemed to read the game well. Andersen looks destined for a league 1 career I think. The others were all a bit "samey" for me. Tidy players and well coached. Holmes could break through, perhaps.

I did enjoy the game. Interesting that our second and third goals were both scored from fast paced counter attacks. Lot of one touch football and the coach kept shouting "two touch" to the players. Clearly wanted the ball to be moved around at pace.

How greedy was Grealish? Their No 9 was hilarious with his antics around the penalty shouts and the 11 wasn't much better. Their coach was also quite funny at times.

[Hound]

I did enjoy the game. Interesting that our second and third goals were both scored from fast paced counter attacks.

And without wanting to Labour the point, based on Popa’s movement and getting behind the full back.

Actually much like the goal he scored against Villa in the 2-1

[winchester_royal]

Have to say I was very impressed with Jordan Holsgrove.

Didn't do anything 'spectacular' but looked in complete control of the game throughout. His one issue may just be a lack of physicality.

[Snowflake Royal]

Anyone surprised East didn't see red?

Got all of the ball and basically none of the player, but jumped in two footed in a way that any mistake could cause a horrendous injury. Reminiscent of Brynjar's.

[Hound]

England U17 World Cup semi on BBC at 12:30

Not sure if Loader will make it on the pitch, but hopefully he'll get some minutes

[Royals and Racers]

England U17 World Cup semi on BBC at 12:30

Not sure if Loader will make it on the pitch, but hopefully he'll get some minutes

On red button

[Hound]

Englands U17 are seriously sh!t hot.

no disgrace Loader not getting a game there

[CountryRoyal]

Englands U17 are seriously sh!t hot.

Pedo.

[Hound]

Another win for the u23s tonight

2-0 at West Brom

Marshall doing a great job there. Goals from Barratt and Holsgrove, West Brom had that 15m Oliver Burke in their line up. No first team
Squad Regulars played for us this time