U23s Away at Watford

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

A few years ago, Hull City got into a right pickle with an U21 (as it was then) fixture pile up. In the end, to find an available date/venue, they played a double header at the KCOM. The First Team kicking off at 3pm. The U21s kicking off at 5pm. That by chance experiment was so successful that, every now & then, they still do it to this day. This coming Saturday, Hull kick off against SWFC at 3pm, and at 5pm Hull City U23 kick off v Millwall. It is an excellent way of engaging fans in U23 football. Fans who have only a passing interest in "the kids" can just hang around after the first team, get a drink on the concourse & see what's happening. Likewise, the U23s get some experience of playing in front of a bigger crowd on a bigger stage. I'd love to see SUFC try this at the Lane.

 

[Baw Heid]

A few years ago, Hull City got into a right pickle with an U21 (as it was then) fixture pile up. In the end, to find an available date/venue, they played a double header at the KCOM. The First Team kicking off at 3pm. The U21s kicking off at 5pm. That by chance experiment was so successful that, every now & then, they still do it to this day. This coming Saturday, Hull kick off against SWFC at 3pm, and at 5pm Hull City U23 kick off v Millwall. It is an excellent way of engaging fans in U23 football. Fans who have only a passing interest in "the kids" can just hang around after the first team, get a drink on the concourse & see what's happening. Likewise, the U23s get some experience of playing in front of a bigger crowd on a bigger stage. I'd love to see SUFC try this at the Lane.

One of our Academy games against Hull was held after the main match at the KCOM. I remember having to battle through the crush to get in. Less people than you would think remained but the Hull first team players appeared to support their youngsters. A nice gesture well worth a try at The Lane, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Baw Heid]

We also get better results there ,the boys may feel happier there

Very true what you say and some of our pampered opponents don't appreciate the surroundings.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Ball_. Are you impressed by Binnion? Just interested and wondered. Any views Baw, Larky, Red?

 

[Grappler]

I always like to read your match reports (and of course beer reports), usually on your blog page, do you have a link to that?

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

I'm reasonably sure it's Beckford. Hutchinson has played for the U23s v Newcastle. I haven't written about him today. He didn't stand out. But he was in "decent game" territory.

I'm hearing rumours that Issac's younger brother Jake is also trialling with our Academy. (Maybe he played U16 v Palace on Saturday)

I’m friends with their father so just sent him a message to get a bit more info. Both have been at Brighton

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Ball_. Are you impressed by Binnion? Just interested and wondered. Any views Baw, Larky, Red?

I am a Huuuugggge Binnion fan. Verging on creepy. He is an immensely impressive young man. And an absolute credit to the Club. If anyone wants to know the style of our Academy, go to one U23 game, listen to Binnion's shouts to the players for 5 minutes, then go home. It helps that he has got a very loud voice. He doesn't just shout "rubbish" or "don't do that" - nor is it all "superb" or "you're the best".
It's explanatory "Regan if you go tighter on the left, that'll open a gap for Stephen"
It's upbeat "Harvey fill in there, get it, move it"
It's supportive "Bomber, that was good, just the right position"

Honestly, in 5 minutes you'll know what we're about. I went to a Q&A with him once. He's very open, honest, simple & impressive. Man Crush ...

 

[I should coco]

Honestly, in 5 minutes you'll know what we're about. I went to a Q&A with him once. He's very open, honest, simple & impressive. Man Crush

Man Crush? Is that a new beer and do you have a link to your blog?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Man Crush? Is that a new beer and do you have a link to your blog?

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/inside-shirecliffe.htm

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Man Crush? Is that a new beer and do you have a link to your blog?

http://untp.beer/27257e79eb

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

Ball_Sup (Phil)

I used to have to walk past the moon daily on my way to work. It's extremely unappealing, but you'll struggle to find much real ale around the Parade and High Street. The best one is at the top over the road but the name escapes me.

I regularly saw scraps outside there and the one bell. Poor clientelle.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Ball_Sup (Phil)

I used to have to walk past the moon daily on my way to work. It's extremely unappealing, but you'll struggle to find much real ale around the Parade and High Street. The best one is at the top over the road but the name escapes me.

I regularly saw scraps outside there and the one bell. Poor clientelle.

The last time I was away at Watford, we went to The Sportsman at Croxley Green. Here's the Blog

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/behind-closed-doors.html

 

[I should coco]

I don't think 'Man Crush' will be popping up any time soon in the Cremorne.

Oskar Blues Brewery
Subsidiary of CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective
Longmont, CO United States
Micro Brewery

If only we had a link to a blog where some helpful Unitedite posted about beer and yoof footie........

 

[Baw Heid]

Ball_. Are you impressed by Binnion? Just interested and wondered. Any views Baw, Larky, Red?

A great coach who knows how to get the best out of his team. He has been working with a small number of players but he still manages to encourage trialists and younger boys to adapt to our high action passing game. During the last two games he called over two of our strikers, passed on a few encouragements and tactics and would you believe it both scored within 5 minutes. Trav is part of the 23 experience and his actions really do motivate his charges

 

[Grappler]

I don't think 'Man Crush' will be popping up any time soon in the Cremorne.

Oskar Blues Brewery
Subsidiary of CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective
Longmont, CO United States
Micro Brewery

If only we had a link to a blog where some helpful Unitedite posted about beer and yoof footie........

I was thinking the same thing ISC, it would be great if someone went to see the U23's and at the same time, sampled a local beer, and then wrote about both in a web log, or "blog" as people seem to have started calling it.

 

[I should coco]

it would be great if someone went to see the U23's and at the same time, sampled a local beer, and then wrote about both in a web log, or "blog" as people seem to have started calling it

Yes, but who could we get to do such a thing?

He/she would have to be committed to both beer and football and be in possession of a carrier bag to hold all the copious notes we'd want him to write.

No idea where we even start to find someone with those niche credentials!

 

[Grappler]

Yes, but who could we get to do such a thing?

He/she would have to be committed to both beer and football and be in possession of a carrier bag to hold all the copious notes we'd want him to write.

No idea where we even start to find someone with those niche credentials!

It's a long shot mate, but if we don't ask, we won't get.

 

[Treeton Blade]

A few years ago, Hull City got into a right pickle with an U21 (as it was then) fixture pile up. In the end, to find an available date/venue, they played a double header at the KCOM. The First Team kicking off at 3pm. The U21s kicking off at 5pm. That by chance experiment was so successful that, every now & then, they still do it to this day. This coming Saturday, Hull kick off against SWFC at 3pm, and at 5pm Hull City U23 kick off v Millwall. It is an excellent way of engaging fans in U23 football. Fans who have only a passing interest in "the kids" can just hang around after the first team, get a drink on the concourse & see what's happening. Likewise, the U23s get some experience of playing in front of a bigger crowd on a bigger stage. I'd love to see SUFC try this at the Lane.

Perfect opportunity was this Sat for the rearranged U23 game v Colchester.

Instead it kicks off at 14:00 at Shirecliffe while everyone is at the Lane!

 

[Redhead]

Perfect opportunity was this Sat for the rearranged U23 game v Colchester.

Instead it kicks off at 14:00 at Shirecliffe while everyone is at the Lane!

I agree.

What a chance to give the youngsters a platform to show our fans what they are about.

When I see the time, money, effort every other club makes for their 23s, we are absolutely miles behind them.

Leaving at 5am to play Watford in a 23s game at lunchtime is unfair on the players.
Yet they still churn out results.

Would be nice if they are drawn at home in the 23s Premier Cup Semi Final that the club made it free entry to The Lane and increase the support.

 

[Baw Heid]

I agree.

What a chance to give the youngsters a platform to show our fans what they are about.

When I see the time, money, effort every other club makes for their 23s, we are absolutely miles behind them.

Leaving at 5am to play Watford in a 23s game at lunchtime is unfair on the players.
Yet they still churn out results.

Would be nice if they are drawn at home in the 23s Premier Cup Semi Final that the club made it free entry to The Lane and increase the support.

The team may want to play at their home ground we could make that free

 

[Ihadadream]

The U23’s would rather play at Stocksbridge, it was the players themselves that asked for the Newcastle game to be played up there. I think because the majority of their games are played up there they feel more comfortable with it

 

[Redhead]

The U23’s would rather play at Stocksbridge, it was the players themselves that asked for the Newcastle game to be played up there. I think because the majority of their games are played up there they feel more comfortable with it

I am told that was the case. Which is fair enough.

My point is the lack of coverage the 23s get. No u23s player or management interviews. No match build up, the continued messing with the team, the lack of interest from the first team players and management.
The official twitter doesn’t even give match updates.

The only updates is from a man with a supermarket bag half cut on suspect ale ........ only kidding Phil. Thank god you do what you do.

Our 23s must be the most under invested 23s side in the top two divisions.....

 

[1889]

I am told that was the case. Which is fair enough.

My point is the lack of coverage the 23s get. No u23s player or management interviews. No match build up, the continued messing with the team, the lack of interest from the first team players and management.
The official twitter doesn’t even give match updates.

The only updates is from a man with a supermarket bag half cut on suspect ale ........ only kidding Phil. Thank god you do what you do.

Our 23s must be the most under invested 23s side in the top two divisions.....

I disagree, I think the way things are is spot on. if you're interested in the U23's or U18's, their games are accessible to all to go and watch, usually free of charge.

I think it is very important to keep young lads out of the spotlight, they don't need to be doing interviews, they need to be keeping their feet firmly on the ground, working hard and enjoying their football.

Plenty of time for all the media duties, when and if they actually make it

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I disagree, I think the way things are is spot on. if you're interested in the U23's or U18's, their games are accessible to all to go and watch, usually free of charge.

I think it is very important to keep young lads out of the spotlight, they don't need to be doing interviews, they need to be keeping their feet firmly on the ground, working hard and enjoying their football.

Plenty of time for all the media duties, when and if they actually make it

Hello there 1889
Have you ever set the alarm for 0600
Got a bus to Chesterfield
Train to Derby
Train to Crewe
Train to Nantwich
Sank an 8.8% Double IPA from West By Three brewery
Walked for 30 minutes
And got to a ground to find the game is NOT kicking off at the time it says on the SUFC Website
Well, that's what fucking happened to me on Wednesday
You say "their games are accessible..."
The basic information Utd give about their age group teams is very poor.
Be warned if anyone replies, I am liable to hit them with a previous trip to Watford - to find it was being played behind closed doors.

 

[Redhead]

I disagree, I think the way things are is spot on. if you're interested in the U23's or U18's, their games are accessible to all to go and watch, usually free of charge.

I think it is very important to keep young lads out of the spotlight, they don't need to be doing interviews, they need to be keeping their feet firmly on the ground, working hard and enjoying their football.

Plenty of time for all the media duties, when and if they actually make it

The idea of 23s football is to open the lads up to the next stage of what might happen in the next step of their journey.....

So interviews, traveling the night before games, playing in big stadiums is all part of preparing them if they are promoted to the first team.

I was told about Callum Semple being interviewed on Chinese Tv during the clubs Kevin McCabes business trip to China. The audience on that channel was 15 million.
You can’t buy that experience....

At the moment our 23s games move about, change kick off times at very short notice. Which is piss poor for the young lads trying to prepare for the games and the hardy soles who love watching them.

Sorry, but at the moment I imagine Travis Binnion must be royalty pissed off with it all.
I also bet young Ty Smith gets pissed off when Binnion is told that Ched is playing for the 23s today and Ched turns up and couldn’t give a toss and young Smith is sat on the bench having to watch it .

 

[1889]

Hello there 1889
Have you ever set the alarm for 0600
Got a bus to Chesterfield
Train to Derby
Train to Crewe
Train to Nantwich
Sank an 8.8% Double IPA from West By Three brewery
Walked for 30 minutes
And got to a ground to find the game is NOT kicking off at the time it says on the SUFC Website
Well, that's what fucking happened to me on Wednesday
You say "their games are accessible..."
The basic information Utd give about their age group teams is very poor.
Be warned if anyone replies, I am liable to hit them with a previous trip to Watford - to find it was being played behind closed doors.

Morning Ball_Sup (Phil)
To be honest, no, I haven't.

I do agree that the club could and should provide more Twitter information about games, scores and postponements etc, in this day and age that's surely just good manners.

I just don't agree that the players need anymore media exposure, other than they already receive thanks to your excellent blog.

 

[1889]

The idea of 23s football is to open the lads up to the next stage of what might happen in the next step of their journey.....

So interviews, traveling the night before games, playing in big stadiums is all part of preparing them if they are promoted to the first team.

I was told about Callum Semple being interviewed on Chinese Tv during the clubs Kevin McCabes business trip to China. The audience on that channel was 15 million.
You can’t buy that experience....

At the moment our 23s games move about, change kick off times at very short notice. Which is piss poor for the young lads trying to prepare for the games and the hardy soles who love watching them.

Sorry, but at the moment I imagine Travis Binnion must be royalty pissed off with it all.
I also bet young Ty Smith gets pissed off when Binnion is told that Ched is playing for the 23s today and Ched turns up and couldn’t give a toss and young Smith is sat on the bench having to watch it .

Sorry I disagree, the U23s are part of the academy, developing as players but ultimately there to support the first team. The best thing about our academy is that the lads are very grounded, no big time attitudes, no coloured boots, no stupid haircuts.

If Ty Smith has to sit on the bench because a first team player needs a run out, that just seeks to remind him he still has a long way to go, which in my opinion, is no bad thing.

Statistically, of all players who get a first year pro contract, only 25% are still involved in professional football 5 years later. That and that alone, needs to be the main focus of their attention.

 

[Redhead]

Sorry I disagree, the U23s are part of the academy, developing as players but ultimately there to support the first team. The best thing about our academy is that the lads are very grounded, no big time attitudes, no coloured boots, no stupid haircuts.

If Ty Smith has to sit on the bench because a first team player needs a run out, that just seeks to remind him he still has a long way to go, which in my opinion, is no bad thing.

Statistically, of all players who get a first year pro contract, only 25% are still involved in professional football 5 years later. That and that alone, needs to be the main focus of their attention.

I am not saying they should be splashed all over the media and to imply so is false.

Every player in our academy has been brought up to be grounded, work hard and be focused on the now.

At 23s the focus, grounding is there. After getting through the 1% of academy players to get a pro contract they now have a 25% of a career in the game.

Part of that is exposing them to the possible demands of being a pro for the rest of your career.

Why does our club let its young pros go and train with other first teams in the lower leagues? It’s not to get the lads all big headed. It’s to expose them to what it would be like to train in a first team environment...

Just as a media interview would not be about making them big headed. More to expose them to that part of the game.

I kind of hope you know the 23s players well as I am sure you would agree a more grounded, hardworking and level headed bunch of players you could not wish to meet.

It is just my opinion that as other clubs do, our lads need to be exposed to other sides of the game. This is part of learning.

As for Ty Smith, I am sure he fully understands why a first team player needs to play. As do all the squad.
But when said player doesn’t try a leg and the 23s then go out a cup or lose points in the league, I fully understand their frustration, because part of the academy education and that of Chris Wilder at SUFC is about producing winners !!

 

[Treeton Blade]

U23 semi final draw.....Swansea AWAY

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Morning Ball_Sup (Phil)
To be honest, no, I haven't.

I do agree that the club could and should provide more Twitter information about games, scores and postponements etc, in this day and age that's surely just good manners.

I just don't agree that the players need anymore media exposure, other than they already receive thanks to your excellent blog.

1889 cheers, you & me are on the same page that the club at least need to get the factual information quick & accurate.
An employee of the club has previously DMd me in the minutes after a 23 game has finished to ask for clarification on scorers etc. Then, within minutes, the official Club Twitter feed pumps out the info.
I'm thinking of giving out the wrong score one week & see what happens ...