Ball_Sup (Phil)
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From the pig endBrunt did make the first team squad didn't he? Or did I imagine that?
Wilder was quoted only last week saying that none of the youth players are ready yet. I think as fans we probably forget the level needed to play in the Premiership, even just from a physical/athletic point of view.
What are the tiers (sick of that word) Ball_Sup (Phil) mentioned? I assumed it would be,
First Team,
Under 23's
Under 20's
Under 18's
Under 16's etc.
Just with you mentioning Ayari is in our 5th side.
I see that stringer & Wards have already helpfully chipped in. United really only play in three official leagues across the First Team & Academy.
1st Team - Premier League
U23 - Professional Development League North
U18 - Professional Development League North
(& I'll emphasise again, those U23 & U18 are the Third Tier/Division. In each case, there are two divisions above us. We are the only PL club playing at that level, all the others play above us in the two Premier League 2 Divisions).
Pre Covid, the U16s used to play shadow games alongside the U18s. (ie if the U18s are playing Charlton, so do the U16s).
In that sense, Hassan is a regular in our Third XI. But I think the de facto pathway is clear.
U18
U23
EFL/non league/overseas Loans
First Team Shadow Squad (for eg Bryan)
First Team
That's not to say standout players can't jump a level. But, in that sense, Hassan is in the 5th XI.
(In fact in the Carrier Bag Firm Unofficial Roster, because of the large number of U23 players, Hassan is really 6th XI).
"Is he close to the First Team, Phil?"
Well, in terms of skill & ability, let Wilder worry about that instead of what pattern to put the cones out this week.
But, in terms of distance, look at the graphic, miles off