But is he any good ? Now we are in the premier league it gets.increasingly difficult for home grown youngsters to break through. And it was hard enough when we were down the leagues, what was the name of the centre forward who played a few games for us, went out on loan and then disappeared? Big lad about 5yrs ago I'd guess but could be longer.
In my opinion, any "will he make it" question, about any player, can be answered by
FriethBlade 's main point. It is incredibly difficult for any young player to break into a successful Championship side. Let alone a trying to find a way Premier League side. The numbers, the money, the announce announce announce culture just don't stack up.
Take the line of least resistance. Give the best odds answer. Will David Parkhouse make it at United. NO in a big font, underlined, in Red, and in bold.
What's he like Phil?
Right, that's better. I can go with that. I find him a frustrating player. He's a big, strong bustling centre forward. Up top target man. But he never seemed to score enough goals at U23 for me. We've had prolific goalscorers Jordan Hallam, Jake Wright Jnr. And, Parky didn't get anywhere near their numbers. He has the tools. Strength. Pace. Height. He's good in the air. Works hard. But, in a way I can't quite put my finger on, he wasn't particularly effective. I was always surprised to hear that "Manchester United are interested". Couldn't see it myself. We signed him from Derry. And, he's back there on loan. Incidentally, often playing up top with another Shirecliffe Academy graduate. I'm guessing he's enjoying it - he is one of their own.
The recent strategy at Shirecliffe has been - has player X made the step up? No. Move him on. Move the next younger kid Y up. That may change with Lester & Hughes in charge. And, we can now "afford" to take a longer look at kids out on loan.
There is little point in Parkhouse coming back to Shirecliffe (opinion) to get in a long queue of strikers. It wouldn't surprise me if he was told he can find a club. But, I'd be tempted to see whether we can get him a loan at a higher level than Derry & see how he cracks on there.
Obviously, if the club do something different, I'm opening myself to criticism from the Wilder Cultists. As you know, he has Super Hero Powers to watch every game, at any level, anywhere on Earth (and further afield), he can process & make instant decisions on players, that are always right. And, if it looks like he's cocked up, he can plant thoughts in fan's "minds". If only he weren't so fat...
