Houston_Blade
Well-Known Member
I’m with Ball_Sup (Phil) on this. The only ones anywhere near being considered for our first team are out on loan.
The generally accepted pathway into first team football at PL level seems to be (rightly or wrongly) is U18’s > U23’s > Loans at various levels > first team squad > first team.
The days of risking a kid seem to have gone unless they are a world beater. The reasons are numerous but the scrutiny of fans and media and the advent of social media could mean that a young kid, who 15 years ago might get 10 games to prove their credentials, now needs to be an instant hit or get battered in the media, on forums and on Twitter/FB.
I’d say Ayari might find himself on loan in January or the summer and then have a chance back with us if he excels on loan. It might even be a league 1/2 loan then a championship loan before being near our team.
That assumes that we are still in the PL of course, we might be in a position to give youngsters a bash next season if not.
The generally accepted pathway into first team football at PL level seems to be (rightly or wrongly) is U18’s > U23’s > Loans at various levels > first team squad > first team.
The days of risking a kid seem to have gone unless they are a world beater. The reasons are numerous but the scrutiny of fans and media and the advent of social media could mean that a young kid, who 15 years ago might get 10 games to prove their credentials, now needs to be an instant hit or get battered in the media, on forums and on Twitter/FB.
I’d say Ayari might find himself on loan in January or the summer and then have a chance back with us if he excels on loan. It might even be a league 1/2 loan then a championship loan before being near our team.
That assumes that we are still in the PL of course, we might be in a position to give youngsters a bash next season if not.