Help with the under 23's

[BanbridgeBlade]

I'm heading up to Linfield in a few weeks to watch our under 23's but I have to admit I know very little about our U23's. I follow the games on S24SU twitter but being in Ireland I don't get to any of their games.

Is there anyone from here heading to Northern Ireland?

Any players I should look out for? I presume Brooks has been upgraded to the 1st team games after playing v Malaga.

Will Wilder or any of the 1st team travel to watch?

Cheers

 

[Tunstall Fred]

To me the stand outs are in no particular order,Slater,Graham,Hallam,Nozzer Davies,Smith,Gilmour,Parkhouse,Wright,Cantrill,Eastwood,Horatio H,the new lad from Man Utd whose name I have forgot

Enjoy your trip

 

[Balham]

I'm heading up to Linfield in a few weeks to watch our under 23's but I have to admit I know very little about our U23's. I follow the games on S24SU twitter but being in Ireland I don't get to any of their games.

Is there anyone from here heading to Northern Ireland?

Any players I should look out for? I presume Brooks has been upgraded to the 1st team games after playing v Malaga.

Will Wilder or any of the 1st team travel to watch?

Cheers

I'm no expert but reading the views of those who are (including larkymasher, Baw Heid, Ball_Sup (Phil), Treeton Blade) I'd say you should keep an eye on Harvey Gilmour, Regan Slater (both central midfielders); Sam Graham (centre back); Rhys Norrington-Davies (left back) and Tyler Smith (forward)

To me the stand outs are in no particular order,Slater,Graham,Hallam,Nozzer-Davies, Smith,Gilmour,Parkhouse,Wright,Cantrill,Eastwood,Horatio H,the new lad from Man Utd whose name I have forgot

Enjoy your trip

Jean Belahouan.

I called out some of those; the rest are Hallam (forward), Parkhouse (centre forward), Wright (combative forward); Cantrill (left sided), Eastwood (GK), Hirst (forward), Belahouan (left back?)

 

[Tunstall Fred]

I'm no expert but reading the views of those who are (including larkymasher, Baw Heid, Ball_Sup (Phil), Treeton Blade) I'd say you should keep an eye on Harvey Gilmour, Regan Slater (both central midfielders); Sam Graham (centre back); Rhys Norrington-Davies (left back) and Tyler Smith (forward)



Jean Belahouan.

I called out some of those; the rest are Hallam (forward), Parkhouse (centre forward), Wright (combative forward); Cantrill (left sided), Eastwood (GK), Hirst (forward), Belahouan (left back?)

I have to admit to smiling at your description of Jake Junior as combative,we always have a little guess what time he gets booked game whenever we go and watch him

 

[Treeton Blade]

To me the stand outs are in no particular order,Slater,Graham,Hallam,Nozzer Davies,Smith,Gilmour,Parkhouse,Wright,Cantrill,Eastwood,Horatio H,the new lad from Man Utd whose name I have forgot

Enjoy your trip

Think you have nailed all the stand outs,. maybe add George Broadbent, who we also brought in from Man Utd.

Horatio Hirst is back at Oxford City, scored v Cheltenham last week, not sure if he has been released.

Belehouan looks miles off at the moment, needs to put about 4 stone on first! (in muscle)

 

[UnitedBlade]

Think you have nailed all the stand outs,. maybe add George Broadbent, who we also brought in from Man Utd.

Horatio Hirst is back at Oxford City, scored v Cheltenham last week, not sure if he has been released.

Belehouan looks miles off at the moment, needs to put about 4 stone on first! (in muscle)

6 month loan according to his twitter.

 

[BushBlade]

6 month loan according to his twitter.

National league south apparently.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

meathblade

I'll be heading over to the Island of Ireland for the games at Linfield & Bohemians (and some of the SuperCup NI). I'd be happy to give you a ready reckoner about the current batch of U23 players. (I watch a fair amount of U18 & U23 games). But, I'd prefer to do it "privately", maybe to an email address, rather than clog the forum up. Am I allowed to ask for your email in those circumstances?

Phil

 

[S5Blade]

meathblade

I'll be heading over to the Island of Ireland for the games at Linfield & Bohemians (and some of the SuperCup NI). I'd be happy to give you a ready reckoner about the current batch of U23 players. (I watch a fair amount of U18 & U23 games). But, I'd prefer to do it "privately", maybe to an email address, rather than clog the forum up. Am I allowed to ask for your email in those circumstances?

Phil

Phil,

Get it posted on here..... im sure a lot of people would wanna see it!

 

[BushBlade]

Phil,

Get it posted on here..... im sure a lot of people would wanna see it!

The friends and family of those who he thinks aren't going to make it wont want to see it.

Phil, use the private message feature on here.

 

[S5Blade]

The friends and family of those who he thinks aren't going to make it wont want to see it.

Phil, use the private message feature on here.

If thats the case then fair point, but he gave reasoning of "clogging the forum up" which I dont think it would do. Ball_Sup (Phil) if you could drop it me in a PM too, would be much appreciated.

 

[Foxy]

meathblade

I'll be heading over to the Island of Ireland for the games at Linfield & Bohemians (and some of the SuperCup NI). I'd be happy to give you a ready reckoner about the current batch of U23 players. (I watch a fair amount of U18 & U23 games). But, I'd prefer to do it "privately", maybe to an email address, rather than clog the forum up. Am I allowed to ask for your email in those circumstances?

Phil

I'm in the process of doing something similar for our main site... welcome to contribute if you like?

 

[BushBlade]

If thats the case then fair point, but he gave reasoning of "clogging the forum up" which I dont think it would do. Ball_Sup (Phil) if you could drop it me in a PM too, would be much appreciated.

Sorry, I assumed he was being diplomatic.

 

[1889]

Surely part of being a professional footballer, or the parent of one, is knowing that someone, somewhere thinks you're shit.

If it bothers them what Ball_Sup (Phil) thinks, I'd suggest they might be in the wrong profession

 

[BanbridgeBlade]

meathblade

I'll be heading over to the Island of Ireland for the games at Linfield & Bohemians (and some of the SuperCup NI). I'd be happy to give you a ready reckoner about the current batch of U23 players. (I watch a fair amount of U18 & U23 games). But, I'd prefer to do it "privately", maybe to an email address, rather than clog the forum up. Am I allowed to ask for your email in those circumstances?

Phil

If you could send me a PM with the lowdown on some players it would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking of going to the Bohs game but it is only their under 19's & with my missus being originally from Belfast, a road trip there is more appealing.

 

[Tunstall Fred]

Surely part of being a professional footballer, or the parent of one, is knowing that someone, somewhere thinks you're shit.

If it bothers them what Ball_Sup (Phil) thinks, I'd suggest they might be in the wrong profession

I would suggest to any parent of any player,young or old,never to venture onto a football forum,I would imagine it's hard enough watching their offspring playing and having to listen to disparaging comments from fellow supporters,without making things worse venturing online

 

[BushBlade]

Surely part of being a professional footballer, or the parent of one, is knowing that someone, somewhere thinks you're shit.

If it bothers them what Ball_Sup (Phil) thinks, I'd suggest they might be in the wrong profession

Ultimately, yes. You're going to have to get used to it but in many cases we're talking about kids who aren't old enough to drink or vote. I'm not sure it helps anyone to call them out publicly and who wants to follow the u23s around being known as the 'snide cunt who slags the kids off on S2'? I wouldn't.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

I would suggest to any parent of any player,young or old,never to venture onto a football forum,I would imagine it's hard enough watching their offspring playing and having to listen to disparaging comments from fellow supporters,without making things worse venturing online

I was cringing reading some of the comments about Louis Reed last week when his dad was posting on the thread.

In answer to meathblade, from my vast experience of watching some of them once, I'd go for big centre-back Sam Graham, flying left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies and midfield dynamo Regan Slater!

 

[BushBlade]

I was cringing reading some of the comments about Louis Reed last week when his dad was posting on the thread.

In answer to meathblade, from my vast experience of watching some of them once, I'd go for big centre-back Sam Graham, flying left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies and midfield dynamo Regan Slater!

I think it's his brother, not his dad. What I couldn't get my head round was that people were responding to him like they had no idea he could be related.

 

[1889]

Ultimately, yes. You're going to have to get used to it but in many cases we're talking about kids who aren't old enough to drink or vote. I'm not sure it helps anyone to call them out publicly and who wants to follow the u23s around being known as the 'snide cunt who slags the kids off on S2'? I wouldn't.

Yeah I agree to a point, the sort of abuse George Long received at what was a relatively young age was disgraceful and completely unnecessary. No inexperienced young lad should ever be slaughtered like he was, both on and off the pitch.

However, to say 'X should have done better with a ball played into the box' or 'Y could improve his range of passing', is hardly going to ruin their fledgling career. I think it's important to get honest feedback good or bad if you are to develop in any career. More than most, footballers have to develop a thick skin, because every spectator thinks they're an expert and learning to rise above negative comments is an important part of their development whether they like it or not.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Hello again on this thread. I've tried to think it through. I'll be honest. If I was to have a go at a "public" U23 crib sheet, ready reckoner, dossier, I'd be unlikely to be too critical of individual players. Because....
1. They're Blades. I just don't see it that way. I love them all to bits. I can't be objective in those circumstances.
2. What do I know? If someone has underhopped an IPA, I'll know straightaway, and I'll say it. Football. No. I'm a fan - not an analyst, nor a scout. I just haven't got the mindset nor skills to "judge" a player.
3. I certainly wouldn't want to upset or discourage any players, relatives, friends by my comments.

Here's what I'll do.....
I'll hold fire until I've seen the Development Squad play at Matlock Town on Wednesday & Oxford City on Saturday. In that way, there'll be both a cooling off period & the chance to have another look at some new lads, old lads, returning lads. Then, unless this thread has gone mental in the meantime, I'll draw up something very simple for meathblade . More along the lines of players he might care to look out for - rather than anything more detailed or critical. I'll certainly say (along lines of) - "Have a look at Stephen Mallon, particularly if they go three at the back. I think he's one of the most improved players in the system & has come on leaps and bounds. I always thought he drifted when he was used as conventional wide midfield - but left wing back suits him. He's more involved & I think he fits the role well. He's recently played at Ireland U19 level in the EUROs Elite Qualifying round. (They didn't get to the Finals - won by England with Aaron Ramsdale in goal)"

I won't say - "he's shit, get rid". Mainly because I'm incapable of thinking that way.

Unless Foxy or anyone else strongly objects, I'll post it as a (presumably) quite long post on here (rather than PM individuals). I will then don a tin hat & piss off to (Island of) Ireland to await the repercussions on here.

PHIL

 

[Ihadadream]

Hello again on this thread. I've tried to think it through. I'll be honest. If I was to have a go at a "public" U23 crib sheet, ready reckoner, dossier, I'd be unlikely to be too critical of individual players. Because....
1. They're Blades. I just don't see it that way. I love them all to bits. I can't be objective in those circumstances.
2. What do I know? If someone has underhopped an IPA, I'll know straightaway, and I'll say it. Football. No. I'm a fan - not an analyst, nor a scout. I just haven't got the mindset nor skills to "judge" a player.
3. I certainly wouldn't want to upset or discourage any players, relatives, friends by my comments.

Here's what I'll do.....
I'll hold fire until I've seen the Development Squad play at Matlock Town on Wednesday & Oxford City on Saturday. In that way, there'll be both a cooling off period & the chance to have another look at some new lads, old lads, returning lads. Then, unless this thread has gone mental in the meantime, I'll draw up something very simple for meathblade . More along the lines of players he might care to look out for - rather than anything more detailed or critical. I'll certainly say (along lines of) - "Have a look at Stephen Mallon, particularly if they go three at the back. I think he's one of the most improved players in the system & has come on leaps and bounds. I always thought he drifted when he was used as conventional wide midfield - but left wing back suits him. He's more involved & I think he fits the role well. He's recently played at Ireland U19 level in the EUROs Elite Qualifying round. (They didn't get to the Finals - won by England with Aaron Ramsdale in goal)"

I won't say - "he's shit, get rid". Mainly because I'm incapable of thinking that way.

Unless Foxy or anyone else strongly objects, I'll post it as a (presumably) quite long post on here (rather than PM individuals). I will then don a tin hat & piss off to (Island of) Ireland to await the repercussions on here.

PHIL

As a parent of one of the U23 squad I'll be honest and say nobody is more critical of there own son than me and never do I take offence to what anyone says about him, football is about opinions and we all have different ones and that's what makes it so fascinating and endearing to us all, personally I'd like to see em all make but reallity is they won't unfortunately one thing however in my time I don't remember a group as talented as this with so many born and bred Sheff United at heart youngsters with a manager who knows what it means to the fans to have a home grown player run out at BDTBL

 

[Ihadadream]

Hello again on this thread. I've tried to think it through. I'll be honest. If I was to have a go at a "public" U23 crib sheet, ready reckoner, dossier, I'd be unlikely to be too critical of individual players. Because....
1. They're Blades. I just don't see it that way. I love them all to bits. I can't be objective in those circumstances.
2. What do I know? If someone has underhopped an IPA, I'll know straightaway, and I'll say it. Football. No. I'm a fan - not an analyst, nor a scout. I just haven't got the mindset nor skills to "judge" a player.
3. I certainly wouldn't want to upset or discourage any players, relatives, friends by my comments.

Here's what I'll do.....
I'll hold fire until I've seen the Development Squad play at Matlock Town on Wednesday & Oxford City on Saturday. In that way, there'll be both a cooling off period & the chance to have another look at some new lads, old lads, returning lads. Then, unless this thread has gone mental in the meantime, I'll draw up something very simple for meathblade . More along the lines of players he might care to look out for - rather than anything more detailed or critical. I'll certainly say (along lines of) - "Have a look at Stephen Mallon, particularly if they go three at the back. I think he's one of the most improved players in the system & has come on leaps and bounds. I always thought he drifted when he was used as conventional wide midfield - but left wing back suits him. He's more involved & I think he fits the role well. He's recently played at Ireland U19 level in the EUROs Elite Qualifying round. (They didn't get to the Finals - won by England with Aaron Ramsdale in goal)"

I won't say - "he's shit, get rid". Mainly because I'm incapable of thinking that way.

Unless Foxy or anyone else strongly objects, I'll post it as a (presumably) quite long post on here (rather than PM individuals). I will then don a tin hat & piss off to (Island of) Ireland to await the repercussions on here.

PHIL

Matlock game is now a first team outing

 

[Tunstall Fred]

Matlock game is now a first team outing

Excellent ,was planning on going,so bonus time

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I've changed my mind already ...... I'll do a little crib sheet as I describe above - but I'll publish it on my Blog & link to that on this Forum. Best of all World's I feel. Anyone who is genuinely interested can read it from the link - but I won't feel I'm giving it the Big Blade I am by clogging this Forum. I'll post the Blog & the link on Sunday or Monday.

PHIL

 

[larkymasher]

As a parent of one of the U23 squad I'll be honest and say nobody is more critical of there own son than me and never do I take offence to what anyone says about him, football is about opinions and we all have different ones and that's what makes it so fascinating and endearing to us all, personally I'd like to see em all make but reallity is they won't unfortunately one thing however in my time I don't remember a group as talented as this with so many born and bred Sheff United at heart youngsters with a manager who knows what it means to the fans to have a home grown player run out at BDTBL

I will hold my hands up as 'ihadadream' . As a parent I am not as stupid as to think my son or any others deserve anything from SUFC. I have also told my own that he is now in a position where some people will like him, some won't, but to take positive and negative exactly the same way. I am the most critical of my own son than anyone else.
I also feel I support every other lad and give an honest view of each player after each game.
I am happy to talk to anyone privately about the team but like 'dream' I think that we have as good a group of 17, 18 year olds we have had for a good few years ....... will any make it? I hope so, but if my son makes a living out of the game at any level I will be a proud parent. The experience he has had playing for the club he supports will be something he will not forget.
I have been trolled on this sight as some know who my son is and don't feel I should have an opinion, but as long as my views are honest and interesting i don't think it does any harm.
If my son asks me to come off I would do it straight away.

 

[BushBlade]

I will hold my hands up as 'ihadadream' . As a parent I am not as stupid as to think my son or any others deserve anything from SUFC. I have also told my own that he is now in a position where some people will like him, some won't, but to take positive and negative exactly the same way. I am the most critical of my own son than anyone else.
I also feel I support every other lad and give an honest view of each player after each game.
I am happy to talk to anyone privately about the team but like 'dream' I think that we have as good a group of 17, 18 year olds we have had for a good few years ....... will any make it? I hope so, but if my son makes a living out of the game at any level I will be a proud parent. The experience he has had playing for the club he supports will be something he will not forget.
I have been trolled on this sight as some know who my son is and don't feel I should have an opinion, but as long as my views are honest and interesting i don't think it does any harm.
If my son asks me to come off I would do it straight away.

I always suspected you were a parent. As you probably realised. I hope you don't think I've ever trolled you, it certainly wasn't my intention.

Good luck to your lad, and ihadadream's lad too. The majority of us want all our youth players to be successful; they wear the red and white stripes.

 

[Baw Heid]

Lots of comments here but as one who watched the 23s last season I would advise you to get a team sheet and then see what you think of the players. No doubt there will be some I know who are on the injury list but I'm sure you will enjoy how the team plays. Attacking wide players and hard working midfield with forwards who go direct for the penalty box. At this stage I would be interested in who plays in net as Eastwood is with the 1st team. You may miss out Jordan Hallam for a bit that is until he scores his usual couple of goals Wish i could be at the game. One last thing look out for Travis Binnion, a class act coach with a big voice. And it will be interesting how Mallon plays, could be another Brooks

 

[BanbridgeBlade]

Lots of comments here but as one who watched the 23s last season I would advise you to get a team sheet and then see what you think of the players. No doubt there will be some I know who are on the injury list but I'm sure you will enjoy how the team plays. Attacking wide players and hard working midfield with forwards who go direct for the penalty box. At this stage I would be interested in who plays in net as Eastwood is with the 1st team. You may miss out Jordan Hallam for a bit that is until he scores his usual couple of goals Wish i could be at the game. One last thing look out for Travis Binnion, a class act coach with a big voice. And it will be interesting how Mallon plays, could be another Brooks

Thanks everyone for the updates. Like I confessed, I have never seen our under 23's play as I'm usually coming back over for the 1st team (glory fan )

If I get a teamsheet I'll make a few notes & do as good a job as I can reporting back on what I see. At least it will be impartial as I don't have any preconceived ideas yet. I am also a fan with Blades tinted glasses so regardless it will not be a "scathing" report

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Could I emphasise what my Forum Brother Baw Heid says above. Watch & listen to Binnion, the Development Coach. He's not everyone's cup of tea. But, I find him to be a very impressive young man. He's only 30. If you don't know which one he is, don't worry, you'll hear him. And I mean you'll hear him anywhere in Belfast.

A by product of watching the U23s is even when I watch David Brooks in the first team (eg Chesterfield) I still get Binnion's voice in my head - "Brooksy, Brooksy, take him on".

Binnion will bawl & shout for the 90+. But, everything will be explanatory & suggestive. "If you go there, he'll have to do this" "Try going there & see what he does" "Next time look to do this".

Encouraging, supportive, honest, clear.

I'd happily have the fella speak at my funeral.

Phil