It's so tough making it in football!

[1973Blade]

In my Facebook memories it flagged up that ten years ago today I saw a United development team play at Glossop North End. Out of curiosity I looked up the line up that day and sadly I can't see that any made it to a high level. I've commented at times about what a cushy life it must be being a footballer , but the reality is that it's so difficult to make it at a decent level.

 

[DifferentClass]

Never mind, just a few more weeks till we're reminded of one of the greatest seasons we've ever witnessed...

 

[Wards]

Keenan Ferguson didn't do too badly for himself (at least made some sort of a living I imagine). Was picked up by Spurs very briefly.

 

[1973Blade]

Keenan Ferguson didn't do too badly for himself (at least made some sort of a living I imagine). Was picked up by Spurs very briefly.

I didn't realise that, good to hear

 

[Hilly]

One of them came to work for me as 17yr old apprentice after he was released.
He still with us and a real asset to the company.
That's success isn't it?

 

[1973Blade]

One of them came to work for me as 17yr old apprentice after he was released.
He still with us and a real asset to the company.
That's success isn't it?

Of course it is, hope they've all done well for themselves whatever it is they are now doing.

 

[Need4speed]

Watched England school boys in 1974 only player who made it was Butch Wilkins

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Keenan Ferguson didn't do too badly for himself (at least made some sort of a living I imagine). Was picked up by Spurs very briefly.

Keenan was at Hallam (Step 4) last season. I sponsored him. Alfie Dodsworth has signed for Hallam this season. I saw him play against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday up at Sandygate.

The point made by 1973Blade still stands. But, that was not a SUFC Shirecliffe Academy side that played at Glossop. At that time, that was a SUFC Futures side. That's effectively a step below the week in week out Academy Lads.

Indeed, Keenan was one of the success stories of the Futures system. As he was eventually able to make the step up to Shirecliffe Academy level

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2016/december/keenan-becomes-latest-futures-success-story/

 

[jt64]

I think I was at that game as well if I remember rightly

 

[1973Blade]

I think I was at that game as well if I remember rightly

I enjoyed it , hope we play there again. Glossop North End are a good historical club.

 

[Silent Blade]

I enjoyed it , hope we play there again. Glossop North End are a good historical club.

One of the only two Derbyshire clubs that have played in the top tier of the football league.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Certainly is tough….

 

[71Blade]

In my Facebook memories it flagged up that ten years ago today I saw a United development team play at Glossop North End. Out of curiosity I looked up the line up that day and sadly I can't see that any made it to a high level. I've commented at times about what a cushy life it must be being a footballer , but the reality is that it's so difficult to make it at a decent level.

Thiago Bravo baller or hatchet man?

 

[Nick Jansky]

Watched England school boys in 1974 only player who made it was Butch Wilkins

I watched England v Wales schoolboys in 1969. The only player who made it from either side was Brian Flynn. I was 8 and distinctly remember thinking he looked about my age amongst all the 15 year olds who looked like men. A lot of the England players had skinhead haircuts.

 

[Hilly]

Keenan was at Hallam (Step 4) last season. I sponsored him. Alfie Dodsworth has signed for Hallam this season. I saw him play against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday up at Sandygate.

The point made by 1973Blade still stands. But, that was not a SUFC Shirecliffe Academy side that played at Glossop. At that time, that was a SUFC Futures side. That's effectively a step below the week in week out Academy Lads.

Indeed, Keenan was one of the success stories of the Futures system. As he was eventually able to make the step up to Shirecliffe Academy level

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2016/december/keenan-becomes-latest-futures-success-story/

Hi Phil
I remembered to ask my employee about this thread.
As normal, your knowledge is impeccable (for an alcoholic..) he was released from the Academy at16 and then enrolled on the SUFC 2 Yr college course, at the time called 'Futures'
He did throw another couple of career progression updates in...
Lewis Francis is playing down under.
One of the subs was arrested for shooting someone...

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

All this talk about watching school boys reminds of the time I got arrested.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Watched England school boys in 1974 only player who made it was Butch Wilkins

Was that the year Steve Totty and Pete Staniforth played or was that 1975 do you know?

 

[DifferentClass]

Certainly is tough….

View attachment 240366

When did Jamie Vardy become England manager?

 

[Grumpy Fat Sod]

Moral of the story
Luke littler is way richer than most of these
Get fat eat kebabs chuck stuff at a board VERY well
Mind you, still couldn't manage that myself tbh

 

[LSF]

Was that the year Steve Totty and Pete Staniforth played or was that 1975 do you know?

I think, off top of my head, it was 1975 Maurice.
The Sheffield Boys team that year were very good and (I think), reached the semi final of the English Schools Trophy. They lost to a very good Havering (East London) team in a 2 legged semi, I was at the leg at Bramall Lane. They had Vince Hilaire, who went on to a decent career at Palace as their stand out player.
Other Sheffield lads, again without consulting records were, Gil Hopkinson in goal, Mark Trask, David Grant and Mark Smith who went on to careers at S6, Brian Strutt...
I used to be able to name that whole 11 but the years have eroded the memories badly
Staniforth looked a real prospect at 15 and I think joined us as an apprentice but never made it.
Same with Steve Totty who ended up at Frecheville in the Northern Counties East. I played with him for 3 seasons in the early 80's, real nice lad but from a football point of view he never developed physically to make a commanding centre back in my opinion, his brother Dave was a good player too.
Mark Smith, who had a good pro career was a good lad who I had connections with, I worked with his dad and also had a season (Regional Sunday league) with Timbertop where Mark helped out on match days as his brother played. Absolutely no edge to him, never gave it it "I'm a pro, I know better", really nice level headed lad .

 

[Bell4]

Watched England school boys in 1974 only player who made it was Butch Wilkins

He was as a product of Crab Industries - www./sideways/sideways/backwards/sideways.co.com

 

[SwissBlade]

Certainly is tough….

View attachment 240366

Wait, so Tuchel is Vardys dad?

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

You can add my name to that list mate.
Another summer flying by with no interest.
I keep asking people to ring my phone to check it's working properly.
Maybe they're concerned that at 60-odd and with a bit of a belly, I won't generate many shirt sales or summat.

 

[s20Blade]

You can add my name to that list mate.
Another summer flying by with no interest.
I keep asking people to ring my phone to check it's working properly.
Maybe they're concerned that at 60-odd and with a bit of a belly, I won't generate many shirt sales or summat.

Don't worry still time for Chelsea to come and have you as a player then manager.