I agree with all you have said except the first point.
How can you say the Under 18s have had good results but fear its from good management.
Good management and tactics can only win games if you have the players to carry these tactics out. I dont know how many U18/21s games you have watched this season but Semple and Gilmour are now starting to stand out at U21 and still only 17 years old. They are both just finishing their first year of being a scholar.... At any Pro Club they would be classed with real potential.
Either of these two players would walk into Barnsley, Leeds or the Udders and many many more sides. You have Ramsdale who is an England U18 and Semple on the radar of a Scotland U19 call up.
What do the U18s and 21s need to do in terms of results to get a little bit of credit.
i fully agree that first team training and the odd 15 mins in first team games is the way to go for young talent.
No problem, I will explain my rationale.
I gain my opinion from my son being in the academy set up at another club, and him having been part of the youth team and reserves/development team for a couple of games recently. He is 15 and to be fair got the chance due to injuries etc rather than being a superstar! (Unfortunately)
However....very little time is given to match tactics and game management, something I feel is lacking. Any side that is more professional in their preparation for matches will have success at winning games. I know a lad at United and can confirm the coaches at United are very good and have the lads well prepared....I only wish (as does he) that my son was at United too to gain from this!
I have also watched youth games on Bladesplayer and seen how other sides have appeared to have players that seem technically better and more skilful, whereas we have a set pattern of play that is effective at creating problems for inexperienced opponents...we seem quite direct.
This is not a dig at any of the youth players, because that is real life in the game. And this is why I think Uniteds preparations have been better and more professional rather than relying on the skill and brilliance of individuals to win.
I'm more for making players skilful and technically the best they can be and letting them learn more tactics and how to win games when they are in the first team. We need stars and standout performers going into the first team, not lads who can do a job and know systems and roles well.
On the other hand Its good to hear we have some young scholars making steps ahead of their years. Those who do this will learn faster and stand a chance of getting a pro deal. But this too could also be in keeping with their physical development. At these ages there can be a huge gap in the physical development of lads and can say this from personal experience.
At 15 my lad has played against some kids that have beards, and clearly far more developed in build and weight as well as physical power and pace, these lads stand out for the reason they can bully opponents....but when others catch up this advantage is ruled.
Again....not slating these boys just having a reasoned view based on my experiences so far.
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