Paul Heckingbottom

[Paisley Blade]

You've lost me ?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I'm new on here Phil, tip toeing my way onto the scene and working out who's who.
You seem to be the Academy Guru, an all knowing presence standing at Shirecliffe in all weathers

Is there any player who stands out?, who could push towards the first team next season?
I have limited knowledge to say the least!

FFS, don't put that on me..... Let's start with the Disclaimers, so you know how I'm guruing....
Usual Negative Disclaimer. It's very, very hard for any youngster to break through in a Premier League (or even Top End Championship) First Team Squad. Very hard. The simple numbers are against our Academy lads making it to our First Team. If I've seen one of them play, and you ask me "will he make it, Phil?", I'll play the percentages & say - No, Sorry.
Traditional Positive Disclaimer. I love watching all our Academy lads play, with their muckers, against their contemporaries. Putting the lot in. Enjoying it. Revelling in it. Dreaming. I go to watch them in the moment. Not to worry about the future. If I've seen one of them play and you ask me "is he a good player, Phil?". I'll say - Fuck Yeah
Realistically, I don't see any of them pushing towards the First Team next season. The most advanced group of our youngsters have been out on loan, playing "senior football" in the EFL, in Australia, in America and in Northern Ireland/Ireland. So, for eg, Regan Slater who has already played for our First Team. The next group down have had sporadic ventures into non-league loans. And, the younger group are learning the game at Shirecliffe & in Academy football. In the League Loan list, I like Rhys Norrington-Davies. Although, obvs, I haven't seen him since he's been in the EFL. In the non-leaguers, I like goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst. He's played England Age Group football. Of the younger learners, I like Harry Boyes. But, Christ On A Bike, remember the Disclaimers.

 

[Klaatu Barada Nikto]

If he joins us, I think he’ll be a Knill type; had a go at first team management, decided it wasn’t for him and goes back into what he loves doing, coaching.

Agreed. Not everyone in coaching is just waiting for a managers gig to turn up.

 

[Swannyblade]

Can only be a good thing for me. Worked with a lot of Premier League youngsters while they were on loan at Barnsley and got them all playing together in a cohesive team and punching above their weight. Some have gone on to good things (including our Oli). Great honest attitude as well.

 

[Heffernans tache]

FFS, don't put that on me..... Let's start with the Disclaimers, so you know how I'm guruing....
Usual Negative Disclaimer. It's very, very hard for any youngster to break through in a Premier League (or even Top End Championship) First Team Squad. Very hard. The simple numbers are against our Academy lads making it to our First Team. If I've seen one of them play, and you ask me "will he make it, Phil?", I'll play the percentages & say - No, Sorry.
Traditional Positive Disclaimer. I love watching all our Academy lads play, with their muckers, against their contemporaries. Putting the lot in. Enjoying it. Revelling in it. Dreaming. I go to watch them in the moment. Not to worry about the future. If I've seen one of them play and you ask me "is he a good player, Phil?". I'll say - Fuck Yeah
Realistically, I don't see any of them pushing towards the First Team next season. The most advanced group of our youngsters have been out on loan, playing "senior football" in the EFL, in Australia, in America and in Northern Ireland/Ireland. So, for eg, Regan Slater who has already played for our First Team. The next group down have had sporadic ventures into non-league loans. And, the younger group are learning the game at Shirecliffe & in Academy football. In the League Loan list, I like Rhys Norrington-Davies. Although, obvs, I haven't seen him since he's been in the EFL. In the non-leaguers, I like goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst. He's played England Age Group football. Of the younger learners, I like Harry Boyes. But, Christ On A Bike, remember the Disclaimers.

Cheers Phil,

Guess that's not the first time you've been asked that question!

Never been to Shirecliffe but might pop along whenever we get back to normal, and take a look myself.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Cheers Phil,

Guess that's not the first time you've been asked that question!

Never been to Shirecliffe but might pop along whenever we get back to normal, and take a look myself.

I've "tagged you" in another thread, with more of my Academy Craziness.....

 

[Bruce Wayne]

FFS, don't put that on me..... Let's start with the Disclaimers, so you know how I'm guruing....
Usual Negative Disclaimer. It's very, very hard for any youngster to break through in a Premier League (or even Top End Championship) First Team Squad. Very hard. The simple numbers are against our Academy lads making it to our First Team. If I've seen one of them play, and you ask me "will he make it, Phil?", I'll play the percentages & say - No, Sorry.
Traditional Positive Disclaimer. I love watching all our Academy lads play, with their muckers, against their contemporaries. Putting the lot in. Enjoying it. Revelling in it. Dreaming. I go to watch them in the moment. Not to worry about the future. If I've seen one of them play and you ask me "is he a good player, Phil?". I'll say - Fuck Yeah
Realistically, I don't see any of them pushing towards the First Team next season. The most advanced group of our youngsters have been out on loan, playing "senior football" in the EFL, in Australia, in America and in Northern Ireland/Ireland. So, for eg, Regan Slater who has already played for our First Team. The next group down have had sporadic ventures into non-league loans. And, the younger group are learning the game at Shirecliffe & in Academy football. In the League Loan list, I like Rhys Norrington-Davies. Although, obvs, I haven't seen him since he's been in the EFL. In the non-leaguers, I like goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst. He's played England Age Group football. Of the younger learners, I like Harry Boyes. But, Christ On A Bike, remember the Disclaimers.

That Michael Tonge looks handy

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Cheers Phil,

Guess that's not the first time you've been asked that question!

Never been to Shirecliffe but might pop along whenever we get back to normal, and take a look myself.

U23s play their games (most recently) at Chesterfield & The Lane, not Shirecliffe

 

[s4-blade]

My understanding is that he will be working under Lester. In the same way as Del Geary works under Lester. I've no idea why Andrew Hughes has left (a while ago now). Given he was recruited into the U23 role around a year ago. I'll stand to be corrected, but I think the objectives of the Academy are clear - produce players. But, HOW. Not a great deal has been said about the strategy since Binnion left. I can say with some confidence - I'll be amazed if any coach/head of Academy makes it as enjoyable as it all was under Travis. So, in that sense - not excited. My views are an acquired taste - I just want to enjoy the Academy. Watching Trav work with Dom & Brooksy and others was v enlightening & a joy. But, times change. It's all a bit revolving doors at Shirecliffe at the mo'. ICYMI, Leeds, Palace & Burnley are all being audited for their proposed elevation to Category 1 Academy status. (We're anchored at Cat 2)

At the end of the day travis can be the best coach in the world. But if for whatever reason wilder didn’t like him and didn’t want him then he can get fucked.
The academy was a shambles in an organisation sense under him anyway, as I know first hand from working on their behalf in the football side of things.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

At the end of the day travis can be the best coach in the world. But if for whatever reason wilder didn’t like him and didn’t want him then he can get fucked.
The academy was a shambles in an organisation sense under him anyway, as I know first hand from working on their behalf in the football side of things.

Seems legit....

 

[s4-blade]

Seems legit....

Would you like to see the invoices?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Would you like to see the invoices?

I hope this Forum never changes.....

 

[skyjam]

I’m disappointed it’s not Alex Scott , now that would get the young uns going

On a side note dub 10 are you born there?
And I think ya said you live in Malahide
I’ve a good mate there and me dad was from crumlin

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Would you like to see the invoices?

If those invoices aren't due to Wilder, this didn't happen.....

 

[dublin 10 blade]

On a side note dub 10 are you born there?
And I think ya said you live in Malahide
I’ve a good mate there and me dad was from crumlin

Sent ya a message mate

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I feel that in these troubled times, I should apologise for how this thread has developed. I was asked a direct question about my excitement towards a possible U23 Academy appointment. I've got no insider info. But, I did give an honest answer re my admiration for Travis Binnion. I don't really know how that moved into another poster suggesting it'd be best if Travis get fucked. Fair enough. And, I was a little dismissive after that. Look, it's fine. I just enjoy watching Academy games. And, they were great fun under Binnion. And, fun is all I'm after.

 

[Sam64]

I feel that in these troubled times, I should apologise for how this thread has developed. I was asked a direct question about my excitement towards a possible U23 Academy appointment. I've got no insider info. But, I did give an honest answer re my admiration for Travis Binnion. I don't really know how that moved into another poster suggesting it'd be best if Travis get fucked. Fair enough. And, I was a little dismissive after that. Look, it's fine. I just enjoy watching Academy games. And, they were great fun under Binnion. And, fun is all I'm after.

Is Callum Gribbin still with us?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Is Callum Gribbin still with us?

Yes. As far as I know. He got a yellow card in the last U23 game before lockdown.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Perhaps he just wants a job a bit nearer home?

 

[JOEYDEE]

I'm disappointed he isn't black.

And French...

 

[Booker4]

My understanding is that he will be working under Lester. In the same way as Del Geary works under Lester. I've no idea why Andrew Hughes has left (a while ago now). Given he was recruited into the U23 role around a year ago. I'll stand to be corrected, but I think the objectives of the Academy are clear - produce players. But, HOW. Not a great deal has been said about the strategy since Binnion left. I can say with some confidence - I'll be amazed if any coach/head of Academy makes it as enjoyable as it all was under Travis. So, in that sense - not excited. My views are an acquired taste - I just want to enjoy the Academy. Watching Trav work with Dom & Brooksy and others was v enlightening & a joy. But, times change. It's all a bit revolving doors at Shirecliffe at the mo'. ICYMI, Leeds, Palace & Burnley are all being audited for their proposed elevation to Category 1 Academy status. (We're anchored at Cat 2)

Apologies if you have answered this before and maybe even on this thread, but why did Binnions leave?

As for Heckingbotham, I thought he did really well for Barnsley and I hope he can bring the success he's had as a manager into the role with the under 23's also. Of course, he has had some failures also, but as a coach hopefully he'll be a success.

 

[Chabuddy G]

I hope this Forum never changes.....

He's a security guard at Shirecliffe or something

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Apologies if you have answered this before and maybe even on this thread, but why did Binnions leave?

As for Heckingbotham, I thought he did really well for Barnsley and I hope he can bring the success he's had as a manager into the role with the under 23's also. Of course, he has had some failures also, but as a coach hopefully he'll be a success.

I don't really know why Binnion left. My understanding is he DIDN'T resign. The Club decided they wanted to go in a different direction. Dungworth (who was the lead U23 coach) & Wadsworth went at the same time. Lester was appointed. Andrew Hughes was appointed, & he's since gone. At one stage, Binnion was subsequently working for Manchester United.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

One of the reasons I warmed to Travis was he was approachable and open to fans. And, I'm acutely aware that might not necessarily produce the next Messi. But, it made me warm to him nevertheless. At the end of last season, there was a strict behind closed doors U23 at Millwall (Bromley). Travis happily put me & my wife on "The Scouts List" so we'd be able to get in. Now he's gone. And the Academy goes in a different direction. And water is under the bridge. I'm less bothered about letting out some of the stuff he told me. One thing really struck me, during a 4-2 tonking away at Crewe U23 (Jan 2019). He detached himself from the bench & wandered over - the gist was - "I feel like I'm doing this with my hands tied behind my back. Other clubs at this level, Leeds, they go out & pay real money for top class Academy Prospects. They invest, by buying players, with the potential pay off way down the line. We don't do that....."
I don't agree, nor disagree with that. But, I recognise it. A lot of our resource has necessarily gone into buying First Team players. But, a lot of our "Development Signings" have been free agent, rejects from other Academies. Kids on the down, in the hope we can raise them up. Rather than paying the bucks for Kids on the up. I naturally think of Everton & Dom. United have not yet found themselves in the position of paying a million, for a prospect, to stick him in development football & see how he shapes. That's one of the next steps for us imho.

 

[Jon Bon II]

Get him working with the first team too, as an attacking coach.... has to be worth a go.

That even out-WUM's me and that's saying summat...

 

[robbiez666]

One of the reasons I warmed to Travis was he was approachable and open to fans. And, I'm acutely aware that might not necessarily produce the next Messi. But, it made me warm to him nevertheless. At the end of last season, there was a strict behind closed doors U23 at Millwall (Bromley). Travis happily put me & my wife on "The Scouts List" so we'd be able to get in. Now he's gone. And the Academy goes in a different direction. And water is under the bridge. I'm less bothered about letting out some of the stuff he told me. One thing really struck me, during a 4-2 tonking away at Crewe U23 (Jan 2019). He detached himself from the bench & wandered over - the gist was - "I feel like I'm doing this with my hands tied behind my back. Other clubs at this level, Leeds, they go out & pay real money for top class Academy Prospects. They invest, by buying players, with the potential pay off way down the line. We don't do that....."
I don't agree, nor disagree with that. But, I recognise it. A lot of our resource has necessarily gone into buying First Team players. But, a lot of our "Development Signings" have been free agent, rejects from other Academies. Kids on the down, in the hope we can raise them up. Rather than paying the bucks for Kids on the up. I naturally think of Everton & Dom. United have not yet found themselves in the position of paying a million, for a prospect, to stick him in development football & see how he shapes. That's one of the next steps for us imho.

There is no pathway to the first team. There's no development players really. We've not even got young players just outside the first team who have been bought for the future. Some of this is because of our rapid assent. Most of it is down to the (understandable) obsession with now. That has to change in summer. Our squad is going to be small next season. We need more potential fringe players. Look at the CB issues we're having. Nowhere near enough depth.

 

[Shoreham_Bhoys]

Heckingbottom would be a great addition.

Experienced manager at senior level so he’ll know what standard the guys need to be to have a look in at Prem level, or out on loan elsewhere.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

At the end of last season, there was a strict behind closed doors U23 at Millwall (Bromley). Travis happily put me & my wife on "The Scouts List" so we'd be able to get in. Now he's gone.

I thought for a minute that the next sentence was going to be “And I’m having to impersonate a player’s dad to get in”.

I’ve only ever seen him once in the final away at Charlton. Seemed the kind of involved as a coach. Whatever changes were made, there obviously can’t really be instant results – you’re effectively changing stuff over the long term, and whatever the differences are from “The Lester Era” we won’t see the fruits of it for a bit I’d expect.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I thought for a minute that the next sentence was going to be “And I’m having to impersonate a player’s dad to get in”.

I’ve only ever seen him once in the final away at Charlton. Seemed the kind of involved as a coach. Whatever changes were made, there obviously can’t really be instant results – you’re effectively changing stuff over the long term, and whatever the differences are from “The Lester Era” we won’t see the fruits of it for a bit I’d expect.

I've been Mr Terry Kennedy Sr & Mr Jake Eastwood Sr in the past. The "hello I'm Jake Eastwood's Dad" episode was SPECTACULAR. The real Mr Eastwood was, unbeknownst to me, standing there.

 

[DeanLearner'sCat]

Seems a good time to give this a bump, I guess.