The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[andrew1957]

Good win but perhaps a tad lucky as Chelsea dominated - particularly in the first half. Great result considering we put out such a young team.

To me the stand out player was Jules (looked bigger and stronger than the rest despite being a similar age). Thought Nova and Cardwell were disappointing and Smith did more in 10 minutes than they did in the rest of the match. I have seen Smith a couple of times now and think he could be very good. He held the ball up well and took his goal brilliantly. Frost, Rinomhota and Sheppard all had good games and McIntyre (like Frost) could be a talent in time - especially as he is still only an under 18.

[No Fixed Abode]

Enjoyed the game last night. As said, we did dominate but when you have most of your best development players out on loan it's hardly surprising Reading won.

[No Fixed Abode]

Just realised that the Chelsea manager was Adi Viveash.

He's won us quite a few FA Youth cups.

[Ian Royal]

Enjoyed the game last night. As said, we did dominate but when you have most of your best development players out on loan it's hardly surprising Reading won.

Because most of Reading's aren't on loan or in the first team squad.

Dickie, Hyam, Samuel, Tanner, Obita, Cooper, Fosu, Stacey, Kuhl, Kelly...

[sandman]

Reminded me a lot of the first team with unnecessary and sloppy passing at the back trapping ourselves in front of our own box. The passing is admirable but hopefully as some of them progress they'll learn when it's the right time to play it and when it's not. Impressed with Jules despite getting slightly caught out for their goal. Barrett did okay when he got the ball but was getting very frustrated at the lack of service to him. Both our goals were taken well and Frost was probably our best player.

That's the first team who just played excellently against Barnsley is it?

The very same. Also the same first team that played terribly at Wolves and have put themselves in danger several times playing risky football at the back.

[Nameless]

Agree re Nova, he's playing out of position because we're lacking genuine wingers. How this helps his prospects I can't really see.

Anyone got any idea how old Chelsea's 15 was ? Looked about 12 and would have made Kelly feel tall !

[No Fixed Abode]

Enjoyed the game last night. As said, we did dominate but when you have most of your best development players out on loan it's hardly surprising Reading won.

Because most of Reading's aren't on loan or in the first team squad.

Dickie, Hyam, Samuel, Tanner, Obita, Cooper, Fosu, Stacey, Kuhl, Kelly...

Who?

[TBM]

Not really heard of Frost before last week, but he looks pretty strong all round.

His Mum (lol makes me feel old) was in my year at school.....

[CountryRoyal]

I really rate Jules whenever I've seen him and of the current lot I think he has the most to make it as a quality player.

Of course that being said I don't watch youth games half as much as some of you saddos.

[CountryRoyal]

Not really heard of Frost before last week, but he looks pretty strong all round.

His Mum (lol makes me feel old) was in my year at school.....

Bet she was a bit of an ice queen.

[Ian Royal]

Enjoyed the game last night. As said, we did dominate but when you have most of your best development players out on loan it's hardly surprising Reading won.

Because most of Reading's aren't on loan or in the first team squad.

Dickie, Hyam, Samuel, Tanner, Obita, Cooper, Fosu, Stacey, Kuhl, Kelly...

Who?

I've never heard of most of Chelsea's youth. Your (our) ignorance doesn't change Reading not having access to their best players for the match either.

The only real difference between Reading and Chelsea's youth teams is Reading's young players have a chance of making it to the first team. Oh hold on, the Chelsea lot also have a chance of playing for the Reading first team.

[Maneki Neko]

Reminded me a lot of the first team with unnecessary and sloppy passing at the back trapping ourselves in front of our own box. The passing is admirable but hopefully as some of them progress they'll learn when it's the right time to play it and when it's not. Impressed with Jules despite getting slightly caught out for their goal. Barrett did okay when he got the ball but was getting very frustrated at the lack of service to him. Both our goals were taken well and Frost was probably our best player.

That's the first team who just played excellently against Barnsley is it?

The very same. Also the same first team that played terribly at Wolves and have put themselves in danger several times playing risky football at the back.

[CountryRoyal]

I think sandman is on an eternal personal mission to out-bellend himself.

I think he's doing fairly well.

[sandman]

Thanks for the advice c[u]ntry but don't worry, the ultimate bellend crown is till yours.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Not really heard of Frost before last week, but he looks pretty strong all round.

His Mum (lol makes me feel old) was in my year at school.....

Was/is she fit?

[CountryRoyal]

U18s beat Leciester 2-0 at the weekend with goals for Akinwale and Loader.

3 wins in a row has us 3rd in PL South with 10 points from 5 games, level with second and first but with a worse goal difference.

[winchester_royal]

Loader has started the season on fire and is now away with England youth for a couple of weeks.

Remember reading a Spurs fan's report of our victory over them a week or so ago and it was very complimentary of him.

Certainly seems to be a prospect.

[Saaaaaaaammmmmm]

I've never written to the club to complain about anything but honestly their coverage of our Academy sides is absolutely dreadful and it's starting to mildly irritate me, not a single mention of our U23 game against Derby tonight, it's not like there's anything else going on

Anyway, HT we're losing 0-1, Derby Twitter is giving minute-by-minute updates (see, not hard is it) but our only names mentioned so far have been Southwood, Frost, and Barrett who has apparently missed a couple of decent chances

And tonight's quiz question, who is this?

[Saaaaaaaammmmmm]

0-2, unfortunately Blackman not featuring this week after he scored a pen in their last match

Andy Rinomhota apparently just showed good feet, whilst the Derby defenders keep defending well according to their Twitter

[Saaaaaaaammmmmm]

Done a bit of digging and found tonight's team

Luke Southwood
Jake Sheppard
Zak Jules
Tom McIntyre
Shane Griffin
Sandro Wieser
Erico Esteves de Sousa (signed from NK Celje in the summer apparently, Portuguese and 21 years old)
Tyler Frost
Andy Rinomhota
Josh Barrett
Harry Cardwell

Andresson came on for our latest big-name (literally) signing on 85 minutes

Finished 2-1, McIntyre with our goal 10 mins from the end