The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Ian Royal]

Nana owusu played left back last season. And from what I recall had been converted there from the wing, though I guess it may have been RB.

Yeah, converted from the wing (mostly the right) and did play in midfield in some league matches last season, but I don't remember him playing right back. I guess it could be a similar situation to Julian Kelly- playing left back out of necessity (though we have McLennan...) but seen as a right back, but I think website operator error is more likely.

Pretty underwhelming news, Owusu aside. The others aren't bad players, but they're not as promising as other (largely younger) players.

How old is McLennan? Is he still going to be available for the U18s? I know Owusu won't, I wonder if its a case of giving Owusu a chance to shine last season to see if we want to keep him for the U21s and McLennan gets this season?

[winchester_royal]

Owusu played RB a few times. He is a right footed full back who played on the left mostly due to Watson's good form rather than anything else.

[WoodleyRoyal]

Academy intake announced

The Reading FC Academy have officially confirmed their new intake of scholars for the 2014/15 season.The new batch of youth players were inducted on Tuesday at Madejski Stadium, with Academy manager Eamonn Dolan there to welcome them, alongside assistants David Dodds, Lee Herron and Michael Gilkes.

As well as signing contracts, the 14 youngsters listened to talks from figures around the club on subjects such as education, sports science and social media.

Joining the Academy as first year scholars are: Joe Tupper, Justin Thompson-Lee, Daniel Akinwumni, Ryan East, Harrison Bennett, Sam Smith, Gabriel Osho, Luke Southwood, Joshua Barrett, Joshua Chatee, Conor Davis, Axel Andresson, Sindri Scheving, Billy Collings.

Most have graduated to the under 18s after a successful season at under 16 level, though a few new faces will be joining the group. Axel Andresson, a centre half, arrives from Icelandic club Afturelding, fellow Icelander Sindri Scheving joins the Royals from Valur and Sam Smith comes to Hogwood Park from Manchester United. Irishman Conor Davis is also set to sign from Dublin based outfit Templelogue United.

This season’s second year scholars, many of whom featured for our under 18s in the 2013/14 campaign, are: Daniel Williams, Tennai Watson, Noor Husin, Lewis Ward, Amadu Waritay, Hammad Lawal, Lewis Collins, Harry Cardwell, Tomas Urbancic, Marc Ethelston, Jake Sheppard, Zak Jules.

Read more at http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article ... jDgypF0.99

[winchester_royal]

Some preliminary research shows Sam Smith to have been a starting striker for Man Utd's U16 team. Quite a coup by the sounds of it, with one of their forum posters comparing him to James Wilson around August last year.

[genome]

Two Daniel Williams in the squad... not sure I can take the confusion

[akranes]

FOUR Icelandic youngsters!

4 NEW GYLFI'S

[maffff]

oxf*rd yeah!

I've passed my contracts sheet to TTE to hopefully update until I'm back, but if they can't do it I'll add the new guys in the week after next....

[Nameless]

Good to see Lewis Collins in there, sure to make a great Professional.

[ZacNaloen]

Nine of the U21s squad of gone on the pre-season training camp


Craig Tanner, Aaron Kuhl, Aaron Tshibola, Ryan Edwards, Pierce Sweeney, Jack Stacey, Jake Cooper, Sean Long and Shane Griffin.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Good stuff. No Samuel?

[ZacNaloen]

No, but tbf adkins won't have seen much of him due to injury.

[Pepe the Horseman]

True. Would've thought we'd have included at least one striker though. Maybe Cardwell or the American fella.

[Royal Rads]

Guess Samuel still hasn't fully recovered from his injury from last year that'd prob be why he hasn't traveled.

[Isaac Hunt]

Good to see Lewis Collins in there, sure to make a great Professional.

very good

[ZacNaloen]

True. Would've thought we'd have included at least one striker though. Maybe Cardwell or the American fella.

In development terms those two are a year behind the guys that went.

Whats more surprising is that Fosu didn't go.

[JakeTheRoyal]

What do we make of Ryan Edwards, he is the only younger player to have gone out on loan apart from Hector.

[Ian Royal]

True. Would've thought we'd have included at least one striker though. Maybe Cardwell or the American fella.

In development terms those two are a year behind the guys that went.

Whats more surprising is that Fosu didn't go.

Fosu's got the talent, but I think he needs a little bit of careful treatment. I think putting him into first team activity could be counter-productive, over inflating his ego. His decision making is his real problem and I have the suspicion that may be due to greediness as much as anything. A little set back compared to the likes of Stacey might help jolt him out of that.

Obviously this is all just a very limited view based on half a dozen games or so.

[kwik-silva]

What do we make of Ryan Edwards, he is the only younger player to have gone out on loan apart from Hector.

Looking at the Aussie Four Four Two forum they didn't really rate him. Some choice quotes:

"He struggled in the A-league "

"... superior to last seasons two big hacks Burns and Ryan Edwards"

"The fracas with the undisciplined, entitled, spoilt brat - Ryan Edwards "

Though

"Ryan Edwards did well enough when given license to roam, and linked up with Maclaren well"

[double d]

What do we make of Ryan Edwards, he is the only younger player to have gone out on loan apart from Hector.

Watched him a couple of time on BTSports in the A-League.

Didn't look anything over spectacular, but being the Aussie league it is hard to tell. He didn't do anything wrong per-se, just didn't do anything brilliantly. Average at best, but maybe if/when he plays a few reserve games or under 21's we will judge then.

Side note.... I am sure I have heard the name Josh Chatee pop up a few times before. Rings a bell. And Icelandic players taking over!

[ZacNaloen]

Whenever I've seen Edwards he's never particularly stood out. This will be his last chance to make it here I would expect.