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Post by trailingleg on May 4, 2016 4:48:52 GMT 1
For me Senior was outstanding with two goal-line clearances and an adventurous attacking flair. I'd try him on Saturday too off the bench. Williams, for a sixteen year old, is a tremendous prospect with two sublime passes along the line to Hanson into the wind second half. Booty was excellent first half, as was O'Brien, but I thought the CMs lost control a bit against the wind. Great defensive display though. The strikers struggled IMO, and Charles needs to make 2016/7 his breakthrough season if he's going to succeed. It'll be tough against the much more physical Blades with this young team, although I don't see why they should have to win it again after winning the league outright.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 9:58:22 GMT 1
Pyke has developed so much over the past year, and for me has gone past Bojaj. His bursts of pace are electric and he can come wide and murder a full back with ease. Yesterday was not his sort of game in the same way that Nahki would have struggled on the day. I commented on him being too lightweight last season and the change in him is fantastic, with more to come over the summer hopefully. The conditions, especially second half killed any sort of game plan for Town, it was backs to the wall stuff. Not the sort of game where Boyle or Booty could send him through like they regularly do and did in the u18s. I'd say his strengths are beating a full back and looking for support and taking a decisive ball played from midfield with pace and finishing well. Spoke to his Dad at a game and he wants him on loan next season. Not so sure. I know game time is a must but would being kicked by a clogger centre half every week benefit his game more than staying here and training the Wagner way and making a name in the u21s? I'd prefer the latter.
Booty I don't think is a one trick pony, although I do agree that the pinged pass to either flank will be expected more and dealt with easily if it becomes his only out. The finish yesterday showed his composure and he can certainly put a foot in, very strong in the tackle. He can drive forwards and try to weave a ball through too. He can be a bit hit and miss but he's 18. The corner he sliced to the back post yesterday allowing for the wind was technically brilliant. Some of the balls he did ping to the flanks yesterday and in a game previous, he accounts for the wind. Shows a clever young bloke that's able to execute too. I genuinely think we have something very special in Booty. Of course it's in the lap of the gods whether he stays fit, carries on developing, learns more, manages to not become a cock if he gets a few quid more with a better contract, wants to be a footballer not just to live like one. I would hope with his Dad and his background he will at least stay grounded.
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Post by Frankiesleftpeg on May 4, 2016 10:37:46 GMT 1
With Leicester City being the hot topic, I see the question has been asked whether Town can emulate them. First, I think you have to ask what it is that Leicester do that other teams don't. The FA and UEFA will be worried they'll have to re-write the coaching manuals just when they thought they had it all sorted in their heads. But I see clues in today's game at Canalside, which is typical of games not just at Town. Take Pyke. What's his role? What are his attributes to fulfill that role? Perhaps I'm wrong but he surely must see himself as the goalscorer, the focal point of attack? He's strong and has pace to burn. But he must be sick of his life because he's so rarely on the ball. Nahki Wells might be getting a few goals this season but I'm not sure that's because the team is looking to feed him directly or indirectly or play to his strengths. A stranger to the game could be forgiven for thinking he's an opportunist when plan A fails. I used to play with a centre forward who had blistering pace and could finish in the blink of an eye. Our job in midfield or defence was simply to seek him out in such a way that he had a run on the centre backs or down the channels. If I didn't know where he was without looking, I'd drop my shoulder, move into space, and buy a few seconds to lift my head. It could be a grass cutter or over the top. But he always knew what I was looking to do. We romped the league. That's what Leicester do with Vardy. They play direct. They take a 50/50 risk. These days coaches demand pass, pass, pass; backwards and sideways because to them possession is key. Watching Arsenal lately has been painful because they take so long to get from back to front that the opposition create a strong barrier round their own box and Arsenal invariably end up wanting too long to pick a lock. They used to be brilliant at sharp, direct, forward going, counter attacking football. Booty's balls out to the wings look great and can be productive as they buy that vital couple of additional seconds and wrong foot the opposition. Jonjo Shelvey does it but it's all too often. He's been moved on a few times ans is now warming the bench. Booty will need to take care that it doesn't become his stock move. Why doesn't he look to thread any along the deck and directly through the middle, for example? If he becomes predictable, what else has he got? By the time those balls travel to their destination, at the very least a defender can put the recipient under pressure and they're not the easiest balls to control. I worry that coaches are suppressing individuality and freedom of expression so that the lads end up following a fixed pattern of play that worships the god of possession. You rarely see tricks or flicks or showboating these days - Charles did one neat pirouette today but that was born of necessity. I remember playing with a great little player who would run at pace and then grab the ball between both feet and flick it from behind him over his own head and past the opposition. Brilliant it was. These days you're lucky if you see a youngster prepared to take two or three players on in order to work an opening. Heaven bid he might lose possession. Maybe that's why Holmes doesn't fit the bill then. He always seemed to me to like to take players on rather than pass for passing's sake.
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Post by blackley on May 4, 2016 11:23:43 GMT 1
I like to see a centre forward who is feisty and aggressive. Going on loan and getting kicked by cloggers might help develop that sort of trait but I doubt it. You've either got it or you haven't. I suppose Gary Lineker's even temperament shows it's not a necessity.
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Post by EastCoastTerrier on May 4, 2016 12:20:05 GMT 1
Agree with a lot of that but I think you're being very harsh on Williams. For an u16 in that game I thought he was fantastic. A couple of times he just dropped and didn't challenge for a header, knowing they would just flick it on to him anyway. Didn't want to get beaten and leave a hole. Showed great awareness for a young lad who isn't strictly a full back anyway. Came forward a few times and wasn't scared to meet the ball and take it with him at pace. I'm just rating his performance on the day. If he's good enough to play with the big boys, which undeniably he is, I don't see a need to make an allowance for his age when commenting on his performance. His first touch was unsure at times; and on the odd occasion he ran with it, his touch was heavy and he over ran it. If I were commenting on the lad as a player, I'd be saying he's an outstanding prospect. If he is going to fulfill his potential, he needs to work extremely hard over the next couple of years. A top first touch is vital and he can't rely solely on his outstanding pace and canny reading of the game. I worry more for Hanson on this score. His natural athleticism and speed are his big strengths but his touch lets him down. I agree, rate him as an equal player within the squad regardless of age. That's where he wants to be playing and is good enough to be. When we play u21s teams playing over age players etc. we don't see frankie bunn comparing the teams with age in mind.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 12:33:01 GMT 1
- Frankie Bunn reviews PDL2 semi-final win over Millwall - SPD Coach happy with how the youngsters performed - Bunn looks ahead to PDL2 Play-Off Final vs Sheff Utd
Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn was happy to see his Town Under-21 side progress past Millwall to reach the Professional Development League 2 Play-Off Final on Tuesday afternoon.
Having won the PDL2 North title by eight points, the young Terriers defeated Millwall – the runners-up of the PDL2 South – 2-0 at a windy PPG Canalside, with the goals coming from Captain Regan Booty and Danny Kane.
Now Town will play against Sheffield United – winners of the other semi-final against Charlton Athletic – to determine the overall PDL2 champion for 2015/16.
The date and exact venue for the game are yet to be confirmed, but the Terriers have been drawn away from home after the toss of a coin at the Premier League head office.
“Having lost the previous semi-final this season, the result more important than the performance today and the boys dug in, battled, ran and tried to play when they could,” Frankie told htafc.com after this afternoon’s win.
“I was very impressed with the team in a different way today. We were very young and we came across a direct style of football, which we’ve dealt with. You will come up against all types of football and you have to deal with it.
“We had five Under-18s out there today and two schoolboys and they can be proud of themselves having now won a semi-final.
“They were quite tall up front and the number nine, Alfie Pavey, was a bit of a handful, but I thought we dealt with him quite well. It was a tough semi-final, which it should be.
“We got two early goals, which was a bonus. At half time we told the lads not to panic, because we knew we’d play against the strong wind in the second 45. We told the players to be brave with their starting lines and to win the second balls, whilst competing for the first ones.
“We were quite strong and we competed well in the back line. We also countered quite well; after a spell of pressure in the second half, we broke and sprang out and maybe could have got another one. I thought that was quite good in the second half.”
Despite the victory, which was comfortable in the end, Frankie still saw room for improvement in his young players.
“What we didn’t do particularly well was play out from the back. They had a full press on and made it really difficult.
“The conditions weren’t great for football. The grass was quite hard and bobbly with no water on it, but we did our best. We were better with the ball in the first half, but we also had spells in the second.
“As I’ve said, it was about the result today.”
Now Bunn is looking forward to the final against the Blades, who finished runners-up to Town in the northern league table.
“I believe the game will be at Bramall Lane and it’ll be nice to go back there. We’re one each on games after the regular league season and lost there, so we want to go back and get revenge.
“They’re strong – they finished as runners-up in our league – and always tend to play a couple of overage players.
“It would be nice to finish the season with a win in another final; we’ve reached them consistently in the last four years. We’ve won one and it would be nice to win another this year.
“Regardless, we’ve had a fantastic season. That’s not only on results, but we’ve also got people in the First Team. Ultimately, that’s what we’re here for.”
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Post by EastCoastTerrier on May 4, 2016 12:52:22 GMT 1
“We had five Under-18s out there today and two schoolboys and they can be proud of themselves having now won a semi-final. “They’re strong – they finished as runners-up in our league – and always tend to play a couple of overage players. Il give you that one although it's not a direct comparison between the teams only two separate comments about each team. Either way in the match rate their performance from an equal starting point, obviously in the bigger picture those things matter. Right now I think Hanson is a better RB than Williams, whether that's the case in 5 years is a mystery. Good to have to good ones though.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 13:03:04 GMT 1
“We had five Under-18s out there today and two schoolboys and they can be proud of themselves having now won a semi-final. “They’re strong – they finished as runners-up in our league – and always tend to play a couple of overage players. Il give you that one although it's not a direct comparison between the teams only two separate comments about each team. Either way in the match rate their performance from an equal starting point, obviously in the bigger picture those things matter. Right now I think Hanson is a better RB than Williams, whether that's the case in 5 years is a mystery. Good to have to good ones though. I'd agree that Hanson is the better player at this moment in that position, but Williams isn't far behind. Be interesting to see what they do next season, Williams centre half in the 18s and will surely be pushing for a start in the 21s? Wonder if they want to develop Jabba into a midfielder? Be nice to pick the brains of Frankie Bunn to see how he thinks things will pan out and the way he sees their paths.
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Post by AndySk on May 4, 2016 13:08:21 GMT 1
Whats happening with Charles, remember him being the one getting bigged up a couple of seasons ago. I know he's had a few injuries but at 21 next season is it fair to say it'll be shit or bust for him regarding getting in the first team squad?
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Post by EastCoastTerrier on May 4, 2016 16:40:42 GMT 1
Whats happening with Charles, remember him being the one getting bigged up a couple of seasons ago. I know he's had a few injuries but at 21 next season is it fair to say it'll be shit or bust for him regarding getting in the first team squad? Since he came back from injury has looked a good player in the u21s and has scored a few good goals but not one who you'd be expecting Wagner to pick in a match day squad. Keeps getting picked by Wales though so must have something.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 14:19:39 GMT 1
Hull lost on penalties to West Ham after drawing on aggregate over the two legs. Shame they weren't shit at pens against our lot.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 16:37:13 GMT 1
Final against Sheffield Utd at Bramall Lane on Saturday 14th of May, 1pm kick off. Typical, seen virtually every game this season and can't do the final.
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Post by goodshot (FGS) on May 14, 2016 13:54:37 GMT 1
With Leicester City being the hot topic, I see the question has been asked whether Town can emulate them. First, I think you have to ask what it is that Leicester do that other teams don't. The FA and UEFA will be worried they'll have to re-write the coaching manuals just when they thought they had it all sorted in their heads. But I see clues in today's game at Canalside, which is typical of games not just at Town. Take Pyke. What's his role? What are his attributes to fulfill that role? Perhaps I'm wrong but he surely must see himself as the goalscorer, the focal point of attack? He's strong and has pace to burn. But he must be sick of his life because he's so rarely on the ball. Nahki Wells might be getting a few goals this season but I'm not sure that's because the team is looking to feed him directly or indirectly or play to his strengths. A stranger to the game could be forgiven for thinking he's an opportunist when plan A fails. I used to play with a centre forward who had blistering pace and could finish in the blink of an eye. Our job in midfield or defence was simply to seek him out in such a way that he had a run on the centre backs or down the channels. If I didn't know where he was without looking, I'd drop my shoulder, move into space, and buy a few seconds to lift my head. It could be a grass cutter or over the top. But he always knew what I was looking to do. We romped the league. That's what Leicester do with Vardy. They play direct. They take a 50/50 risk. These days coaches demand pass, pass, pass; backwards and sideways because to them possession is key. Watching Arsenal lately has been painful because they take so long to get from back to front that the opposition create a strong barrier round their own box and Arsenal invariably end up wanting too long to pick a lock. They used to be brilliant at sharp, direct, forward going, counter attacking football. Booty's balls out to the wings look great and can be productive as they buy that vital couple of additional seconds and wrong foot the opposition. Jonjo Shelvey does it but it's all too often. He's been moved on a few times ans is now warming the bench. Booty will need to take care that it doesn't become his stock move. Why doesn't he look to thread any along the deck and directly through the middle, for example? If he becomes predictable, what else has he got? By the time those balls travel to their destination, at the very least a defender can put the recipient under pressure and they're not the easiest balls to control. I worry that coaches are suppressing individuality and freedom of expression so that the lads end up following a fixed pattern of play that worships the god of possession. You rarely see tricks or flicks or showboating these days - Charles did one neat pirouette today but that was born of necessity. I remember playing with a great little player who would run at pace and then grab the ball between both feet and flick it from behind him over his own head and past the opposition. Brilliant it was. These days you're lucky if you see a youngster prepared to take two or three players on in order to work an opening. Heaven bid he might lose possession. You put your finger on it somewhere in there. A centre forward with blistering pace can do a lot for your team! I'm sure every team in the division would like one or two of those.
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Post by moldova on Jul 8, 2016 15:26:36 GMT 1
I Don't know where all these new signings leaves the current crop of U21 players.It must be very disheartening for these lads,not to mention Frankie Bunn,to come back to pre season training after last years success to find about 8 or 9 signings,that many I've lost count & I believe they now have to train up on the top canal pitches away from the first team squad.Little point in having an academy set up if this is the road the club have now taken.
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Post by stevvy on Jul 8, 2016 15:29:40 GMT 1
But evidently the club don't feel the current crop are good enough to play Championship football, which is part of the reason why Lillis went.
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Post by Baby Ate My Eight Ball on Jul 8, 2016 17:11:50 GMT 1
Booty (I think?) and Williams came on against Guiseley though, shows they're still in the manager's thoughts. Be interesting to see what happens with Pyke.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2016 21:45:52 GMT 1
Booty (I think?) and Williams came on against Guiseley though, shows they're still in the manager's thoughts. Be interesting to see what happens with Pyke. I believe Booty is 17 and Williams only 16. Two of the best prospects we have. They SHOULD be in the managers thoughts, i'm not sure anyone else is.
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Post by wtd on Jul 8, 2016 22:44:17 GMT 1
I Don't know where all these new signings leaves the current crop of U21 players.It must be very disheartening for these lads,not to mention Frankie Bunn,to come back to pre season training after last years success to find about 8 or 9 signings,that many I've lost count & I believe they now have to train up on the top canal pitches away from the first team squad.Little point in having an academy set up if this is the road the club have now taken. Are you unhappy that we have brought in players that are ready for our first team? Would you prefer we didn't do such a thing? Would you have preferred that half a dozen or so of Frankie's lads had been upgraded to the first team squad instead? The fact that we haven't done that... what does that tell you? The club doesn't exist in order to serve the academy... the academy is here to serve the club (and its supporters).
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Post by DATM Travel Agent on Jul 9, 2016 14:31:19 GMT 1
U21s got their pre-season up and running with a 2-0 win over Wigan courtesy of a Jack Boyle brace. The U18s ran riot over Blackpool at Canalside, smashing 8 without reply.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2016 16:51:59 GMT 1
U21s got their pre-season up and running with a 2-0 win over Wigan courtesy of a Jack Boyle brace. The U18s ran riot over Blackpool at Canalside, smashing 8 without reply. Did the 18s get to play a full 90 minutes?
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Post by blackley on Jul 10, 2016 21:45:19 GMT 1
U21s got their pre-season up and running with a 2-0 win over Wigan courtesy of a Jack Boyle brace. The U18s ran riot over Blackpool at Canalside, smashing 8 without reply. Did the 18s get to play a full 90 minutes? It was only 1 - 0 at half time. 7 of the 8 goals were off a left foot.
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Post by jqhtfc on Jul 11, 2016 18:52:29 GMT 1
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2016 19:35:59 GMT 1
I notice after that horrendous first goal Wigan changed keepers.
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Post by shaw01 on Jul 15, 2016 6:56:26 GMT 1
Reading Tony Carrs article about club pushing for top ten finish was interesting. Whilst I agree with his words something about the challenge being tough for breakthrough due to Wagners signings squad depth it should ideally and really mean if we get a player through into first team now a team playing in the top ten of the Championship then really that player must really be a Premiership player of the future ( like Lewis Cook, Del Ali etc). That can only be good for Town and the elite player challenge for at first the performances on the pitch for us then future value, sale and add ins etc. It's great that even the Academy lads now know the club are aiming possibly insisting on top ten finish. No grey areas. Was a good article.
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Post by shaw01 on Jul 15, 2016 8:44:00 GMT 1
Ps Does anyone know or have an opinion on who read it was it confirming Wagner and team and Hoyle expectation of a top ten finish or just Carrs's opinion we should be pushing top ten ? Is it a club expectation or just Tony's ?
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Post by Baby Ate My Eight Ball on Jul 15, 2016 9:56:21 GMT 1
Ps Does anyone know or have an opinion on who read it was it confirming Wagner and team and Hoyle expectation of a top ten finish or just Carrs's opinion we should be pushing top ten ? Is it a club expectation or just Tony's ? Where is this article that you're referring to?
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Post by Frankiesleftpeg on Jul 15, 2016 10:11:24 GMT 1
With the players signed this summer I'd have thought that a top six finish was more the aim.
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Post by blackley on Jul 15, 2016 10:32:10 GMT 1
The 21s were gubbed by Kidderminster and the 18s by cat 3 Walsall this week. An early wake up call at Lilleshall.
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Post by blackley on Jul 15, 2016 10:34:02 GMT 1
According to one of Sunderland's Academy staff, many of the 21s they released have not got fixed up. When asked why they didn't look to get into lower league clubs, he replied "They play a different type of football in the academy."
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Post by Headless Chicken on Jul 15, 2016 12:10:01 GMT 1
The 21s were gubbed by Kidderminster and the 18s by cat 3 Walsall this week. An early wake up call at Lilleshall. I assume you're on about Town???
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