Fab Friday as we hope it will be, with the Jean Clair Todibo tug of war with Juventus coming to a head, has also seen the details released of Academy players who are to head out on loan this season rather than remaining within the senior squad. A few are no surprise at all and part of player development , so to be broadly welcomed. Although one name in the mix for a ‘loan out’ did cause raised eyebrows when I read it.
Now I understand with all of the incoming signings – even without the departures which will undoubtedly follow – the squad numbers can be a maximum of 25. So the sentiment of retaining those around the squad who have shown promise needs to be just that – sentiment – and our Head Coach has shown a streak which some would label ruthless but others ‘professional’ in deciding the immediate future of some of our academy squad who have been on show in pre-season.
Second chance to shine
Callum Marshall is has signed on loan at Huddersfield for the season. Hopefully this will be a more successful arrangement than the West Bromwich Albion loan last year.Gideon Kudua has options but expects to be on a season-long loan as do Patrick Kelly and Michael Forbes. Similarly Kamarai Swyer has been earmarked for a season long loan.
What did cause a furrowed brow – to me anyway – was the report that George Earthy has been allocated for loaning out and a number of clubs, not surprisingly, are interested. No details yet as to the terms of the loan and whether he can be recalled if required – if player sales or injuries deem it necessary, for instance. I’m sure it is part of young player development but I’d hoped he would break into the first team on a regular basis. Wonder whether his contract negotiations are still up in the air.
Interestingly nothing yet published regarding Messrs Scarles, Orford or Potts as yet. Doesn’t mean they aren’t headed out. Just means that details haven’t been released but of course one or more maybe staying as part of the senior squad, homegrown quotas being important as we bring in more overseas talent. We’ll keep searching for more info and bring updates when available.
I’m not even sure where some established first team players get starts this season it’s looking like such a strong first eleven.
Very much agree John….i think we will have a very fluid squad this season and not the same eleven getting flogged week in week out.. even with less matches to play this season it makes sense and keeps player on there toes
Indeed. For the first time, a West Ham manager will be able to take genuine advantage of squad rotation. Moyes had his favourite starting eleven, whilst his often too late substitutions were very predictable. There were players on our bench who you just knew wouldn’t be getting on, even for ten minutes. Julen will be able to rotate and rest players and not leave our team weakened. Sometimes with Moyes, you knew as soon as you saw a depleted starting XI, we’d be in for a defeat. It was almost like he was ‘throwing’ a game to rest players in preparation for an upcoming Euro tie.
That’s the downside of having a big squad as teams like Chelsea and Man City prove. Chelsea would rather sell one of their own like Gallagher and buy in a palmer. Man city sell a youngster of the quality of palmer. Financial rules means academy players are just commodities to be sold for pure profit.
Patrick Kelly has signed for Doncaster Rovers on loan
“Interestingly nothing yet published regarding Messrs Scarles, Orford or Potts as yet. Doesn’t mean they aren’t headed out. Just means that details haven’t been released but of course one or more maybe staying as part of the senior squad, homegrown quotas being important as we bring in more overseas talent” Bizzarre. None of those three would count as part of the senior 25 man squad,and therefore would not count towards the homegrown quota because they are under 21
I can see Potts and Casey being part of the first team squad. I thought Earthy might also be involved as he certainly adds energy whenever he comes on.
Orford probably needs a season out as well, it certainly helped Potts mature physically and playing wise.
I did not think that academy players counted in the first team squad could play but do not have to be on the list of 25
I can see Potts and Casey being part of the first team squad. I thought Earthy might also be involved as he certainly adds energy whenever he comes on.
Orford probably needs a season out as well, it certainly helped Potts mature physically and playing wise.
Many of our young academy players are far better off going out on loan and gaining invaluable experience so they can come back to us better players. However, I have to agree that Earthy is an odd one. Obviously he needs to fill out, but that will come with age over the next few years. I see Earthy as a player that could get some minutes in the Premier League and Cup competitions. I suppose it’s a matter of which is best for him: making the most of the limited minutes he’ll receive in the first team, or improving his game by going out on loan. As John said above, we have a very strong first 11. Will be tough for established players to get on the pitch regularly.
I bet people used to tell Lanzini he needed to fill out. At some point they realised he didn’t need to.
It’s becoming a strong 25-man squad, let alone a starting XI. I’m all for squad rotation.
The first team squad may need a few of the young players to make up the English quota, having recruited so many from abroad.