The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

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Royals and Racers
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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Royals and Racers » 10 Jan 2026 15:02

Nice chat with John Clarke at Bearwood today. As i posted some months ago his back after his operation is fine but he had severe muscle problems on the leg he badly damaged. The good news is that he is back on grass non-contact training and is hoping to return to full training in 2/3 weeks.

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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Hound » 10 Jan 2026 15:54

It’s prob next season for him now realistically

Clyde1998
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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Clyde1998 » 10 Jan 2026 16:00

Hound It’s prob next season for him now realistically

Is he not out of contract in the summer? Perhaps the club will give him another year, but I wouldn't count on it.

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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Clyde1998 » 10 Jan 2026 16:02

Snowflake Royal Nice interview with Alex Pearce on youtube, about his last year coaching in the Academy.

What a lovely humble guy... described himelf as coming through the ranks here, getting his debut and making a few appearances for the club... missing out that was over 200 appearances, a PotS award, Championship winners medal and a season in the top flight.

Will have to check that out. IIRC, he's doing the U14s. Great to see he's involved with the academy given his background at the club.

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tidus_mi2
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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by tidus_mi2 » 10 Jan 2026 20:23

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.


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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Clyde1998 » 10 Jan 2026 21:12

tidus_mi2 Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

He's probably worth another year and certainly worth a serious assessment by the club.

I think he's twenty-one next season and left footed - so could potentially be the long term replacement for Derrick Williams and may learn a lot next season by being his understudy.

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Re: The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

by Snowflake Royal » 10 Jan 2026 22:14

tidus_mi2 Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

Absolutely. Looked raw but loads of potential, with the issue being decisions and temperement, both of which likely to improve with experience and games.

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