The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Royals and Racers]

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.

[Hound]

It’s prob next season for him now realistically

[Clyde1998]

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.

[Clyde1998]

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.

[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.

[Clyde1998]

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.

[Snowflake Royal]

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.

[Sutekh]

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.

Yes he should get a contract offer, if he’s doing well and standing out in the NL then that’s a no brainer as any player excelling in the NL should be on Reading’s radar. This is how loan periods should work - when was the last time a Reading player on loan somewhere excelled?

[WestYorksRoyal]

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.

Unless we get promoted, I think he'd play a part next season. Let's say we don't retain Burns, we have a high potential option available.

The top of NL is tough; I think the top 10 or so would all survive in L2 but only 2 promotion spots exist. It's certainly streets ahead of the PL U21s league our academy plays in. Would be a big jump to come straight back in the starting XI, but as a squad option behind O'Connor and Williams you'd definitely back him.

[Sutekh]

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.

Unless we get promoted, I think he'd play a part next season. Let's say we don't retain Burns, we have a high potential option available.

The top of NL is tough; I think the top 10 or so would all survive in L2 but only 2 promotion spots exist. It's certainly streets ahead of the PL U21s league our academy plays in. Would be a big jump to come straight back in the starting XI, but as a squad option behind O'Connor and Williams you'd definitely back him.

Does he have pace? Tricky to know when he rarely stays on the pitch long enough.

[Hound]

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.

Yes I really liked what i saw of him. Lots of talent just the issues you’ve mentioned

Be great if he does come back and get into our first team squad a better player next year