The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Royals and Racers]

Bit surprised unable to crack Rover's lineup in bottom half of League 1 and they sent him back early.
How did he look against Bayern? Did he play CB?

He was his usual self against Bayern, good to have him back. He played as the central defender in a 3 with Holmes and McIntyre.
Bit odd for Bristol to not give him a game but then the writer to say he looked lightweight for senior football - how would he know ? He’s not a 6’4” monster but he can battle and is good in the air.
No idea what type of football Bristol play, perhaps Osho getting the ball down and playing out of defence wasn’t route 1 enough for them ?
He was rated highly by Aldershot and they were really disappointed we recalled him.

Osho will be fine. I was really impressed with his home debut for the senior side. He had one scary moment early on but then look composed and passed the ball well out of defence. I have high hopes for him.

Very similar to how i thought Tom McIntyre played on his debut at Rotherham, especially playing for quite a time with that eye injury.

[Zip]

He was his usual self against Bayern, good to have him back. He played as the central defender in a 3 with Holmes and McIntyre.
Bit odd for Bristol to not give him a game but then the writer to say he looked lightweight for senior football - how would he know ? He’s not a 6’4” monster but he can battle and is good in the air.
No idea what type of football Bristol play, perhaps Osho getting the ball down and playing out of defence wasn’t route 1 enough for them ?
He was rated highly by Aldershot and they were really disappointed we recalled him.

Osho will be fine. I was really impressed with his home debut for the senior side. He had one scary moment early on but then look composed and passed the ball well out of defence. I have high hopes for him.

Very similar to how i thought Tom McIntyre played on his debut at Rotherham, especially playing for quite a time with that eye injury.

Didn’t see McIntyre’s debut but I know he did well and very brave given he picked up such a nasty injury. We have two good, young centre backs coming through. Not so sure about Holmes.

[URZZZZ]

Osho will be fine. I was really impressed with his home debut for the senior side. He had one scary moment early on but then look composed and passed the ball well out of defence. I have high hopes for him.

Very similar to how i thought Tom McIntyre played on his debut at Rotherham, especially playing for quite a time with that eye injury.

Didn’t see McIntyre’s debut but I know he did well and very brave given he picked up such a nasty injury. We have two good, young centre backs coming through. Not so sure about Holmes.

Would disagree here, first signs of both Osho and McIntyre are promising, but to say good is jumping the barrel a bit, look at how Aaron Kuhl turned out etc

[Denver Royal]

Early doors and we'll see, but at his height Osho will need to dev in to really good player as full time starting CB twice a week in Champ. (Maybe play another position?) Prospect of him alongside Moore isn’t really enticing for me.

Osho at Bristol Rov prolly not a good look anyway you slice it. They didn't fancy him, on/off the field. Don't know their 'system' (assume we looked b4 sending him there?), but CB dropping down a div should be seamless, local club too. What now, send him to another club next season?

Champ is what it is, get bigger in the middle, quit the folly and play percentages. Two tall CBs, who produce in both boxes, win games 1-0 away when freezing up Norf, recipe for promotion. (We currently don’t do shutouts away).

We lose, but 'so-and-so tried hard vs 2 big lumps', doesn't show in standings. Up to us to set up, so we aren’t physically disadvantaged. We know the opposition.

[NewCorkSeth]

Can someone clarify what height is now small for a CB? I mean Moore is 6ft1 so it's not like hes a midget.

[Hound]

I do like Moore alongside a taller CB to be fair. I agree I'd rather see Miazga alongside Osho or McIntyre. Though I certainly wouldn't want two Jake Coopers at the back either

I'm not sure too many champ teams play long ball/percentages. A few of the shit ones, like Millwall and Rotherham, and of course Boro with Pulis, but the only team its really worked for recently has been Cardiff

[Nameless]

Osho will be fine. I was really impressed with his home debut for the senior side. He had one scary moment early on but then look composed and passed the ball well out of defence. I have high hopes for him.

Very similar to how i thought Tom McIntyre played on his debut at Rotherham, especially playing for quite a time with that eye injury.

Didn’t see McIntyre’s debut but I know he did well and very brave given he picked up such a nasty injury. We have two good, young centre backs coming through. Not so sure about Holmes.

Holmes is that bit younger than the other 2. Given centre backs tend to mature a little later I think all 3 have every chance of making it. All 3 are comfortable with the ball , Holmes has that bit of extra height but does have the odd error in him but hopefully that will go as he gets experience.

[Zip]

Very similar to how i thought Tom McIntyre played on his debut at Rotherham, especially playing for quite a time with that eye injury.

Didn’t see McIntyre’s debut but I know he did well and very brave given he picked up such a nasty injury. We have two good, young centre backs coming through. Not so sure about Holmes.

Holmes is that bit younger than the other 2. Given centre backs tend to mature a little later I think all 3 have every chance of making it. All 3 are comfortable with the ball , Holmes has that bit of extra height but does have the odd error in him but hopefully that will go as he gets experience.

Yes Holmes is taller. I thought he looked on the slow side against Bolton last season.
Osho is 6 foot tall. Blackett is apparently 6 feet two. When they stood close to each other defending a corner Blackett looked a fair bit taller. Having said that I thought Osho really looked the part.

[Royals and Racers]

Tonight`s team
Jaakkola
Howe
Medford-Smith
Holmes
Osho
McIntyre
olise
Coleman
Baldock
Holsgrove
House
subs
Odimayo
Andresson
Frost
Liddle
rollinson

[Hound]

Nice. Be interesting to see how Baldock gets on. Assume the view is to get him back in for Norwich when Oli is out

[Royals and Racers]

3 mins Fulham 0 Reading 1 Baldock PEN

[Hound]

Well that helps

No Loader or Barrett, but Osho and McIntyre in. Was expecting one of those CBs to be in the first team squad - but looks like Loader and Barrett will travel

[Royals and Racers]

0-2 17 mins House- assist from howe

[Royals and Racers]

37 mins Baldock hit the post- should have scored
HT 0-2

[Zip]

Tonight`s team
Jaakkola
Howe
Medford-Smith
Holmes
Osho
McIntyre
olise
Coleman
Baldock
Holsgrove
House
subs
Odimayo
Andresson
Frost
Liddle
rollinson

No Loader. I’m guessing Swift will be out and Loader will come into the squad.

[Hound]

37 mins Baldock hit the post- should have scored
HT 0-2

You there? How’s he looking?

[Royals and Racers]

37 mins Baldock hit the post- should have scored
HT 0-2

You there? How’s he looking?

No but a mate is and he is texting me- he said Baldock has some speed down the middle and Howe has been linking well with House down the right.

[windermereROYAL]

We are winning 2-0 so why are we getting 0-2? doesn`t matter that we are away.

[Royals and Racers]

Frost on for Baldock after 60 mins- Elise missed a couple of good chances.

[Hound]

Thanks RR. Yes like Howe, back up FB for next season maybe