KidWatch, U21s

The Development Sqaud finished 6th in D2 of PL2, with a record of: W8 D6 L6 F41 A38
This is the second season that the side have been in with a shout of promotion to the top-flight of U21 football.
As it stands, Southampton & one of Leeds or Villa will be promoted to the top tier, with Leicester & Spurs being relegated. However there is a proposal to revamp the U21 league, reverting to a single division (there are just 25 teams).
The last match of the season was played at CR, with over 2,700 turning up to show support.

Most starts were Shipley (17), Warner (16) & Brooke/Kamara (15)
Most goals were Kamara (13 ) & Dickson-Peters (5)

Players who were out on loan:
Barden (GK) played regularly for Maidstone U but was unable to prevent them being relegated from the National Lge
Berry (GK) was first-choice for St Albans City, performing well as they got into the Play-Offs.
Blair (GK) spent most of his time at Kings Lynn as back-up GK, but did make 4 apps.
Dickson-Peters made four apps for Grimsby (1 goal) but has not been in a matchday squad since early March.
Mair (GK) also spent most of his time on the bench but made four apps for Notts Co (who are one win from a return to the FL).
Springett’s season ended in mid-March due to injury. He made 11 apps for Derby
Tomkinson made eight apps for Stevenage, mostly in the early part of his loan spell.

The contracts of Blair & Duffy are due to end this summer. Also St Paul (GK), but as he had major (knee?) surgery in January his situation is unclear. Others, with unknown contract-lengths, may also depart.

At this stage there are 17(ish) players under-contract for the Development Squad in 2023/24, which is a similar number to the season just ended.

Aside from Hills, who has already appeared on the bench to cover first-team injuries, there are no obvious candidates for rapid progression to the Senior Squad.

Posted By: Henclrikus, May 10, 12:22:40