The Kids....

David, I admire your backing and faith in the youth team players but giving them all a game, as you seem to advocate at once, isn't, I feel, either sensible or practical.

It goes without saying that they will "try hard"-and thats essential, but it should also be taken as read that any player, selected, at any time, for any match, for this club should "try hard". Unfortunately, "trying hard" doesn't equate to quality, experience, and the skills and nous required to win a match, win matches, get a run going for promotion.

I think its excellent that Shackell has cemented his first XI team this season and I hope he continues into next season. Ditto Chris Martin, it also looks as if Spillane isn't far away, but its crucial first that everyone knows his best position and he is kept there, I don't want to see the obvious quality he has being diluted by him becoming another "utility" player. But I suspect he'll be a semi-regular next season.

And that will probably be enough. Its likely that Eagle and Cave-Brown will be loaned out next season, much for the same reasons as both Jarvis brothers have this season-give them games, see if they can prove themselves. Result of all that-I think bye bye Hendo, possible bye bye Ryan, and a last chance for Rossi. Renton is still too young for 1st team consideration, especially if Martin gets a permanent place, and, if Earnie goes (I don't think Martin/Earnie will work as a duo) then we will need an experienced targetman to play along and mentor young Chris.

We've seen time and time again young players come through who look like they are the solution to all our problems, on numerous occasions, they have not been-however, of the current crop, yes, following Shackell, Martin and Spillane look set to be the next two to get a good chance of regular football with us-but lets not look too far ahead, a team of predominantly young players will suffer some heavy defeats at the hands of many a more experienced fellow CCC which would be counter productive.

Posted By: Martin Peters, Apr 28, 17:24:46