This is the ultimate conundrum, how and when to introduce our own guys. This is why to me both silly buggers cups matter. They are kinds of semi full on matches and getting experience in them is good…as are the right loans if they come along.
He is, an absolute unit when you get to see him in real life, and unreal movement for a big fella, pleased this been announced, look how proud his parents are!
Great news and yes that’s all we offered deals to signed up. Williams and Harvey were already pro so they were confirmed in another article. Here’s the original announcement:
It feels like it’s been a while since anyone broke through and become a regular starter. I won’t be surprised if one or two make an real impact this season.
Having a pathway may look like a lack of investment from TS but there’s no point spending millions on the academy every season (and more with cat 1) if the opportunity isn’t there.
We have a manager who is a proper coach, plays a style academy players will fit into and we’re in the third tier - in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see some become genuine first team players.
Won’t guess who as I haven’t seen enough but it makes a real change to have a few really promising strikers.
There have always been players, but unfortunately they've never stayed very long. The likes of Burstow, Doughty who attracted bids, or others like Vennings, Lapslie, Wiredu and Dempsey
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
Great news and very much like what the club are doing at the moment. TS clearly sees the value in the academy and glad Adigun has been signed up.
Good news yes, but it's a bit of a stretch to praise TS for us signing up some talented youngsters, as it's what we've always done. Especially with 4 players only getting 1 year deals, which is the standard "not sure" type of contract
I think it is great news and whilst we have always been a great club for the kids a) I can't remember us ever signing 8 of one cohort before, b) football economics have changed immeasurably in recent years and some of these lads will have been highly coveted, c) with Kanu, Leaburn, Gavin, Ladapo and Reilly all attacking players would you expect all to have long contracts? We are L1 and need to be realistic. From what I read the next age group down is packed with talent too so it is a juggling point and I would be surprised if the 1yr contracts did not include club favour options.
If ESI were still in charge all these would have been very likely to have gone. Same with some owners before.
I am genuinely delighted by this news, these kids are our own and have done phenomenally well to get this far. If this club is ever to recover it needs a combination of great recruitment, great coaching of youngsters, financial commitment from owners and loyalty from the young boys who no doubt will have had tempting offers elsewhere.
Finally, not surprisingly Leaburn catches the attention but a shout out to Toure who on May won the inaugural "Pierre Bolangi award" which is to be given to an U18 player who has demonstrated Pierre's characteristics of resilience, leadership, optimism and compassion.
Great news and yes that’s all we offered deals to signed up. Williams and Harvey were already pro so they were confirmed in another article. Here’s the original announcement:
It feels like it’s been a while since anyone broke through and become a regular starter. I won’t be surprised if one or two make an real impact this season.
Having a pathway may look like a lack of investment from TS but there’s no point spending millions on the academy every season (and more with cat 1) if the opportunity isn’t there.
We have a manager who is a proper coach, plays a style academy players will fit into and we’re in the third tier - in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see some become genuine first team players.
Won’t guess who as I haven’t seen enough but it makes a real change to have a few really promising strikers.
There have always been players, but unfortunately they've never stayed very long. The likes of Burstow, Doughty who attracted bids, or others like Vennings, Lapslie, Wiredu and Dempsey
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
So two in that group, Doughty became a starter and Lapslie got as far as a useful squad player.
I don’t count the rest as none of them established themselves in our first team squad. The academy hasn’t been as productive in the last few years, our u23 squads haven’t been as strong but last years u18s appear more promising.
Great news and yes that’s all we offered deals to signed up. Williams and Harvey were already pro so they were confirmed in another article. Here’s the original announcement:
It feels like it’s been a while since anyone broke through and become a regular starter. I won’t be surprised if one or two make an real impact this season.
Having a pathway may look like a lack of investment from TS but there’s no point spending millions on the academy every season (and more with cat 1) if the opportunity isn’t there.
We have a manager who is a proper coach, plays a style academy players will fit into and we’re in the third tier - in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see some become genuine first team players.
Won’t guess who as I haven’t seen enough but it makes a real change to have a few really promising strikers.
There have always been players, but unfortunately they've never stayed very long. The likes of Burstow, Doughty who attracted bids, or others like Vennings, Lapslie, Wiredu and Dempsey
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
So two in that group, Doughty became a starter and Lapslie got as far as a useful squad player.
I don’t count the rest as none of them established themselves in our first team squad. The academy hasn’t been as productive in the last few years, our u23 squads haven’t been as strong but last years u18s appear more promising.
If we get 2 first team players out of our current U18 crop I'd be delighted. You can go back through the years, seeing talented youngsters signings contracts with us and few making it.
Great news and yes that’s all we offered deals to signed up. Williams and Harvey were already pro so they were confirmed in another article. Here’s the original announcement:
It feels like it’s been a while since anyone broke through and become a regular starter. I won’t be surprised if one or two make an real impact this season.
Having a pathway may look like a lack of investment from TS but there’s no point spending millions on the academy every season (and more with cat 1) if the opportunity isn’t there.
We have a manager who is a proper coach, plays a style academy players will fit into and we’re in the third tier - in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see some become genuine first team players.
Won’t guess who as I haven’t seen enough but it makes a real change to have a few really promising strikers.
There have always been players, but unfortunately they've never stayed very long. The likes of Burstow, Doughty who attracted bids, or others like Vennings, Lapslie, Wiredu and Dempsey
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
Don't disagree and it is why the whole plan for the club has to deliver Championship football as then the best kids will at least last the season and command higher fees to be reinvested back into the club/academy.
Who knows how long these lads will stay and how successful they will be but today's news is positive and good for the club.
Good caring family. Miles is a real unit, so impressive on the ball v Dartford. Great to see the next generation.
Early days & I’d want to see him in action v div 1 or 2 teams, but I’m not ruling him out being our 4th striker - instead of Davison. Also he doesn’t take up a squad place.
No reason Miles cannot cut it soon,his dad was in the side as a teenager and playing in the then div 1 against the likes of Steve Bruce,Tony Adams,Paul Magrath,Alan Hansen.He did very well,I am not suggesting that playing against some of the more agricultural defenders in league 1 is going to be easy,but I certainly think he has the ability and calmness to cope.And no doubt Dad will give him all the advice he needs.
Great news and yes that’s all we offered deals to signed up. Williams and Harvey were already pro so they were confirmed in another article. Here’s the original announcement:
It feels like it’s been a while since anyone broke through and become a regular starter. I won’t be surprised if one or two make an real impact this season.
Having a pathway may look like a lack of investment from TS but there’s no point spending millions on the academy every season (and more with cat 1) if the opportunity isn’t there.
We have a manager who is a proper coach, plays a style academy players will fit into and we’re in the third tier - in fact I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see some become genuine first team players.
Won’t guess who as I haven’t seen enough but it makes a real change to have a few really promising strikers.
There have always been players, but unfortunately they've never stayed very long. The likes of Burstow, Doughty who attracted bids, or others like Vennings, Lapslie, Wiredu and Dempsey
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
So two in that group, Doughty became a starter and Lapslie got as far as a useful squad player.
I don’t count the rest as none of them established themselves in our first team squad. The academy hasn’t been as productive in the last few years, our u23 squads haven’t been as strong but last years u18s appear more promising.
If we get 2 first team players out of our current U18 crop I'd be delighted. You can go back through the years, seeing talented youngsters signings contracts with us and few making it.
Of course, I’m thinking more that we might see someone like Ness or Clayden so well, not just those in this year group. There seems to be more potential than where we were a year ago.
Actually brought tears to my eyes hearing young Miles. Imagine in the next year or two, chants of Leeaaaburn, Leeaaaburn ringing around the Valley again!
That feels really positive and boy, do We need some positives to come back to Cafc. Agree with Killer that in recent years the kids either don't make it or go higher before they have played a handful of games.
Miles is growing upwards while Carl is growing outwards and our Tracey is ? Proud Mum, Wife and Foster mum to many players that have been at Cafc in recent years
Miles is a very professional player. Doesn’t drink and looks after himself.
hes 6’5” and I think turned 18 late last year so probably not a lot more growing to go.
having spent 8 years at Chelsea he clearly has something about him and there were a LOT of clubs interested in him when he joined us just as they were hovering around us all summer this year. I’m really glad we will hear that chant, which was such a big part of my teenage years, once again. If and when he scores his first professional goal in front of the covered end I would like to think the roof will be suitably lifted
Massive congratulations to all 6 newly contracted players.
Picture the scene , Miles scores an injury time winner in front of the covered end. The crowd go nuts as a curly haired blond woman runs on the pitch. Leeeeeburn , Leeeeeeburn
Context is everything, if i were to bump into Christina Hendricks in the Makro car park and she told me she needed me to help her scratch an itch, i'd probably oblige. On the other hand I have twice wandered past a man self loving in a car and i must admit it did take the gloss of my walk.
Carl Leaburn was one of my first Valley heroes. Representing one of my favourite times supporting the club. It feels very poignant to see his son following in his footsteps - and I wish Miles and all the other young players the very best at the start of their pro journey.
I have a feeling Miles wouldn't stitch us up by leaving on a free. Proper Charlton family.
Revenge for the way his old man was treated at the end.....Its a dish best served cold and Carlo and Tracy have been plotting this for 25 years :evil laugh:
Good caring family. Miles is a real unit, so impressive on the ball v Dartford. Great to see the next generation.
Early days & I’d want to see him in action v div 1 or 2 teams, but I’m not ruling him out being our 4th striker - instead of Davison. Also he doesn’t take up a squad place.
No reason Miles cannot cut it soon,his dad was in the side as a teenager and playing in the then div 1 against the likes of Steve Bruce,Tony Adams,Paul Magrath,Alan Hansen.He did very well,I am not suggesting that playing against some of the more agricultural defenders in league 1 is going to be easy,but I certainly think he has the ability and calmness to cope.And no doubt Dad will give him all the advice he needs.
I still remember the first time I saw Carl playing for us, away at Wimbledon that scagy old ground. He was a teenager then, probably eighteen?
All arm’s & legs and elbows, obviously not the finished product but they couldn’t get the ball off him.
From the few times I’ve watched Miles he seems to have all the attributes for a successful pro career. On Saturday as well as technical ability was surprised at his mobility and sheer pace.
Can’t wait to chant the family name again at the valley.
Leaburn is obviously getting most of the headlines but the signing of Adigun shouldn't go under the radar. He was interesting quite a few PL clubs.
I think there's a few coming through with a genuine chance of making the grade. The likes of Leaburn, Kanu, Ness probably won't be mainstays of the team but might very well get some game/squad time and hopefully a decent cup run.
It does start to feel like there's some actual long term vision starting to come together instead of going season to season and making do. Hopefully there's the faith and patience at all levels to see it through.
Leaburn is obviously getting most of the headlines but the signing of Adigun shouldn't go under the radar. He was interesting quite a few PL clubs.
I think there's a few coming through with a genuine chance of making the grade. The likes of Leaburn, Kanu, Ness probably won't be mainstays of the team but might very well get some game/squad time and hopefully a decent cup run.
It does start to feel like there's some actual long term vision starting to come together instead of going season to season and making do. Hopefully there's the faith and patience at all levels to see it through.
It's impossible though for a L1 side to have a very long term vision, as the best players or indeed your manager will get poached. MK Dons for example lost Russell Martin just before the start of last season, regularly lose players to higher clubs and might lose Liam Manning. Forest Green despite promotion to L1 have lost their manager and several of their best players, ditto Swindon of course!
Comments
This is why to me both silly buggers cups matter. They are kinds of semi full on matches and getting experience in them is good…as are the right loans if they come along.
The reality is that most academy players won't make it with us, and anyone really good won't hang around in L1.
I think it is great news and whilst we have always been a great club for the kids a) I can't remember us ever signing 8 of one cohort before, b) football economics have changed immeasurably in recent years and some of these lads will have been highly coveted, c) with Kanu, Leaburn, Gavin, Ladapo and Reilly all attacking players would you expect all to have long contracts? We are L1 and need to be realistic. From what I read the next age group down is packed with talent too so it is a juggling point and I would be surprised if the 1yr contracts did not include club favour options.
If ESI were still in charge all these would have been very likely to have gone. Same with some owners before.
I am genuinely delighted by this news, these kids are our own and have done phenomenally well to get this far. If this club is ever to recover it needs a combination of great recruitment, great coaching of youngsters, financial commitment from owners and loyalty from the young boys who no doubt will have had tempting offers elsewhere.
Finally, not surprisingly Leaburn catches the attention but a shout out to Toure who on May won the inaugural "Pierre Bolangi award" which is to be given to an U18 player who has demonstrated Pierre's characteristics of resilience, leadership, optimism and compassion.
I don’t count the rest as none of them established themselves in our first team squad. The academy hasn’t been as productive in the last few years, our u23 squads haven’t been as strong but last years u18s appear more promising.
Not sure on Bower, assume too young as with Mitchell who looks excellent to me.
Don't disagree and it is why the whole plan for the club has to deliver Championship football as then the best kids will at least last the season and command higher fees to be reinvested back into the club/academy.
Who knows how long these lads will stay and how successful they will be but today's news is positive and good for the club.
Agree with Killer that in recent years the kids either don't make it or go higher before they have played a handful of games.
Miles is growing upwards while Carl is growing outwards and our Tracey is ?
Proud Mum, Wife and Foster mum to many players that have been at Cafc in recent years
hes 6’5” and I think turned 18 late last year so probably not a lot more growing to go.
having spent 8 years at Chelsea he clearly has something about him and there were a LOT of clubs interested in him when he joined us just as they were hovering around us all summer this year. I’m really glad we will hear that chant, which was such a big part of my teenage years, once again. If and when he scores his first professional goal in front of the covered end I would like to think the roof will be suitably lifted
Massive congratulations to all 6 newly contracted players.
Lets hope that this time we are able to hold onto these youngsters, instead of losing them after a handful of games.
Your probably right.
From the few times I’ve watched Miles he seems to have all the attributes for a successful pro career. On Saturday as well as technical ability was surprised at his mobility and sheer pace.
Can’t wait to chant the family name again at the valley.
It does start to feel like there's some actual long term vision starting to come together instead of going season to season and making do. Hopefully there's the faith and patience at all levels to see it through.