Zach Mitchell - Jan 2026 recalled from Hibernian (p29)

guinnessaddick

ForeverAddickted said:

I guess we probably wont bother with another Right sided Defender now then... Shame it didn't work out for Zach after his time with St Johnstone - Its a shame that Hibs basically f**ked him and us over by playing him in two games, otherwise we could have recalled him, made an assessment, and could have sent him back elsewhere for the rest of the season, but he's now played for two clubs

Think this rule will change, much like not being cup tied when you’ve play for one team already.

killerandflash

Stu_of_Kunming said:

limeygent said:

I would have thought than if he'd been good enough he'd have been given some game time, after all, managers want to win, don't they?

I know I’ll get pelters from a few, but it’s hard to avoid the thought there must be other issues going on, perhaps attitude, ability, both, or something else entirely but there has to be a reason he’s barely played at two different clubs that are hardly pulling up trees themselves. 

Hopefully I’m totally wrong, it’s just back and he can go on to prove his worth with us this season, but I won’t be holding my breath and I seriously hope NJ isn’t banking on it. 

Hibernian are 5th in the Scottish Premiership, they're not relegation strugglers like St Johnstone last season.

limeygent

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

I-SAW-POUSO-PLAY

Will he be on the bench tonight?

IR94

I-SAW-POUSO-PLAY said:

Will he be on the bench tonight?

With knibbs out, and Bree off there will be a couple more spots on the bench, between him and Gough I guess for a place.

Oggy Red

Radostanradical said:

sam3110 said:

fenaddick said:

Sword65pf said:

They might put him somewhere else, so he gets games.

He can't play for another club

Unless it's non-league, I think? 

Could he go to a conference team on loan? If he did I would say that would be pretty damning in our faith in him. 

We probably need Zak right now for cover - but if he's not match fit due to lack of playing time, maybe sending him to a Conference club for a month gets him 1st team playing time?

If he gets games, that would perhaps prove more beneficial all round than his playing U21development games?

Addick Addict

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.
Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 
As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.
I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 
The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.
We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    
Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

"played 1 game and done really well , why do we even go for loans most don't play!!!"
"no surprise here as only got one game, me thinks our loss as the lad has got talent, good luck Zach…"
"Decent player in the game he played, could have defo used him on Saturday"
"Played one game and in my opinion he was man of the match, difficult to get players to come on loan to us if we don't give them a chance."
"We'll need to sign more of David Grays pals. Their the only ones that has a chance of getting a game in a very average hibs team."
"I really liked him. The one game that he played he was outstanding! Why no more? Very strange indeed."
"Gray too busy playing his pals. Boy looked very good in the short minutes he got"
"No game time, then gets played, played very well, them off he goes  Sums us up right now"
"We will get the pleasure of seeing Zach doing well and progressing into a top player in England or wherever, knowing we could have probably signed him . Better prospect than a couple of our backline."
"Can only wish the young man all the best after what's been a very unproductive time at hibs Charlton looking after his interest which is good to see hopefully he will find game time and kick on"
"One game played well got ah future we just never gave him a chance."
"Shame he had Talent"
"Only cross he was burdened with is that he’s a rcb. If he could play lcb, he’d have been a starter by now.
"Of course he didn't get a chance, he's not one of the managers favourites ."
"Zach was really good playing against Dundee Utd, a solid performance!! I’m not surprised that he’s been recalled by his club with virtually no game time here! All the best Zach!! GGTTH 
"Teams will stop loaning players to us as we dont give them game time"
"He so much better than Bushiri but Gray doesn’t see b this"
"We do this every season, bring in a loan defender and don’t play him. If he is just back up fair enough, I’m sure we will bring in another defender for that same reason.
"Only played 1 game and was best player on the pitch and didn’t get another game another reason why grey should go"
"I think David Gray needs to leave and coach at a lower level and learn his trade not at hibs expense

Bring in the best we can afford and maybe they’ll get rid of the deadwood that Gray keeps playing imo "
"No real surprise as we pay good money for players as well……and hardly play them !!!

Very strange.."
"This sums up our recruitment signed so late in the day we needed uefa to approve it then left him in the development squad till rocky went Afcon big changes are needed in this club
"Wasted the guys time good what I seen but gray keeps is old pals play"
"Another lad who should have got more game time. Loanee players aren’t the answer but at the end of the day isn’t taking them on loan about getting them game time and getting our own players rested and recovered?

I’m done with DG now.

Our team organisation is non existent and we don’t know what we are getting from one game to the next and neither do the players imo.

He’s taken us as far as his knowledge and capabilities as a coach can.

We need a MANAGER, a better tactician and frankly someone with far more experience"
"Gray is to loyal to certain individuals who shouldn’t be in the 1st team"
"Was best player when he played his 1 game & obviously the clueless Gray didnt see that ,all the best as you would have learnt Zero from the Circus act"
"Manager again NEVER gave him a chance with his constant PALS act, ONE GAME SUPERB- rest ma case GRAY"

"What a absolute joke, another decent player gone how many passed us by."

"Treated disgracefully. Hes had to watch Jack Iredale turning in stinking performance after another from the stand. Shambles"

"Absolutely sums up our joke of a manager. Gets one start earns man of the match then dropped. Absolutely everything that’s wrong with Hibs just now"

LargeAddick

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

ForeverAddickted

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

Thank god you didnt quote it!!

Addick Addict

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

I'm sure I can dig out any one of many of the posts from a certain contributor to disprove that one! You should feel sorry for me anyway - I'm never going to get that time back and those that respond in a negative way probably won't bother to read what I've said (and specifically those comments from Hibs' fans).  

Addick Addict

ForeverAddickted said:

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

Thank god you didnt quote it!!

As I've said before, it won't take much for me to quote one of my longer postings. More than once in fact!

Oggy Red

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

The new Grapevine49

Addick Addict

Oggy Red said:

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

The new Grapevine49

I didn't like to mention their name in my last post and that is something I can only dream of aspiring to. Principally, because that person is far more eloquent than I can ever hope to be.

LargeAddick

Addick Addict said:

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

I'm sure I can dig out any one of many of the posts from a certain contributor to disprove that one! You should feel sorry for me anyway - I'm never going to get that time back and those that respond in a negative way probably won't bother to read what I've said (and specifically those comments from Hibs' fans).  

I've not read it, I've the attention span of a knat, but I'm sure it's very good 😁

MarcusH26

Addick Addict said:

ForeverAddickted said:

LargeAddick said:

^ congratulations for the longest post ever on Charlton Life.

Thank god you didnt quote it!!

As I've said before, it won't take much for me to quote one of my longer postings. More than once in fact!

AA I think you've had longer posts on the cricket thread  

Radostanradical

Addick Addict said:

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.

Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 

As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.

I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 

The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.

We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    

Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

" 

This is whats known as a filibuster. Thank you for quoting all 18 Hibs fans. This is conclusive proof bar the one loan spell at St Johnstone, everyone else who has managed him was wrong.

100% Gray is sticking with the players he k ows and is mates with as opposed to playing his best players, that will definetly keep him in a job. He probably doesnt care if they win matches as longs his pals are happy. Respect that.

fenaddick

Radostanradical said:

Addick Addict said:

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.

Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 

As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.

I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 

The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.

We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    

Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

[Hibs fans quotes snipped - AW]

This is what known as a filibuster.

Absolutely incredible that your thousandth post was to quote that and clog up the page for everyone

Radostanradical

fenaddick said:

Radostanradical said:

Addick Addict said:

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.

Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 

As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.

I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 

The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.

We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    

Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

"played 1 game and done really well , why do we even go for loans most don't play!!!"

"no surprise here as only got one game, me thinks our loss as the lad has got talent, good luck Zach…"

"Decent player in the game he played, could have defo used him on Saturday"

"Played one game and in my opinion he was man of the match, difficult to get players to come on loan to us if we don't give them a chance."

"We'll need to sign more of David Grays pals. Their the only ones that has a chance of getting a game in a very average hibs team."

"I really liked him. The one game that he played he was outstanding! Why no more? Very strange indeed."

"Gray too busy playing his pals. Boy looked very good in the short minutes he got"

"No game time, then gets played, played very well, them off he goes  Sums us up right now"

"We will get the pleasure of seeing Zach doing well and progressing into a top player in England or wherever, knowing we could have probably signed him . Better prospect than a couple of our backline."

"Can only wish the young man all the best after what's been a very unproductive time at hibs Charlton looking after his interest which is good to see hopefully he will find game time and kick on"

"One game played well got ah future we just never gave him a chance."

"Shame he had Talent"

"Only cross he was burdened with is that he’s a rcb. If he could play lcb, he’d have been a starter by now.

"Of course he didn't get a chance, he's not one of the managers favourites ."

"Zach was really good playing against Dundee Utd, a solid performance!! I’m not surprised that he’s been recalled by his club with virtually no game time here! All the best Zach!! GGTTH 

"Teams will stop loaning players to us as we dont give them game time"

"He so much better than Bushiri but Gray doesn’t see b this"

"We do this every season, bring in a loan defender and don’t play him. If he is just back up fair enough, I’m sure we will bring in another defender for that same reason.

"Only played 1 game and was best player on the pitch and didn’t get another game another reason why grey should go"

"I think David Gray needs to leave and coach at a lower level and learn his trade not at hibs expense

Bring in the best we can afford and maybe they’ll get rid of the deadwood that Gray keeps playing imo "

"No real surprise as we pay good money for players as well……and hardly play them !!!

Very strange.."

"This sums up our recruitment signed so late in the day we needed uefa to approve it then left him in the development squad till rocky went Afcon big changes are needed in this club

"Wasted the guys time good what I seen but gray keeps is old pals play"

"Another lad who should have got more game time. Loanee players aren’t the answer but at the end of the day isn’t taking them on loan about getting them game time and getting our own players rested and recovered?

I’m done with DG now.

Our team organisation is non existent and we don’t know what we are getting from one game to the next and neither do the players imo.

He’s taken us as far as his knowledge and capabilities as a coach can.

We need a MANAGER, a better tactician and frankly someone with far more experience"

"Gray is to loyal to certain individuals who shouldn’t be in the 1st team"

"Was best player when he played his 1 game & obviously the clueless Gray didnt see that ,all the best as you would have learnt Zero from the Circus act"

"Manager again NEVER gave him a chance with his constant PALS act, ONE GAME SUPERB- rest ma case GRAY"

"What a absolute joke, another decent player gone how many passed us by."

"Treated disgracefully. Hes had to watch Jack Iredale turning in stinking performance after another from the stand. Shambles"

"Absolutely sums up our joke of a manager. Gets one start earns man of the match then dropped. Absolutely everything that’s wrong with Hibs just now"

This is what known as a filibuster.

Absolutely incredible that your thousandth post was to quote that and clog up the page for everyone

Edited it. Wow didnt realise I had done 1000 posts. I only really came on here to share some expert knowledge as soneone who had played the game at this level, had inside knowledge of what the club was like (especially during the roland years) before I went off to big school.

letthegoodtimesroll

IR94 said:

I-SAW-POUSO-PLAY said:

Will he be on the bench tonight?

With knibbs out, and Bree off there will be a couple more spots on the bench, between him and Gough I guess for a place.

aliwibble

fenaddick said:

Radostanradical said:

Addick Addict said:

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.

Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 

As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.

I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 

The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.

We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    

Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

[Hibs fans quotes snipped - AW]

This is what known as a filibuster.

Absolutely incredible that your thousandth post was to quote that and clog up the page for everyone

@fenaddick while I agree about not quoting the whole thing, and clogging up the page for everyone, that might have landed better if you hadn't, erm, quoted the whole thing and clogged up the page for everyone I've edited them out of your post and cleared out some of the extraneous line breaks in @Addick Addict's post to help minimise the scrolling needed.

fenaddick

aliwibble said:

fenaddick said:

Radostanradical said:

Addick Addict said:

limeygent said:

Maybe all he needs is some good coaching, or maybe a kick up the arse, hopefully he'll be better than he's been for us in the past. 

Mitchell needs games. Any games. As I keep stressing, Hibs had five CBs and Gray only signed Mitchell as cover for AFCON, injuries and suspensions. The bloke has had one managerial job, this one, but played for Hibs between 2014-21 and has been coaching there ever since.

Gray is very loathe to play loanees in front of those established players and ones that he has known for decades. He is probably too close to them to make those decisions but happy to sign loanees as "insurance". This is where we didn't do our due diligence because we didn't have time to given how late this went through, on the final transfer day as a result of signing Bree, so much so that the paperwork wasn't completed in time and Hibs had to plead to UEFA to get the loan through. 

As some are aware on here, I have decades of seeing the development of youngsters at first hand in a few different sports. My biggest concern is this. It is so damaging to someone finding their way in the sport to witness not being wanted and not being given a chance to show what they can do. I originally raised this when he was at Colchester. The new manager that came in during January, in an attempt to ensure the safety of Colchester, decided to bring in his own players and they ended up with too many loanees. He didn't want to rely on an 18 year-old and yet they did no better post him playing than they did prior.

I was, therefore, horrified that history was repeating itself in Scotland of all places even more so because this was hundreds of miles away from the physical support of friends and family. Imagine training day in, day out and being given one start in five months and what that can do mentally to one so young. I have personally seen one or two of the most talented youngsters destroyed due to a lack of opportunity and they really did struggle to come back. 

The difficulty now, as I've also expressed, is that in coming back there is a weight of expectation.  Mitchell has not been allowed to learn and hasn't even been playing U21 football. Rest assured, though, that some of our fans will not take any of this into account if he's off the pace and the second he makes a mistake  they will be on his back.

We've seen someone like Simon Francis as two different players - the one with us and the one that learnt his game at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Mitchell might not be that good but we'll never know unless he gets match time. That really should have been elsewhere before now.    

Now don't take my word for things regarding Gray's bias. This is what just some of the Hibs' fans have said about Mitchell and exactly why he didn't play more, It has absolutely nothing to do with his attitude or ability.

[Hibs fans quotes snipped - AW]

This is what known as a filibuster.

Absolutely incredible that your thousandth post was to quote that and clog up the page for everyone

@fenaddick while I agree about not quoting the whole thing, and clogging up the page for everyone, that might have landed better if you hadn't, erm, quoted the whole thing and clogged up the page for everyone I've edited them out of your post and cleared out some of the extraneous line breaks in @Addick Addict's post to help minimise the scrolling needed.

But mine only clogs up if you "show previous quotes" doesn't it? Unless i have some setting changed that others don't!

aliwibble

Apologies @fenaddick, it seems like I've got 2 levels of quotes whereas you've only got one for some reason. Even so it's good practice to snip long quotes as I've done, as occasionally someone further down the chain manages to screw up the quoting completely, and ALL the levels get shown, which is a scrolling nightmare.

ct_addick

From what I have seen of Mitchell he has never really impressed…happy to be proven wrong !

RC_CAFC

ct_addick said:

From what I have seen of Mitchell he has never really impressed…happy to be proven wrong !

He can’t be worse than Macauley Gillesphey.

Fanny Fanackapan

Ignore the jibes, AA. I certainly thank you for your post & the information therein. 

The comments quoted from those who SAW Zach play earlier this season paint an extremely positive picture of the young player we have watched over a period of time & the progress he made. 

As AA stated, this young player has been dealt a cruel hand at Colchester & yet again at Hibernian. 

None of this was of his making & when given the opportunity to showcase his skills, he's clearly given his all & done himself proud....but to no avail. 

I cannot begin to understand how he's managed to cope with the total mismanagement he's suffered, this season in particular being so many miles from home, family & friends. 

A less strong & determined young man might well have cracked under such circumstances but I 100% believe that Zach has returned home with one intention only...

To do everything he possibly can to fight his way back into contention for selection in the 1st team matchday squad at the club he's grown up with from the start. 

Given the right encouragement & backing he's been sorely missing for far too long, I believe he'll thrive & show the gaffer how valuable he can be as a squad member. 

And finally, show those naysayers that have condemned him, that they have underestimated not only his skill but his strength of character as he grows into his role despite the treatment he's received along the way.

I predict that Zach will be a very special player.

And sincerely hope it will be at his & our club....

Radostanradical

Fanny Fanackapan said:

Ignore the jibes, AA. I certainly thank you for your post & the information therein. 

The comments quoted from those who SAW Zach play earlier this season paint an extremely positive picture of the young player we have watched over a period of time & the progress he made. 

As AA stated, this young player has been dealt a cruel hand at Colchester & yet again at Hibernian. 

None of this was of his making & when given the opportunity to showcase his skills, he's clearly given his all & done himself proud....but to no avail. 

I cannot begin to understand how he's managed to cope with the total mismanagement he's suffered, this season in particular being so many miles from home, family & friends. 

A less strong & determined young man might well have cracked under such circumstances but I 100% believe that Zach has returned home with one intention only...

To do everything he possibly can to fight his way back into contention for selection in the 1st team matchday squad at the club he's grown up with from the start. 

Given the right encouragement & backing he's been sorely missing for far too long, I believe he'll thrive & show the gaffer how valuable he can be as a squad member. 

And finally, show those naysayers that have condemned him, that they have underestimated not only his skill but his strength of character as he grows into his role despite the treatment he's received along the way.

I predict that Zach will be a very special player.

And sincerely hope it will be at his & our club....

Fanny TBF us "Naysayers" would love to be proven wrong too and we aren't by any means writing him off. Just merely stating that he needs to start showing something to prove he can play at this level.

Whilst some may say (as you and AA have pointed out) he has been mismanaged, one could equally say he was in a relegation threatened Colchester team when a new manager came in dropped him and steered the club to safety.

Then at Hibs was unable to break in to a mid-table SPL team after a good season with a smaller team in the SPL, personally i dont believe that the manager decided to just stick with players he was mates with as thats frankly illogocal in professional football, its much more likely he had a system he wanted to play and the other defenders suited in better. As stated managers are paid to win matches and that typically involves picking your best players. Now if Jones has him for half a season and he isnt able to force his way into contention even with our injury depleted squad, one does have to wonder why is it 3 managers at senior level have all taken a look and said not for me thank you.

I understand some here know the young man and are invested because they followed him in the youth team but ultimately football is a meritocracy and in a typically 15 year career at some point a player needs to start showing his merits at the required level. Now i do concur with other posters he will likely have a decent career in football but honestly can see that being away from Charlton soon, which may even be in the best interest of the player like Smith, Piggot, Arter, Barker et al. Honestly I hope im proven wrong and the talent everyone else say he has is shown at senior level between now and end of the season.

Lastly they arent jibes, they are opinions which the game is based upon.

jose

When Rousillion was a sub yesterday it seemed a stupid decision to me, I would’ve much preferred to see Zach on the bench.

Radostanradical

jose said:

When Rousillion was a sub yesterday it seemed a stupid decision to me, I would’ve much preferred to see Zach on the bench.

Why? Can Mitchell even play LWB?

Crusty54

ct_addick said:

From what I have seen of Mitchell he has never really impressed…happy to be proven wrong !

Based on how many games? He has shown exceptional qualities in the academy games I watched. Able to move out of defence into attack and pass well. Never given time in the first team.

Talal

Radostanradical said:

jose said:

When Rousillion was a sub yesterday it seemed a stupid decision to me, I would’ve much preferred to see Zach on the bench.

Why? Can Mitchell even play LWB?

Roussillon isn't being used is he regardless of his position. Doesn't make sense having him there over someone that might actually be able to get on the pitch.