How many other teams are expected to be able to play Three games in 24 hours?
We had a U21 game on Friday night. That was probably a weakened squad due to the FA Cup game being played less than 24 hours later.
We had an U18 game on Saturday morning, with a probably weakened squad, because some of the U18s probably played in the game on Friday night, because of the FA Cup game etc.
And some of the U21s probably travelled to Southend as standby for the FA Cup game!
It's no wonder there's been a dip in results from our academy lately! Even Chelsea would be struggling if they had the fixture pile up we've had!
How many other teams are expected to be able to play Three games in 24 hours?
We had a U21 game on Friday night. That was probably a weakened squad due to the FA Cup game being played less than 24 hours later.
We had an U18 game on Saturday morning, with a probably weakened squad, because some of the U18s probably played in the game on Friday night, because of the FA Cup game etc.
And some of the U21s probably travelled to Southend as standby for the FA Cup game!
It's no wonder there's been a dip in results from our academy lately! Even Chelsea would be struggling if they had the fixture pile up we've had!
True but they are DEVELOPMENT squads.
If, as some casual watchers do, only judge on results, then it is a problem.
If on the other hand you judge on learning and progression then the number of players performing above their age level is a positive.
Worth watching Tom Pell's interview on the OS where he talks about the various KPIs that are used.
He also points out that this year's U18s are nearly all first year scholars so much younger than normal.
Add to that injuries to Casey and M'Bick and we can see why the results have been patchy.
Here’s how our U21s line-up in this afternoon’s Premier League Cup tie against Stockport County: MacLorg; Valentine, Elliott, Hunter, Bower; Mwamba, Safa, Fullah; Reid, Sol-Loza, Tagoe
Bench all u18 1st years except Sadler the GK who’s a 2nd year.
Suggests a good number of u21s will be involved Tuesday vs Bromley in the Bristol Pizza Cup - any of Reid, Laqaratabua, Toure, Gough, Hobden, Rylah, Kedwell, Huke, Enslin, Casey, and Mbick aren’t involved today. We’ve got Asiimwe and Dixon to add to that too.
Gough, Huke, Casey and Mbick were all injured as of mid/late October so could still be out.
Bench all u18 1st years except Sadler the GK who’s a 2nd year.
Suggests a good number of u21s will be involved Tuesday vs Bromley in the Bristol Pizza Cup - any of Reid, Laqaratabua, Toure, Gough, Hobden, Rylah, Kedwell, Huke, Enslin, Casey, and Mbick aren’t involved today. We’ve got Asiimwe and Dixon to add to that too.
Gough, Huke, Casey and Mbick were all injured as of mid/late October so could still be out.
Bristol City’s academy X account is sharing more regular updates. They’ve put a couple of chances over the bar and blocked a dangerous ball we put across the 6 yard box.
Comments
How many other teams are expected to be able to play Three games in 24 hours?
We had a U21 game on Friday night. That was probably a weakened squad due to the FA Cup game being played less than 24 hours later.
We had an U18 game on Saturday morning, with a probably weakened squad, because some of the U18s probably played in the game on Friday night, because of the FA Cup game etc.
And some of the U21s probably travelled to Southend as standby for the FA Cup game!
It's no wonder there's been a dip in results from our academy lately! Even Chelsea would be struggling if they had the fixture pile up we've had!
If, as some casual watchers do, only judge on results, then it is a problem.
If on the other hand you judge on learning and progression then the number of players performing above their age level is a positive.
Worth watching Tom Pell's interview on the OS where he talks about the various KPIs that are used.
He also points out that this year's U18s are nearly all first year scholars so much younger than normal.
Add to that injuries to Casey and M'Bick and we can see why the results have been patchy.
https://x.com/charltonacademy/status/1855541105770598504?s=46&t=A-w3Eq0EWWpjMxring904Q
u21s: MacLorg, Hunter, Bower
u18 2nd years: Mwamba, Safa, Fullah
u18 1st years: Valentine, Elliott, Reid, Sol-Loza, Tagoe
Bench all u18 1st years except Sadler the GK who’s a 2nd year.
Suggests a good number of u21s will be involved Tuesday vs Bromley in the Bristol Pizza Cup - any of Reid, Laqaratabua, Toure, Gough, Hobden, Rylah, Kedwell, Huke, Enslin, Casey, and Mbick aren’t involved today. We’ve got Asiimwe and Dixon to add to that too.
Gough, Huke, Casey and Mbick were all injured as of mid/late October so could still be out.
Assume the U18s side that lost to Brentford B yesterday was even younger.
Leaves us level on 4 points with Leeds after 2 games of our group.
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-and-england-elite-coach-kevin-lock-a-former-firefighter-had-love-of-football-reignited-by-his-sons/
Really admire someone like him who had to go the long way.
Explains the Small England call up too, perhaps.
I doubt if Bristol City will provide a stream, but you never know.
Line up reads like a 4-3-3 with Mwamba at RB.
Very young bench with all 4 outfield players being 16/17. Another 2 starting in Sol-Loza and Tagoe too.
https://x.com/bristolcityacad?s=21&t=A-w3Eq0EWWpjMxring904Q