Academy & U21s

[KentExile]

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2025/november/10/report--rovers-under-21s-1-4-derby-county-under-21s/

[arbitro]

After two excellent wins the young Rovers team came back to earth with a thundering crash.

3-0 down after ten minutes with Khan having an absolute Joe Cocker. He was responsible for all three although the defending didn't help. Derby got a fourth and at half time nobody could argue with the scoreline. 

We were comprehensively outplayed in every area of the pitch. We didn't get near to the intensity and pace of Derby and Vignal must have been worried that his first game would end in a humiliating defeat. 

Rovers were much better in the second half but I believe it was also a case of Derby taking it easier. 

Our goal was scored by Lewis Bell who I believe was making his under 21 debut. 

I don't think anyone came out with any credit last night. The first half must have been an eye opener for Vignal who surprisingly didn't make any changes at half time. 

I know I'm repeating myself here but last night would have been perfect for Carter to get an hours fitness work in. The pace and intensity with which Derby played would have been really good for his rehab. Instead he will probably play in a sedate BCD match.

 

[MarkBRFC]

2 hours ago, arbitro said:

Rovers were much better in the second half but I believe it was also a case of Derby taking it easier. 

Sounds familiar to a couple of days prior.

[KentExile]

Former U23 coach Billy Barr is now the manager at Workington Reds, & has brought in former Rovers U21 Tyler Magloire to join him in the 7th tier.

Without checking, I think they would know each other from their time at Rovers, and wonder if we may see a reunion of some other former U21/U23 players at Workington?

 

Edited 2 hours ago by KentExile

[arbitro]

7 minutes ago, MarkBRFC said:

Sounds familiar to a couple of days prior.

There were clear parallels in that respect but the first half past night was probably the worst I have ever seen the under 21's play.

[arbitro]

3 minutes ago, KentExile said:

Former U23 coach Billy Barr is now the manager at Workington Reds, & has brought in former Rovers U21 Tyler Magloire to join him in the 7th tier

 

Interestingly Billy Barr was at last night's game along with the Chorley manager Andy Preece.

Expect some loan deals going though soon.

[KentExile]

17 minutes ago, arbitro said:

Interestingly Billy Barr was at last night's game along with the Chorley manager Andy Preece.

Expect some loan deals going though soon.

Maybe not after last nights display 😉 

But it would make sense, Preece spoke after Pratt was recalled of a growing relationship between Chorley & Rovers, and Barr has obvious connections

[Parsonblue]

A steep learning curve for some our younger players last night.  The game was done and dusted after ten minutes.  Three-nil down and the goalkeeper having a night to forget and at no stage did we look like making a comeback in a dismal first half.  Derby added a fourth just before half-time and had completely dominated us in every area of the pitch.  

We did better in the second-half, but in truth, Derby had dropped off the pace with such a commanding lead.

We had a few regular under-21 players missing last night - a combination of international call ups and injuries.  It will be interesting to see how Vignal puts his stamp on this squad of players.  It seems clear that the policy, at the moment, is to push the Under-18's into the Under-21 team as quickly as possible.