Colt Seavers

From memory, Garner made his debut early in the '78/'79 season whilst still aged 18. He was lined up to play some 18 months or so earlier towards the end of the '76/'77 season whilst aged only 17 but that didn't come off for some reason. I think the current system slows down young players' development between age 18 and 21. Previously on completion of an apprenticeship at 18 they were in the reserves or first team squad or shipped out. Nowadays we think of, for example, defender Sam Barnes -aged 21, as a youth player but he has been here for 5 years now with a very cautious and slow development prior to being anywhere near 1st team ready.

I suspect Dack is proving why he isn't in the starting line-up in training every day, sadly.

Oh I think our Coyle era back 5 could give them a run for their money Steele Lowe Greer Ward Henley 😁

Totally agree. It will be interesting to see if attendances achieve sustainable growth or just a temporary spike over the coming season. As all of us know, physically attending football matches requires a real commitment, and whilst the interest of the nation has been piqued, its another thing entirely to turn these casual observers into actual boots on the ground attendees.

Whereas Pickering...

Personally speaking, if I was a woman playing for Rovers I might feel a little patronised at the thought that a section of the support from the men's game was offered the chance to watch free of charge. I'm not sure that equality is well served there. England have done brilliantly; if folk want to watch their local team on the back of that support then great but the game shouldn't be propped up. I am a supporter of Rovers ladies and enjoyed watching England. There has been so much support, financial and otherwise recently, the women's game should stand or fall on its own merits and, ultimately, it will.

Kaminski Brittain Ayala Wharton Edun Buckley Travis Morton Szmodics Gallagher Brereton My team, not JDT 's

I admire your optimism, but on checking, I found that the current average attendance in the WSL is around 2,200. In the Championship, the average attendance is 410. I'm sure there will be an improvement following the tremendous success this weekend but the game as it stands has been funded massively over recent years but they are some way off stadiums for club matches.

Very true. He wouldn't have liked signing Szmodics either, with all those tattoos

I feel we desperately need a left back. Here's hoping...

It looks like JDT may be abandoning the false 9 formation from last season judging by his picking Vale to play there. Adam Armstrong would have been perfect in there this season with his pressing, pace and goals. Is he still languishing in Soton reserves? If take him on a season loan!

During the 2nd half, Dack was sent out for a warm up and given instruction (presumably from JDT) to send Wharton back in to get ready to go on. Dack spoke to Wharton who then sprinted in to get stripped off. I presume the shouting match between coaching staff centred on the reversal of the decision to send Wharton on. I believe that Buckley (on a yellow and occasionally prone to youthful rashness) would have made way. However, during the 2nd half, Buckley noticeably pulled out of a couple of challenges around the halfway line, therefore demonstrating that he had no intention of getting sent off. This maturity on Buckley's part is crucial in his development. I suspect JDT has high hopes for the boy and needs him on the pitch. I thought Dolan for Vale was absolutely correct as he is a perfect impact sub when the opposition need a bit of disrupting.

I think Dack is going to have to find a level of dedication to lifestyle and training that has previously eluded him. Those injuries would be a mountain to climb even for the most committed professional. He looks way, way short of the required standard and I am very dubious to say the least in his ability to recover what he once had. Sad because he has been a joy to watch.

Huddersfield look atrocious but Burnley will be very encouraged by the way they are playing. The influence of Bellamy is obvious to see. They look fit, motivated and very, very competitive.

As much as I love Travis for his endeavour and desire, competition for his spot in the team has been pretty thin since Smallwood left. Players thrive on being pushed. Having watched the development of Adam Wharton and Garrett over these last 12 months it is to be hoped that these boys step up successfully. Wharton in particular might just impress a few if given minutes.

Very true. I like to think Simon might have notched a late goal. 8-1 sounds so much better 😁

That's a really interesting point. I'd never thought about Speedie in the prem. I think he scored around 31 goals in our promotion season. He was far too good for the 2nd division so no reason he couldn't have contributed the following season. We got rid of Garner at the same time. It would have been nice to bring him on as sub in a dead rubber. Perhaps Norwich at home

This looks to be a good option and one that I will take up. Although only a sporadic poster, I visit the forum every day (often several times a day). You are all doing a magnificent job, thank you and well done!

Probably right with this. Unfortunately I don't see a team with Pickering and to a slightly lesser extent Hedges challenging for a top 6 spot. I would also like a genuine challenger to Travis to emerge this season.

Yes I'm very concerned by Pickering. Desperately need some real quality there. He is woefully slow for that position. Confidence looks shot to me

Very early days but Brittain looks athletic, strong and confident with a lovely touch

Wow. A fullback who can cross. Lovely ball to Dack

Hayden Carter is resolutely a Centre half and nothing else. His body shape and touch are completely unsuited to right back/ wing back.

There is an awful lot of possession along the back line in the early stages. Reminiscent of the way we played the season before last. Not really my preferred option

Surely Bassey?