KentExile

and unfortunately, Rovers have not yet given a pro deal to any of the players on display last night (unless Wilkinson got one.. they have still not officially announced his signing), which means if Arsenal (or other clubs) do try to poach them, we are not in the best position to keep them, and if we do lose them then we are not going to maximize their value

I think it may be competition specific. Several other regulars for for u21s (Joseph, Decandia, & especially thinking of Vare) also featured last night too. FA Youth Cup looks to be seen by the club as a little more prestigious than just u18 league games. We have 1 u21 game & 1 u18 game next week, so I guess we will get a clearer picture after those match report https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2025/december/12/report--rovers-under-18s-2-1-southampton-under-18s/

Starts today for O'Riordan - lost 4-3 - replaced after 58 minutes whilst 3-2 down - Connor O'Riordan 4 - One of many at fault for the second and then got outmuscled by Salech for the third, just after half-time. Not a day to remember for the loanee, who was hooked just before the hour Wood - won 2-0 - replaced after 75 minutes with the score at 1-0 On the bench Barrett - lost 4-1 - remained on the bench throughout Edmondson - won 1-0 - FA Trophy game, looks like a rotated side - came on after 65 minutes with the score at 1-0 Not involved in matchday squad Olson & O'Grady-Macken - drew 2-2 Farkas - won 2-0

Tyjon will be a 10, Sergeant & McCoy wide, Joseph up top Vare and Ball should be a good base in midfield too

This game is available to stream free via Southampton's site/app, you may have to register, but that is also free https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/video/live-video-blackburn-u18-vs-saints-u18-fa-youth-cup

bonkers yes, but also cheaper, which is what matters to them most

only if San Diego don't trigger their purchase option and cancel his loan early, and even if they do that, he cannot play for Rovers until January

He does play at right wing back for Australia. Not that I have watched those, so I couldn't tell you how well he fits that role

Preview of this evenings game https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2025/december/12/preview--rovers-under-18s-v-southampton-under-18s/

It would explain the strange views of one or 2 online How much would it cost for Venkys/Pasha/Rudy to buy a few hundred pro Venkys "bots" to post on twitter/LT/here?

Seeing as we are playing the predicting game I think that if/when Tronstad is back, it will be TGH at RWB, or if Tronstad isn't ready yet, then Litherland/Atcheson will be brought in at at RCB with Miller moving to RWB Also have a sneaking suspicion that unless Hedges is fit, De Neve will be brought in at LWB, with Ribeiro as LCB, and Pratt relegated to the bench... Nothing against Pratt, but think De Neve may be seen as covering for the pace lost by Alebiosu not being with us, whilst Ribeiro is more natural to cover for De Neves lack of positional awareness down our left side. I believe Alebiosu is still available this weekend. if so, then any predictions are as of the Millwall game next weekend

Carter has played 1 senior game this season, and that was 3 months ago, he hasn't even featured for the U21s since August. He will not be ready to start, They have already brought him back from injury too early twice this season, so will be cautious of doing so again. As such, I would be amazed if we even see him on the bench much before new year

oh I don't know, He will likely never player the Tronstad role well, but he will do it badly 😉

yes https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2024/august/30/rovers-complete-cantwell-capture-/

fixed it for you 😉 Edit - just because it is logical, doesn't mean it is true, but surely you can accept why people come to these conclusions?

Its not about how recent a signing they are, its about when their contracts expire

There has very evidentially been a lowering of the wage structure at the club since he signed. They have signed several players in the past, on contracts which they have later decided were too high and so have later either sold or released them at the end of their contracts. Why would Cantwell be different? Do you think they will be tying him down to an extended deal? The evidence of the last few years suggests not. If not, then like Travis, Brittain, Hyam, they will be looking to cash in for what they can get in the next 6 months or so.

No problem with them, but the question remains, surely they would take up an ESC slot if signed permanently? if this is the case then it seems unwise considering Rovers current transfer strategy involves bringing in players for the first team who in many cases need ESC slots. We would end up with another Mafoumbi situation. No issue at all if for some reason these kids wouldn't need ESC slots for whatever reason

On loan Rovers U21 player James Edmondson wins FA Cup goal of the round

If its the bold option, it would be an early xmas prezzie for us, one less talon on the club

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2025/december/11/boss-hoping-to-have-sonny-in-the-squad/

He is a young centre back learning the ropes, they are almost always due a lapse in concentration or 2. Still has to be taken into account that he is playing regularly at a higher level than Wharton, Carter & Lenihan were at the same age. But absolutely should be kept on loan and not be brought back to sit on the bench as a cheaper option to bringing in someone

Completely agree with the bold part. but we didn't have a days advance notice with Hyam during the summer 😉 They are more than happy to sell in the closing stages of a window and then say we didn't have any time to replace them