I think that's a fair comment. There has been couple who seemed to have an agenda against him, but mostly people have recognized that he had some ability but question mark about being able to handle the physicality. Personally I've been a massive fan since his U23 days where he was dominating match after match, but I also thought he struggled more with the transition to senior football than I expected.

I understand your point, but there are some nuances to it. - The team that did so well last term was better as a team than individuals. It was also a team with a lot of players fresh from U18 football that adjusted well to U23 like Cirino, Pike, Whitehall, Garrett and Burns to name some. All have potential but there is a big gap to senior football and especially Championship level. Most of them will benefit from half a season more playing U23 and going out on loan. - The biggest problem this summer was that the club couldn't release players on loan because the senior squad was so low on numbers. That's why Vale and Pike went to non-league, because the transfer window was closed. Both are good enough for league football. The academy has brought through a fair number of players the latest years like Raya, Nyambe, Lenihan, JRC, Travis, Buckley, Wharton, Carter. Their transfer value should probably be equal and more than the running cost of the academy. There are also players like Vale, Butterworth and McBride who has some potential down the line, either at this club or through a transfer fee/sell-on clause. Biggest asset at the academy at the moment is probably Ash Phillips who looks destined to become a multi-million player in the future.

Pretty much spot review from watching the game on Leeds TV. Burns continues to impress, probably been the best player so far. Two excellent finishes suggest he is improving in front of goal, which probably has been the only critique so far. Ferguson looks like the best of the new bunch. The worry is that the team is leaking goals, very few seems to have the ability to sniff danger. They get hit on the counter multiple times every game. Without Whitehall and Barnes there seems to be a lack of leaders which is needed in such a young team. For me Annesly is not good enough for a centre-back. He is more comfortable on the ball than his defensive duties, which is probably why he plays midfield for Gibraltar. Bradley Johnson got his minutes without really affecting the game other then being responsible for giving a goal away. Probably not fair to compare this version to last year. So far it's been a lot younger and experienced side due to injuries and many players being part of the senior match squad.

Looks like the Brighton game is streamed live on Youtube for those interested:

10 goals, fast and nutmegs? Yes, I would like to order that. Nice confidence.

Injured. Him and Barnes. Mentioned by commentator last U23 game. Don't know for how long.

Based on Mowbray's comments Gally will continue as Striker, which make Lowe right winger, which really is.

You're probably correct. I think we're lucky if we get one player a year who become an established Championship player. Some might get there debut and then never kick on. Some might turn pro and carve out a career in the lower leagues, like Matty Pearson. Watching a bit of U23 over the last years, it's hard to tell who will make it. The only one I was certain of was Buckley would have a decent career. Hayden Carter's progress surprised me because he was dependable, but no standout, also playing several positions for the U23. Of the current squad, I'm certain that Pike will at least be a decent League One right-back. Garrett continues to progress, he looks like someone who can make it for the first team. Biggest star potential is Ash Phillips at barely 16. Should be a PL footballer if he doesn't become another Robbie Cotton, or get hit by severe injuries. Several has potential to at least become pro's: Cirino, Whitehall, Burns, Barnes etc.

I've never claimed otherwise. Just comparing U23 vs the opposition they're playing, which is mostly PL clubs who spends million poaching young talent around the world. Have on multiple times highlighted the gap between this level and senior football. It's boys football that is quick and technical, while there is barely a tackle and rarely a 6ft striker. The physical part of the game can't be learned here, so they really need to go on loan to be ready. It's also quite easy to see when players have outgrown the level and needs senior football. Buckley, JRC, Magloire found it too easy in the end. Pike, McBride and probably Vale needs to go on loan to not stagnate. Garrett's looking ready, but might need half a season to fill out and wise up some of his tackling.

The U23 would be dissapointed not to win last night. Should've scored at least 3-4 goals, but wasteful finishing let them down. Leicester scored a worldie of a long-range shot. Lined up in 4-2-1-3 formation. Ranking-Costello was giving 45 min as right-back while Pike was shifted to left. Young Gamble came in for his debut as a centre-back and didn't look out of place. No word on why Ash Phillips was involved, but could be managing his game load. Commentator mentioned that Barnes and Whitehall is injured, and that's why they haven't been involved so far this season. Rankin-Costello came through fine, showing some excellent deliveries and great in possesion. Looked like a grown man playing with kids at time, although you could see he was a bit rusty. Burns was excellent in the first half with his usual all-action display. Scored an excellent goal rounding the keeper, but probably should've had a hattrick. His only downside is that he is not clinical enough. Also agree with Garrett. So calm in possession, great vision and excellent tackling. You can see why the club rewarded him with a 3-year deal, while most of the others got a 2 year deal in the summer. He's a great tackler, but needs to learn to when to apply the right amount of force. Had an over-the-top tackle on a winger going nowhere, which resulted in a yellow, but I've seen red given at this level for similar tackles. McBride played behind the striker, but never got involved. Was subsistuted for Gilsenan, who was excellent when he came on. Will be exciting to see if can step-up, because U23 haven't had a proper attacking midfielder for some time. Vale has looked a bit out-of-sorts this season and maybe lacks confidence. Yesterday was no different, a few good involvements, but lacked edge and turned over possession multiple times. Brennan set-up the goal and looked okay going foward. However he continues to struggle with defensive side shying out of headers and never tackles. The transition from U18 where he could just get on the ball to the more physical side seems to be a bit of struggle for him. George Gent came in at half-time at left-back and did fine again. Another U18 who looks to have something about him. Very good delivery with his left foot and often takes set-pieces. All-in-all the U23 hasn't had the results they deserve. But they continue to play good football and dominating matches against PL oppositions.

Thanks for a great reply, for which I very much agree with you conclusion.

I think most agree on principle. In reality it's a lot harder. Bauer - I think we were in, but he partially went to Preston because Mowbray wouldn't promise him a starting spot. Looks poorly handled considering we chased him for a long time. Walton - Agree, you think decent keepers would've been available. An area where I think the gap between League one and Championship is not that great. We used the Raya money towards Gallagher. Walton was not the first option, I think we were close to bringing in Martinez from Arsenal(now Villa) on loan, which could've been a totally different animal Douglas and Trybull however I think was decent on paper. Douglas looked like a coup, but ended up as dud. Trybull was a decent enough squad player, with a good pedigree from Championship and PL experience, also paid very little of his wages. Also Pickering had only had a decent season in League 2 at that time, so I think he was not on the radar. There are some diamonds in League One, but most fails. Amari Bell was rated one of the best in division which tells you something about the level. You'd find better and cheaper options abroad, but that requires scouting and know-how which has been lacking. Braithwaite was just a stop-gap loan. The club hedged with bringing in Harwood-Bellis well. You'll find that League One clubs are reluctant to loan-to-buy deals. They prefer to sell, esp if there best players. This was also in January where prices would be at a premium. Wharton and Ayala was injured but would return, so not sure if a permanent buy would make sense at that time.

Never seen him, but sounds like a Rhodes type of player: " “Luke doesn’t get in any races with defenders does he, because he knows he just lacks that yard of pace. “But when the ball gets played into him it sticks and he just pops it off without complicating things and he gets in the box." Also signed a two-year contract this summer, so won't be cheap.

Thought he was more a winger. Shola Shoretire might fit the bill. Queue on those two would be Long though..

Not only he is 16, he just turned 16 at the end of June!

He was great for the U18, signed a new contract when big clubs were sniffing, and also made is debut. But he hasn't really kicked on since. While a lot of that U18 batch has really taken to U23 level like Cirino, Pike, Burns, Garrett, Whiltehall, it seems that he has struggled more. Going to be 20 this year and I'm not sure he going to make it here. Is getting to an age where he needs to prove himself either at U23 level or on loan. This will probably the season for him to do it. If McBride or Vale goes on loan (both have outgrown U23), he might get a chance to do it.

Was just thinking that myself. Might be poached before even making the seniors.

I think Nixon is right on this one.

Very certain we are not paying 6 million for him. My guess based on all noises and reports is: Soton is paying 15 mill + Obafemi (reported valued at 6 mill). If Obafemi doesn't come, Soton will have to pay extra (would guess that is more likely to be 2-3 mill) Regarding wages, I think a sign-on fee can be used to offsett Obafemi's current wages. I'll also add that of Obafemi has scored 4 goals in 9 starts. He has played 32 games, but 23 have been as a sub.

Regarding FFP, is that an option? If a sale helps towards the next FFP cycle, that will help in the future and probably mean more freedom for another manager. For the long-term of the club, and a world without Venky's, my head says that we can't have a 20 mill decifit each year needed to be covered by owners.

Nope, only has 30 min of pre-season. Got cramp and wise to take him off before pulling a hamstring.

Think he has been ill for a couple of weeks. Might be back in training now, but probably not fully fit.

I'm also in the camp of wanting the Armstrong case to be resolved. If that money plus the skeleton squad we have can survive this season, might give the next manager a chance to rebuild without the FFP looming each season. Don't think it's a bad thing that Mowbray will be forced to use the U23 players. They will be a lot better for the experience even if we barely survive. I for one find it easier to cheer on "our own babies" rather than a bloated squad of seniors. The largest obstacle is that the squad lacks leaders regardless of age. Lenihan and Travis are probably the only ones, and I can easily see us fold when getting behind.

I'd love us to loan Cole Palmer from City. Fast, direct Winger who scores and creates. Been unplayable when I've seen him.

Yes, Sheron was in charge. Probably an obvious choice for the U23 job after Barr. The opposition was too poor to really judge the performance. The most positive was the the two U18 players. Phillips might event be U16 since he turned 16 in June. The big powerful centre-half played for the U18 last season at 15, so will be interesting to see if gets U23 football this season. Thought Butterworth was dissapointing, lost possession multiple times by taking on players and overdoing it. Greedy and seems to have a bit of attitude. Not fond of tracking back either, which you can get away with on this level, but not on senior. Obviously talented, but could probably do with a reality-check of a loan. The trio of McBride, Burns and Vale on the other hand will put in a shift. Always liked Vale who is a decent allround striker. Has outgrown U23 and needs to kick-on. McBride is the best finisher, clinical striking technique and composed. Good work-rate, decent footwork and decent pace. Another who could benefit from a loan. Love to watch Sam Burns as a fan. Stocky little bugger with a big heart. Some similarities with Dickov. Not the most composed finisher, but good pace and good positioning means he gets at the end of a lot of chances. Only got a 1-year extension so will probably stay at U23 to earn another contract.