EDS/Academy Games

[Wonderwall]

I can't imagine there'll be room for two full backs in the first team squad so Angelino would have to stay one more year with the EDS or go loan somewhere. May not do him any harm I suppose. There's an Everton left back who's pretty small and has made it to the England team.. Hopefully Angelino will spurt two or three inches; there's still time at just 18.

He probably won't need to. Just fill out a bit more & gain a bit of experience.

Even if Kolarov or Clichy left with no cover, I doubt Angelino would start that many first team games. He has only just turned 18 in Jan. Next season he is still eligible to play in our U18s team, even though he plays in the U21s. So there's no reason he can't play a season in the U21s & various youth cup competitions, whilst also having the occasional role in the first team squad & play the odd game.

Same with most of them. I don't expect them to start regularly. Just to figure here & there & gain a bit of experience. Then by this time next year, this group are all round about 19, 20, 21 & we can get a better idea which ones are first team squad, which need a bit more time, maybe loan deals, & which need to go.

I don't think it would do these lads any harm to spend another season with Vieira, so long as Pellegrini gives them a bit of time here and there. I imagine they would be quite a unit if the best of them stayed together next season.

When you see the age of some of these guys playing in U19 and U21 games it really does give hope and encouragement, for the future. But, someone a few pages back, I think, mentioned how small Angelino is. I don't know if it was tongue-in-cheek but I seem to remember someone saying he was 4' 6" which seems very small. The guy obviously has the talent to be playing against bigger opposition, but you would worry that he would never make it at Premiership level if that was true. Those of you in the know, he must be well over 5 ft. surely.

I think Doug was being a little tongue in cheek with the Angelino's Height, I would say he was about 5' 4" certainly no bigger than 5' 6" IMO

[iwasthere2012]

I can't imagine there'll be room for two full backs in the first team squad so Angelino would have to stay one more year with the EDS or go loan somewhere. May not do him any harm I suppose. There's an Everton left back who's pretty small and has made it to the England team.. Hopefully Angelino will spurt two or three inches; there's still time at just 18.

He probably won't need to. Just fill out a bit more & gain a bit of experience.

Even if Kolarov or Clichy left with no cover, I doubt Angelino would start that many first team games. He has only just turned 18 in Jan. Next season he is still eligible to play in our U18s team, even though he plays in the U21s. So there's no reason he can't play a season in the U21s & various youth cup competitions, whilst also having the occasional role in the first team squad & play the odd game.

Same with most of them. I don't expect them to start regularly. Just to figure here & there & gain a bit of experience. Then by this time next year, this group are all round about 19, 20, 21 & we can get a better idea which ones are first team squad, which need a bit more time, maybe loan deals, & which need to go.

I don't think it would do these lads any harm to spend another season with Vieira, so long as Pellegrini gives them a bit of time here and there. I imagine they would be quite a unit if the best of them stayed together next season.

When you see the age of some of these guys playing in U19 and U21 games it really does give hope and encouragement, for the future. But, someone a few pages back, I think, mentioned how small Angelino is. I don't know if it was tongue-in-cheek but I seem to remember someone saying he was 4' 6" which seems very small. The guy obviously has the talent to be playing against bigger opposition, but you would worry that he would never make it at Premiership level if that was true. Those of you in the know, he must be well over 5 ft. surely.

I think Doug was being a little tongue in cheek with the Angelino's Height, I would say he was about 5' 4" certainly no bigger than 5' 6" IMO

That's what I figured. You'd hope he had a few more inches to grow. Even 5' 9" is small but if you had the speed and talent this guy seems to have you'd get by.

[Ted Hughes]

Angelino's just under 5ft 7 & 1cm taller than Gaya, who played LB for Valencia last night vs Evertonico Madrid, & who we keep being linked with.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Angelino's just under 5ft 7 & 1cm taller than Gaya, who played LB for Valencia last night vs Evertonico Madrid, & who we keep being linked with.

Of course I was only joking about his height. I don't think it's an issue at all even though of course a big guy at the back post would always be an issue but it is with Clichy and it is with most full backs. Angelino makes up for anything like that with his energy,positivity his pace and his quality. I would have him next year instead of one of the ones currently there.

[blues2win]

I don't doubt that next year would be too soon for Angelino in an ideal world. I just queried whether it would be sensible to buy a young left back if we sell Kolarov. It could be seen as blocking his path to the first team squad. Ditto with Maffeo. As things stand I would be very surprised if Denayer doesn't make the squad next year. Celtic expect him to go back. Who else? Lopes? Barker? I suppose three of our youngsters is a decent start but if we want to attract the cream of every generational crop we have to offer the dream of a path to the first team for the best of them plus of course a decent chance of making it elsewhere if for whatever reason they don't make it here. I believe that the Club really are sincere in wanting to see their investment in youth paying off in due course. Ultimately though they have to walk the walk or rather Txiki and the manager do. Judging by the enthusiasm with which our forum follows City's youngsters there is great support for this part of the project. It emphatically isn't or shouldn't be a response to FFP. It's an important project in itself.

[iwasthere2012]

Angelino's just under 5ft 7 & 1cm taller than Gaya, who played LB for Valencia last night vs Evertonico Madrid, & who we keep being linked with.

Of course I was only joking about his height. I don't think it's an issue at all even though of course a big guy at the back post would always be an issue but it is with Clichy and it is with most full backs. Angelino makes up for anything like that with his energy,positivity his pace and his quality. I would have him next year instead of one of the ones currently there.

I assumed it was tongue-in-cheek when you wrote it Doug, I was just wondering how small he actually was.
5' 7" isn't bad, but if he was still growing it would be better. I was hoping you would be of the opinion that he should be listed in the squad next year.
I think Maffeo also from what I've read on here and what little I have seen. I really want to see some kids add energy to the squad next season.
Bring Denayer and Lopes back as well. No more squad fillers at ridiculous prices, I say. Start to promote from within.

[Wonderwall]

Angelino's just under 5ft 7 & 1cm taller than Gaya, who played LB for Valencia last night vs Evertonico Madrid, & who we keep being linked with.

Of course I was only joking about his height. I don't think it's an issue at all even though of course a big guy at the back post would always be an issue but it is with Clichy and it is with most full backs. Angelino makes up for anything like that with his energy,positivity his pace and his quality. I would have him next year instead of one of the ones currently there.

I assumed it was tongue-in-cheek when you wrote it Doug, I was just wondering how small he actually was.
5' 7" isn't bad, but if he was still growing it would be better. I was hoping you would be of the opinion that he should be listed in the squad next year.
I think Maffeo also from what I've read on here and what little I have seen. I really want to see some kids add energy to the squad next season.
Bring Denayer and Lopes back as well. No more squad fillers at ridiculous prices, I say. Start to promote from within.

Dont forget Fofana, Cole and Leigh. I liked what I saw of Leigh and Facy when they were regularly in the EDS

[twosips]

Leigh's an odd one. He's clearly talented and doesn't really lack much to his game, but you wonder if he believes it himself. Players like that can just get subtly better every year and before you know it they're 23 and just happen to be starting for the first team week in week out kinda relatively under the radar. I don't think someone like Danny Rose has anymore natural ability for example.

[twosips]

Also interesting that apparently Denayer ended up right wing for a spell yesterday for Celtic and was playing through balls and putting in great crosses. Tallies with the opinion that many have that he's just an excellent all round footballer and could perhaps play in midfield or at fullback. I'd be more than content with him as backup for Zaba instead of Sagna next season.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Angelino's just under 5ft 7 & 1cm taller than Gaya, who played LB for Valencia last night vs Evertonico Madrid, & who we keep being linked with.

Of course I was only joking about his height. I don't think it's an issue at all even though of course a big guy at the back post would always be an issue but it is with Clichy and it is with most full backs. Angelino makes up for anything like that with his energy,positivity his pace and his quality. I would have him next year instead of one of the ones currently there.

I assumed it was tongue-in-cheek when you wrote it Doug, I was just wondering how small he actually was.
5' 7" isn't bad, but if he was still growing it would be better. I was hoping you would be of the opinion that he should be listed in the squad next year.
I think Maffeo also from what I've read on here and what little I have seen. I really want to see some kids add energy to the squad next season.
Bring Denayer and Lopes back as well. No more squad fillers at ridiculous prices, I say. Start to promote from within.

Dont forget Fofana, Cole and Leigh. I liked what I saw of Leigh and Facy when they were regularly in the EDS

I chatted with a Crewe fan on the tram after the game last week and his opinion was that Leigh is good enough for a good league one side or maybe lower championship side. Good footballer but not great at crossing the ball ( sounds like a City player) and not great defensively with positional lapses and too easy yo beat in a one on one.

As for Angelino I have in the recent past likened him to Kenny Sansom.He was tough but small barrel chested full back who knew how to look after himself. As he played many games for England and was considered one of the best I only hope he can be close to as good. I rate Angelino highly for his energy, attitude and attacking flair and it's great that he is learning all the time and getting better.

It's probably common knowledge on here that I rate Maffeo perhaps even higher. He plays as if he is much older and I think he is by far our best young defensive player. Neither would be embarrassed if thrown in at the deep end but when you think how Kolarov and Clichy at times have been awful I wouldnt worry about these 2 even though in the perfect world we wouldn't have to throw them in yet.

[Ted Hughes]

Also interesting that apparently Denayer ended up right wing for a spell yesterday for Celtic and was playing through balls and putting in great crosses. Tallies with the opinion that many have that he's just an excellent all round footballer and could perhaps play in midfield or at fullback. I'd be more than content with him as backup for Zaba instead of Sagna next season.

Denayer didn't do anything spectacular at wingback but looked completely at ease & one time somehow managed to get himself into a scoring position near post on the other side. Had I been a Celtic fan, I would have been calling for them to involve him more.

I have no doubt he can play that kind of position as far as ability goes. I think he's probably two classes above Zabba on the ball, given the chance. My only question is whether he would be fit enough to shuttle up & down the wing or whether he would go a bit Micah, due to also being a converted cb. Never seen him put to that test so don't know.

[Hutch's Shoulder]

I can't imagine there'll be room for two full backs in the first team squad so Angelino would have to stay one more year with the EDS or go loan somewhere. May not do him any harm I suppose. There's an Everton left back who's pretty small and has made it to the England team.. Hopefully Angelino will spurt two or three inches; there's still time at just 18.

He probably won't need to. Just fill out a bit more & gain a bit of experience.

Even if Kolarov or Clichy left with no cover, I doubt Angelino would start that many first team games. He has only just turned 18 in Jan. Next season he is still eligible to play in our U18s team, even though he plays in the U21s. So there's no reason he can't play a season in the U21s & various youth cup competitions, whilst also having the occasional role in the first team squad & play the odd game.

Same with most of them. I don't expect them to start regularly. Just to figure here & there & gain a bit of experience. Then by this time next year, this group are all round about 19, 20, 21 & we can get a better idea which ones are first team squad, which need a bit more time, maybe loan deals, & which need to go.

I don't think it would do these lads any harm to spend another season with Vieira, so long as Pellegrini gives them a bit of time here and there. I imagine they would be quite a unit if the best of them stayed together next season.

When you see the age of some of these guys playing in U19 and U21 games it really does give hope and encouragement, for the future. But, someone a few pages back, I think, mentioned how small Angelino is. I don't know if it was tongue-in-cheek but I seem to remember someone saying he was 4' 6" which seems very small. The guy obviously has the talent to be playing against bigger opposition, but you would worry that he would never make it at Premiership level if that was true. Those of you in the know, he must be well over 5 ft. surely.

New tactic: run between their legs. Sort of nutmeg.

[Ted Hughes]

Kid Sané just come on for Shalke, played v City in the youth CL. Quick, tricky, but a bit thick v City I thought. But he's in the Champions League along with another kid, & ours can't get a game v Boro.

That needs to change next season.

[Wonderwall]

I see that Chelsea got through to the U19 CL Semi finals by beating Athletico 2-0, we play Roma next week and if we win (and we should as we have already beaten them twice) we will meet Chelsea in the Semi's

Semi and final both played in the same week (april 10th or around there)

[Ted Hughes]

The Chelsea Atletico game was abysmal. It was like a throwback to the 80s. Precious little decent passing, lots of hoofing, loads of men behind the ball; Chelsea coach screaming non stop at the players, literally non stop. Atletico were actually far worse than Chelsea; a real throwback to English 80/90s football, complete with long throw ins, everything. Not particularly so many high balls in general play, from either side, but plenty of 'direct' stuff & you got the feeling both were most at home taking set pieces. Both have got talent too, but very difficult to see it amongst that shite.

Chelsea had one shot on target, scored two goals. Keep plenty of clean sheets apparently.

[iwasthere2012]

The Chelsea Atletico game was abysmal. It was like a throwback to the 80s. Precious little decent passing, lots of hoofing, loads of men behind the ball; Chelsea coach screaming non stop at the players, literally non stop. Atletico were actually far worse than Chelsea; a real throwback to English 80/90s football, complete with long throw ins, everything. Not particularly so many high balls in general play, from either side, but plenty of 'direct' stuff & you got the feeling both were most at home taking set pieces. Both have got talent too, but very difficult to see it amongst that shite.

Chelsea had one shot on target, scored two goals. Keep plenty of clean sheets apparently.

Was the other an o.g.?
Would love our side to go all the way in this competition.
Would love to be able to go to the U18's next week as well. I see it's free in for Cityzens. Do you think they'll get a good turn out.
Champs League on that night, so I doubt it is being televised anywhere.

[Ted Hughes]

The Chelsea Atletico game was abysmal. It was like a throwback to the 80s. Precious little decent passing, lots of hoofing, loads of men behind the ball; Chelsea coach screaming non stop at the players, literally non stop. Atletico were actually far worse than Chelsea; a real throwback to English 80/90s football, complete with long throw ins, everything. Not particularly so many high balls in general play, from either side, but plenty of 'direct' stuff & you got the feeling both were most at home taking set pieces. Both have got talent too, but very difficult to see it amongst that shite.

Chelsea had one shot on target, scored two goals. Keep plenty of clean sheets apparently.

Was the other an o.g.?
Would love our side to go all the way in this competition.
Would love to be able to go to the U18's next week as well. I see it's free in for Cityzens. Do you think they'll get a good turn out.
Champs League on that night, so I doubt it is being televised anywhere.

O.G. which came from a long hoof upfield.

I don't know which U18s game you are referring to, but the FA youth cup game v Leicester is tonight, & the U19s game vs Roma is in Rome, & on Eurosport.

[iwasthere2012]

The Chelsea Atletico game was abysmal. It was like a throwback to the 80s. Precious little decent passing, lots of hoofing, loads of men behind the ball; Chelsea coach screaming non stop at the players, literally non stop. Atletico were actually far worse than Chelsea; a real throwback to English 80/90s football, complete with long throw ins, everything. Not particularly so many high balls in general play, from either side, but plenty of 'direct' stuff & you got the feeling both were most at home taking set pieces. Both have got talent too, but very difficult to see it amongst that shite.

Chelsea had one shot on target, scored two goals. Keep plenty of clean sheets apparently.

Was the other an o.g.?
Would love our side to go all the way in this competition.
Would love to be able to go to the U18's next week as well. I see it's free in for Cityzens. Do you think they'll get a good turn out.
Champs League on that night, so I doubt it is being televised anywhere.

O.G. which came from a long hoof upfield.

I don't know which U18s game you are referring to, but the FA youth cup game v Leicester is tonight, & the U19s game vs Roma is in Rome, & on Eurosport.

F*ck me. It is tonight. Today is Wednesday? I'm missing a couple of days somewhere.
Do you think they'll get a good turn out?

[Ted Hughes]

The Chelsea Atletico game was abysmal. It was like a throwback to the 80s. Precious little decent passing, lots of hoofing, loads of men behind the ball; Chelsea coach screaming non stop at the players, literally non stop. Atletico were actually far worse than Chelsea; a real throwback to English 80/90s football, complete with long throw ins, everything. Not particularly so many high balls in general play, from either side, but plenty of 'direct' stuff & you got the feeling both were most at home taking set pieces. Both have got talent too, but very difficult to see it amongst that shite.

Chelsea had one shot on target, scored two goals. Keep plenty of clean sheets apparently.

Was the other an o.g.?
Would love our side to go all the way in this competition.
Would love to be able to go to the U18's next week as well. I see it's free in for Cityzens. Do you think they'll get a good turn out.
Champs League on that night, so I doubt it is being televised anywhere.

O.G. which came from a long hoof upfield.

I don't know which U18s game you are referring to, but the FA youth cup game v Leicester is tonight, & the U19s game vs Roma is in Rome, & on Eurosport.

F*ck me. It is tonight. Today is Wednesday? I'm missing a couple of days somewhere.
Do you think they'll get a good turn out?

It will be better than the last round I think, but the weather forecast isn't great for early evg, & a few may be put off by that.

If these lads had been around 30 years ago, there would have been a huge buzz amongst fans & about 8-10k at Maine Rd to see this, at least, & drive them through to the final which would have pulled 20k+. Nowardays not so many seem to be arsed, so it's hard to say.

Tough game in theory & they possibly need the help.

[Goaters 103]

Ill be there with two kids and me mate, so Ted that makes 5 of us going. If Doug goes as usual there will be 6 of us shouting them on.