TheHomunculusLives

Thanks @Ghost of Clough - makes sense in that case. From the little I've seen of him he seems to have good technical ability and dribbling skills, but if the end product isn't there then he may not make the step up. Cruz Allen looks to be one of the most talented players to come out of the academy in recent years.

We'll find out next season just how ready Brown is. What's clear is that he can cope with the physical demands of men's football now he's had a sustained run of games, and his ability stands out at the (relatively low) level he's playing at even at a young age. But that doesn't mean he's ready to play 3 or 4 levels higher in the football pyramid week in week out, time will tell on that one. He certainly couldn't have done any more to advance his career in his loan spell though - well done Dajaune!

I think around two thirds of the current squad could do a decent job in the Championship - there's not the same step up for the best League One teams as there is from Championship to Premier League, as Ipswich have shown this season.
The key to doing well for me is bringing in greater quality in a few key positions - in particular, a midfield general and a striker who is going to get 20 goals. Easier said than done I know!

He left us, not with a bang, but with a wimple.

It's going to go right to the wire between us and Bolton I think, however we have the points in the bag so I think we're narrow favourites as long as we hold our nerve.

It's a talented group for sure. I wonder if any will be fast tracked into the first team squad over the next year or so? Often it's about physical development as much as footballing ability, so probably too early for some 16/17 year olds however talented they are.

So for those he rate him and feel he's been hard done by, what level of player do you feel we'd be looking at if he had a proper run of games in his best position? Because if he's as good as some of you seem to think, he should be standing out as way too good for League One.

I'm really not sure what to make of Sibley at this stage of his career. He's been around the first team for 4 years now, under several managers and in a side struggling in the Championship or down in League One, yet still isn't a regular. Put together a highlights reel of his goals and you'd think he was a very good player, but there's clearly something missing as he's getting past the promising youngster stage now yet still isn't established.

As it stands, he's arguably been the most successful of his Academy group, despite being discarded by Derby pretty early. Just goes to show some players develop at a quicker rate than others. Sibley looked a very exciting prospect at 18 but 4 years later he's a League One squad player while Whittaker is getting interest from Lazio and top scorer in the Championship.

Yesterday, the DET reported Waghorn may be in training next week, and Washington "could be back next month" (I thought he was already back in training?)

A really helpful and informative response as always, @Ghost of Clough - thank you. I also like what I've seen of Cox, seems calm and very comfortable on the ball. I wondered if Hawkins' development had stalled a little, but it sounds like you feel he's starting to kick on again. Obviously all these players are still very young, but lads like Allen and Thompson do seem to have a great chance of making it if they're managed well and given the right opportunities at the right time.

DRobinson and DBrown are closest to the first team and should have had more minutes this season to help them transition from youth football to men's.
JThompson is my man of the match most weeks now. He's an excellent shot stopper and calm when playing out from the back.
I really like Cox who is perfectly suited to Warne's LCB role. Versitile enough to play LB or LWB too. Eventually I'd like to see him at LCB with Cashin moved central.
Gill was a regular at LB for the U18s last season despite being an U16 player. He's now being introdcued to U21 football.
Hawkins is another who was fast tracked. 17 U18 games when still an U16 player, then 16 games at U21 when a first year scholar. Earlier in the season I stated he needed to start adding end product to his game, which he has started to do over the past coiple of months. He's a simialr type of player to Bird, is currently a DM but could be moved further forward eventually, just like Warne's done with Bird.
Allen is a special player. He was introduced to the U18s late last season and scored 2 goals in 4 apps. Since the summer he has really kicked on. He's scored 3 goals in 343 mins for Wales U17 and 7 goal contributions in 719 minuts for our U18s. He's recently stepped up to the U21s too (scoring on his only start) He's also an excellent freekick taker. Mainly an AM but can play anywhere in midfield or on the wings. He's still only 16.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for me is Tyrese Fornah. I thought he would be the young, athletic, physically dominant midfielder we needed alongside the likes of Bird and Hourihane, but he's basically delivered next to nothing and we've been forced to bring in Adams instead for that position.

I'd be really interested to understand why those 'in the know' about the Academy on this board, like @Ghost of Clough, don't feel Weston has what it takes to be part of the first team squad at Derby? Every time I see him I'm impressed by his skill and finishing ability, are there other factors that are holding him back - maybe his size/physicality?

I'd be really interested to understand why those 'in the know' about the Academy on this board, like @Ghost of Clough, don't feel Weston has what it takes to be part of the first team squad at Derby? Every time I see him I'm impressed by his skill and finishing ability, are there other factors that are holding him back - maybe his size/physicality?

Still all to play for, no outstanding teams and closely bunched together. We do have a lot of experienced players so if we can stay in contention then get players back from injuries for the run in, I think top two is achievable.

Still all to play for, no outstanding teams and closely bunched together. We do have a lot of experienced players so if we can stay in contention then get players back from injuries for the run in, I think top two is achievable.

Still all to play for, no outstanding teams and closely bunched together. We do have a lot of experienced players so if we can stay in contention then get players back from injuries for the run in, I think top two is achievable.

Still all to play for, no outstanding teams and closely bunched together. We do have a lot of experienced players so if we can stay in contention then get players back from injuries for the run in, I think top two is achievable.

Elsnik is now a full Slovenian international and has played Champions League football. I think he could definitely done a good job for Derby up to Championship level.

I'm just glad it's mostly a thing of the past now. Hooliganism hasn't done football or society any favours and everyone should be free to enjoy supporting their team without worrying about getting punched in the face.

I'm just glad it's mostly a thing of the past now. Hooliganism hasn't done football or society any favours and everyone should be free to enjoy supporting their team without worrying about getting punched in the face.

We talking about Sibley or Bird here? If it's Sibley, I completely agree.
He's a talented dribbler and has a fearsome shot on him. With these two attributes - or if you only watch players on the ball - then I can understand why you'd rate him.
Unfortunately, his decision making and off the ball work are really poor. He often spots this when it's too late, gets annoyed with himself, and then gives a free-kick away with a clumsy challenge with a yellow card for good measure.
I think even for a mid-table Championship side, those shortcomings are too great in the modern game.

I think the 'fighting for your country' mentality adopted by football hooligans is particularly ludicrous, and has done significant damage to England's international reputation. Fighting for your country is something our armed forces do while putting their lives at risk. It has no place in sport.

I think the 'fighting for your country' mentality adopted by football hooligans is particularly ludicrous, and has done significant damage to England's international reputation. Fighting for your country is something our armed forces do while putting their lives at risk. It has no place in sport.