david in sweden

good long term planning, at least we won't miss "another Drogba " if one turns up - Jaidi can spot him.

Nice to see a clear definition "9" .... this is why I use block letters firstly, 36 months ?- so that means thet Morgan S. qualifies as "home-grown" - right ? and The four recently signed ex-Academy lads don't have to be included in the 25 - right ? but can play if and when they are selected... and not be counted until they reach 21...by which time they're "home-grown".

the opening thread I posted #1... if you couldn't see the humour in that, then we are definitely not on the same wavelength. perhaps the Skacel and Ali Dia jokes have run their course, but I still think they're funny.

also read that Fitz Hall was on QPRs OOC list -----NO!.. I don't want him back either.

of course. I've switched off the Hooper deal as Celtic don't want to let him go, and (personally) I'm not impressed by Rodrigues ' goal form - or lack of it .

CHECK the article? I'm surprised they found someone to write it !

me too ...I presume it means Northern ...as opposed to " Southern Africa ". Its a huge continent.

......... points are desperate to come by ..for at least the bottom half of the Prem. and whilst I would very much like to see some new young faces in the side, I do think that NA will be very cautious in who he selects and when. I don't expect to see any of the famous four introduced into the new Prem. line-up in August. Having made it back to the Prem. the opening games will be crucial to secure points - especially if the computer gives us games v. Man.City and Chelsea in the first month. I expect several new signings, but not too much chance of any of the youngsters getting a regular spot.

I really don't think NA (a former goalie himself) is likely to "experiment " with a young keeper in our first season back in the Prem. Man U's TWO young keepers have been very inconsistent this season, and they paid out BIG money for them. However, I do expect us to sign a new number 3 keeper who would meet your description (above), but Bart's replacement will be a seasoned pro. - probably a former Prem. keeper and over 30.

well, a bit techy aren't we ..Glasgow? .........since when is a little wry humour forbidden on this site? looking at some of the company I have on your Released list I think you might get some comeback from a few of them (all in good humour, of course) I'll stick to supplying the stats. that nobody else is interested in. ...and BTW...if you're really looking to criticise someone .. you can take another look at the HCDAJFU next season thread (or whatever it's called now)

well if you can't make your mind up ..we'll have Cortese buy both ... Happy with that ? personally I'd prefer Matt Phillips!

Mmm..not so hot on penalties , though !

being on the bench is not the same as playing real games - is it? ......and that was probably in the time they were bottom of the Pre. League ...before 'arry took over as manager. Bart was on our bench for 3 years and hardly got a game.

if we need back up for Billy and Rickie... how about an experienced international player..leading scorer for his club.... and who has a Cup Winners medal.... and is likely to be released by his club in the summer...sound interesting ? well there is one...his name is... Rudi Skacel... Ouch, sorry lads ..I couldn't resist it,

you may be right. Maybe he'll make them an offer they can't refuse.'¨ Do you know .... .if the Celtic chairman ....happens to own any racehorses?

really eelpie - your "squad" above goes back over 50 years! I have seen most of them play at wouldn't doubt their quality (as it was then) but it hardly constitutes a record of success in the youth system as such. Good players emerge - even in bad times - some survive, others move on, but to consistantly produce a steam of players season after season rarely happens. Ted Bates did it, and so did Lawrie Mac. But some of the best names that came out of SFC in the last 25 years were during the 9 year period that Dave Merrington was youth team coach. 1984 -1991. (MLT onwards-) Since then, some names have been notable starting with Wayne Bridge, but there has been little to brag about until Walcott, Bale and Alex - and they - unfortunately left before giving us their best. we can only hope that the present Academy will give us a group of players who will play - and stay, and we'll get the benefit instead.

Ok guys... I got his age wrong, (somehow). I wasn't criticisng him, I think he's good, and I recall he was a bit special - even as a teenager...but the likes of Hart come only a few times in a decade. Peter Shilton was a teenager when he took over from Gordon Banks, but how many U-30 keepers have made it big time in the last 10 years? - compared that is to the number of keepers overall - not so many I would think. I still maintain an experienced keeper is always preferable over young, untried talent (at least as a goalie.) I expect Saints to sign one Over 30 keeper and a third younger man (we are not discussing Fourpast LOL--on this thread - are we ?)

we were sold a pup, when doing the Bale deal with Sp*ds. I'm sure there was a thread /article on him at the time ..? Somebody at Spurs said he was a good prospect and was a future England keeper.! We bought the lie ....and the player on a 5 year deal.

there are VERY few good, young keepers. Man Utd bought two younger ones and they are both a bit in and out, no real consistancy. It has taken Joe Hart years to get the top spot and he's around 30 now. Most good keepers don't start to get good until they're 30+ and there are several Prem.clubs with goalies around .. 40. Age is important for outfield players, butnot for keepers who are best when they are older.

.it helps with speed-reading ! but if it annoys you ..should I use italics instead?

Chris Johns is the youngest(?) of the Academy keepers and played U17 for Northern Ireland last season. Saw him on a televised game v. England U17. Is tall, looked calm and confident, but a long way from first team esp. Prem. level.

a bit sad, for Old Lang Syne and all that, but football is a serious business and I'm afraid the writing was on the wall after that Blackpool game.

so ...it'll be TWO new keepers to be signed then. Certainly an older pro-keeper as back-up/competition for KD, and a younger talent .....(unless anyone is contemplating a place in the squad for TF.?) another striker ...to take up Connolly's place and another CB -as expected Jahdi will retire. PLUS ..A.N.Other, experienced, tougher midfielder (in the Jimmy Case mould.) None of the others ever looked to be serious contenders for a first team spot...but it still leaves us with a VERY big squad to have to choose 25 from. EXPECT moves for the likes of Dickson, Forte amongst others.... maybe a few more " fringe names" who may go in part-ex for new signings ?