RUL

This is actually a great point about youth development. We are all guilty of looking at u18 results but they shouldn’t be a barometer of success. I attended 2001 final which we won but very few of that side amounted to anything. . The noticeable aspect is when you have physical players you get results at youth level. But when these players play against men that advantage disappears and it’s why coaches prefer experienced players. I do think technically the Aberdeen youth players are significantly behind elite standard and actually it’s been on a downward trend since early 90s despite lots of work to correct this. The club has recognised the issue but invariably resorts to tried and tested measures. This is testing for height at a young age and speed tests to work out maximum sprint speed, as well as other hidden tests This is really borne out watching international youth games. The gap is huge between Scotland and other nations. We try to overcome the technical differences with pace and power but for us punters we are watching noticeably poorer players each season but who are getting more and more athletic. I think you need mixture of technique and power/pace but clubs will always favour power/pace as it’s more effective.

France did it. The academies were run by the region and you signed to “north east” for example. I think the clubs resented the lack of control. It’s ok in one club cities or regions but would be unworkable in say Glasgow

Was a robbery. Shows how much you can make by having the right data

Think they don’t rate him.

It’s because they think we will get beat.

I think he will be in squad next season. Whether that transitions to meaningful game time will depend how he does.

It’s really difficult to judge. Clearly at his own age he’s strong in Scotland. However I watched Scotland u19s v Italy u19s and he really struggled and has at other international games. The signs are that at the top level he’s not quite ready. As you say he’s had a successful loan at Kelty and he’s now 18. Physically he’s strong and quick, the time is probably now for him to get some kind of run out. There’s no guarantee with any youngster that they can make it. I used to speak to someone at club who watched every game when Scott wright was coming through. He was adamant he’d make it. Mind you he also said shankland was never a footballer.

U18s league I assume you mean?

All the older boys brought back.

Good luck 🤞

Aye noticed Rome derby had delayed screening time on Saturday

1pm press conference at elfsborg today.

Sure when I was there the rolls weren’t enforced. Which was unfortunate as I wanted one.

Weirdly saw a video of someone who’s taking fentanyl online this morning, holy fuck, fried.

Or just start drinking first thing?