It's great to see Newcastle youngsters stepping up to the plate
Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 26 April 2006
On the back of what, despite recent success, has been a fairly poor season for us, one ray of light is the future that some of the youngsters at United have.
Often I hear criticism coming our way for our transfer policy, and seemingly the lack of talent coming through the youth system. Everyone knows that expensive signings aren't always key for building a great team; evidence of course it the famous Manchester United team of the 90's.
So how refreshing it has been this season to see so many youngsters meet the demands of the Premier League, and some even cement a place in the team. Charles N'Zogbia, although not an academy player, has done enough to stop £9.5m signing and established Spanish international Albert Luque getting a look in (although I'd say he is more of a striker than a winger.) N'Zogbia has been a breath of fresh air. No fuss (unlike our last left winger), instead just a player prepared to learn his trade, get his head down and work hard. He has, and will reap the rewards, and noise from the stands suggests to me he is becoming a real fans favourite - why not?
Taylor's injury really was a shame, but there was no doubt that he was one of the form players of the team before the accident. I'd suggest there are many who would be happy to have him as first choice next season. At times you wondered who was the experienced international and who was the local rookie when Taylor was paired with Boumsong. He's a player who loves the club, comes from the area and is very settled. There is no reason, and no way we should be letting him go, I see him as the future of our much criticised central defense.
Ramage is another player who has settled in to the first team well. I think his experience of captaining the reserves was a real benefit to him. He's certainly not a player who is afraid to dish out orders, and with the confidence he has shown he could well secure his long term future on Tyneside. It would be too early in his career to rely on him as first choice in my opinion; he struggled against Man Utd to name one, and I think he has a fair bit to learn before he can expect a place in our first team.
Then of course last week Matty Pattison got his start, which was a great achievement for the lad. He's not a player I know a lot about, but to recover from serious injuries when so young to get a full debut is a real achievement, so well done to him.
Other cameos this season came from Alan O'Brien and recently Michael Chopra, who got, albeit a soft one, a goal against local rivals sunderland, which will be a dream come true for him, what with being a local lad.
Although there is definately an element of it all being forced, we can thank Graeme Souness for introducing some of these lads in to the frame. Whatever remedie was used with Taylor, N'Zogbia and Ramage (who Souness persuaded to stay on at the club) it has worked a treat.
Introducing youngsters to the team is definately something worth persuing. Its refreshing to see players playing when they have been signed for next to nothing or in some cases nothing, and the attitude from them is generally excellent. Hopefully the current crop will continue to improve, Taylor and N'Zogbia are definately two for the future, which is looking bright.
Comments
How does Geordie nation rate Alan O'Brien. I've heard a lot of good things about him but I've also heard that he may be surplus to requirements in the summer???
Well said JamesB
I was stunned to read criticism of the team just a couple of weeks ago where someone said we don't give youth a chance, even to the point where it was suggested that we should write off the rest of the season and hand the first team over to the academy to give the young lads a run out - for experience.
At half a million quid for each position we finish higher up the league, and the possibility of European football still a reality, I hope the clown that made those suggestions doesn't run his own business.
The Man U team of the 90's was exceptional and I doubt that any other premiership team has, or can do that again. But it's great to see the youngsters doing so well. That's what Roeder does best. Development of the youngsters. That's where he should be next season.
Not looking after our first team so much as looking after our future.
Rob Brown,
Bahrain
i knew before th recent succses of newcastle everyone thought newcastle's seanson was going to be another disaster but who could blame them.until glen roeder came who has completly re-energised the full team giving th youngsters a chance and basicly re-inventing newcastle i say roeder for the newcastle job
