18 Sep 2019 00:15:17
I see Watford were beefing about Ayling (and presumably other first teamers) playing with U23s last night. Don't know what others think, but for me our domination of that game was built on the solidity of Struijk and Casey at the back, and the industry and dynamism of Jenkins, Gotts, Bogusz and McKinstry. For me, the experience of the first teamers had little influence on the result. Had they been replaced by U23 regulars such as Edmondson and Kun, the result would probably have been much the same, given they are just as competent at deploying the high press etc demanded by Bielsa/ Corberan, which Watford just could not cope with.
You may or may not be surprised to know that nine of Watford's starting 11 joined that club this July or later (with the goalie also only having joined this January) . Presumably Watford believed this influx strengthened their development squad, including a 21 year old from Manure and another from Wolfsburg, but on last night's showing there was only one who I would have considered good enough to have been anywhere near our U23s - Sam Dalby, who they signed from us in July. For me, this apparent gulf in class hetween our U23s and those at a (admittedly low level) Prem club just reinforces what a good job our scouts and academy staff are doing, and of course what a draw our club still is for upcoming players from this country and elsewhere.
18 Sep 2019 09:21:20
Good post mateyðŸ‘.
18 Sep 2019 10:32:17
Spot on Clueless, apart from experience the first team players gave us no more advantage. Edmo, KunT, and others that had to drop out would have done the same job. Watford were just not good enough. Just sour grapes from a loser. Gotts for me was MOTM, with Bogus not far behind. Like McKinstry looks a top talent.
18 Sep 2019 11:03:21
there is nothing in the rules that states U23 teams cannot have senior players in and I think most teams use them to get senior players back to fitness. what is the problem?
18 Sep 2019 12:53:55
Allowed 3 over 23 on the pitch at any 1 time. No reserves football now, so how else do teams keep players fit / get injured players up to speed. I think their saltiness was purely based on covering up their own inadequacies.
19 Sep 2019 09:49:28
They need to rethink their strategy then
Senior players have always used reserve/ u23s to gain fitness or help young players along
That manager that did 44 days was known for putting seniors in the reserves to keep them grounded/ remind them who picked the team
You improve playing with, or against better players.