caleyboy

Alex - this U21 league you keep harping on about hasn't been in existance for many, many years. It certainly hasn't been there since we first joined the SPL! I agree the RESERVE league should be re-introduced but to the demise of the U19's. There is just no value in what is costing a fortune.Sign kids who have REAL potential - not just numbers to make up a squad!

Debut August 1996 v Clyde according to the ICT official site. Your right enough Yngwie. That was a league cup game away to Clyde. Doing deeper research I see he never featured from then till 14th September 96 at home to Shire. He would have played at Telford street then. A new lesson is learned today...........never trust Soccerbase. More like never trust what Alex MacLeod says :lol:

Adam MacLeod - obviously. Maybe he thought he would be a star in such a lowly team but ended up a bit part player!

Totally agree with you IHE, but the standard of coaching is vitally important at the U13 stage up, not just the U19's where I think the club feels these youngsters should be the finished article - far from it. State of the Art facilities doesn't make a player, good quailty coaching, discipline and desire does. Personally I think the SPL youth programme is too widespread ie too many age groups which means too many bit part players who will never progress to the next level. The club could coach as many players as they see fit but I would have a go at having only 2 nationally competing groups, U15 & U18. The U15 group would be filled with QUALITY 13, 14 & u15 players and the U18's with 16,17 & u18's but the important factor would be having at least 4 well qualified coaches who are paid decent part-time wages to reflect their qualifications and experience. If you run 5 or 6 teams as we do, you just cannot get enough quality coaches. I could probably bore you with my opinion all night but this club either doesn't have or just doesn't invest enough into this area - it has always been the same, no matter what spin is put on it.

Strathspey Thistle was probably the worst place for him to go but seemingly had attitude problem which has seen him spend most of the season on the bench. Doubt if he will end up at Elgin.

Don't think the quality is there Alex. The best we have are getting a wee chance now. Am I missing something, haven't seen any youngsters being blooded. I'm sure there are some young lads who Butcher should be giving a chance against Hibs this week-end. There is no pressure, so give youth a fling and let them express themselves. I'm sure Butcher is a better judge than us Donview (or he should be). From what I hear, there is very little in the U19's other than Polworth and Christie and that is probably the best we can expect considering the small investment the CLUB makes to this area. I'm sure Polworth and Christie will get their chance when they are ready but we will just have to do with Ross and Sutherland at the moment.

It really doesn't matter if they are in the 1st Div, 2nd Div or Prem, it doesn't change anything - they are still Travelling Barstewards and the more hidings we give them the better

I think that could be popular. A complete change from what we've had in the past

Don't think the quality is there Alex. The best we have are getting a wee chance now.

Surely you can't class Tokes as a luxury - he is as solid a defender the club has at its disposal - and we need solid defenders! I class any player who is not vital to the squad and/or someone being groomed for the future as a luxury. The question is, does Tokely fall into either of those categories? I'm not convinced he had this season in him, let alone another one. You just have to go back through the matchday threads to see that others (some of who are now claiming Terry would be some kind of bad man for getting rid) thought the same not so long ago. Tokely is my hero, but every dog has their day and I would rather we were looking to the future instead of clinging on to the past. If Tokely is still here next season then so be it, I hope he proves me wrong. Well OK everyone is entitled to their own opinion. IMO Tokes is still probably our best defender so we should keep him. You just don't get rid of your best players UNLESS you have someone better to replace him.

I think we must be one of the favourites unless we strengthen the spine of the team - and that won't be cheap Muirfield Mills/Trust Co.

Surely you can't class Tokes as a luxury - he is as solid a defender the club has at its disposal - and we need solid defenders!

Aye but that generally means that fans can get away with wearing "last years shirt" which could affect sales of the new one.

I really am surprised at how many people have responded to your survey CaleyD as I think the result is obvious.

I totally agree, it is absolutely awful!

I will answer as honestly as possible - is this a wind up - are you really serious?

Sorry but if we are interested and you do sign him we need to take a serious look at our whole operation.

6 from 39! I've seen managers sacked for less so he better sort HIS mess out very soon!

According to todays P&J, Butcher thinks highly of him so he is getting a head start for the new season. Good luck Gavin - take this opportunity with both feet.

I know this sounds negative but if Butcher intended keeping him surely he would have given him a run over the last 4 games. Is he not out of contract at the end of this season?

This is getting a bit medi tech aint it?

Good news. Giving young pros match time at a decent level.

Well said Sorted. That is exactly what should have happened but he obviously didn't feel it was worth it.

Maybe our terrible injury situation took it's toll!

They were ICT "skillseekers" together but Neil was released and went to Clach. Moved to Edinburgh a few years ago and turned out for Edinburgh Uni in East of Scotland leage. Don't know what he's doing now.