Watching our U21's latest win against Blackburn.......

[bill taylors apprentice]

 got me thinking how similar both they and the U18's play.

Apart from both teams having the winning habit, this is clearly a sign that the development through the different ages is working.
There is a similarity in their positive playing style, something  that the first team is clearly lacking.

While this shows that the coaching, tactics and teamwork through the various levels at the club are excellent, it also highlights the first team are isolated problem.

I know its a big step up to the PL but these youngsters are not only showing there ability but a clear understanding of how to win matches.

The youngsters should be promoted on mass, with only a few of the old guard remaining, otherwise the stench of failure coming from the first team squad will stifle the untainted youth and ruin them.  

[cmg]

Yes. Of course, in the nature of things, the under 18s soon become the under 21s, which partly explains the consistency. Quick attack down the flanks, or through astute passing and combination through the middle topped off with sharp finishing makes for an exhillarating and successful product.

The sad snag comes when one looks at the first team. We simply don't have the players to play this kind of game. And there lies the kernel of our current plight.

[bill taylors apprentice]

Yes. Of course, in the nature of things, the under 18s soon become the under 21s, which partly explains the consistency. Quick attack down the flanks, or through astute passing and combination through the middle topped off with sharp finishing makes for an exhillarating and successful product.

The sad snag comes when one looks at the first team. We simply don't have the players to play this kind of game. And there lies the kernel of our current plight.

Your description of how the U18's & U21's play is spot on.
Which in my mind makes the whole disastrous management of the club even worse.

There has been no plan to ensure a pathway into the first team for our talented youngsters.
Any of them coming through is dumped in a first team that bears no resemblance to the way they have been educated in the game.
Under these circumstances its to their credit that they have done a decent job and a further shame on the management of the 1st team

[Baszab]

Everyone at the club saw the U21s beating/out-competing the first team at the beginning of the season - this should have set alarm bells off in July