Another Pearl

[Peabody]

Perhaps if I had praised Arthur Stevens for his performances for us, they would have had difficulty in hijacking the thread!!, anyway, I still think that Matt O'Riley showed great maturity and for the first 70 minutes showed a great range of passing ability.

[b+w geezer]

I still think that Matt O'Riley showed great maturity and for the first 70 minutes showed a great range of passing ability.

I heartily agree. At half time we were reckoning him our best player on the night, admittedly not the highest praise but still notable in a 16 y/o.  A class act.

[Woolly Mammoth]

I shall look forward to watching Matt O'Riley in his next appearance.

[Bill2]

For what it's worth, my view of him is that he's pretty decent for 16 without being anything too exciting. His playing style reminded me a bit of Cairney and a bit of Jack Wilshere. Very heavily left-footed, looking for the incisive pass, but I felt he was too slow in releasing the ball most of the time. Not ready for the first team, but showed potential.

I can agree with this, was a bit too pedestrian for my liking but being only 16 he has a lot to learn in a dynamic midfield like ours. Reminded me a bit of Hyndman but as he is taller should allow him to develop more and be more of a presence.

[ffcthereligion]

Im sorry but I literally couldn't disagree more. I thought he looked a total shambles physically weak and little to no ability on the ball. Also thought he was dreadful at Wycombe and right to get him off eventually (I was at both games). Worst player ive seen for us since Cameron Burgess!

Just goes to show though, Football a game of opinions huh.

You've not a clue then, sorry
The lad is SIXTEEN. Every time I've seen him he has look composed and good on the ball. Other top clubs around the country seem to think so too

You having an alternative opinion does not render me clueless.

I think when it's nonsense it does

You come across as a five year old does Marcel. Can you not stomach hearing alternative opinions? Is there a reason for that? Get to some more games son.

[Plodder]

He did OK for someone of his age, but without showing a glimpse of anything exceptional.  I hope the experience helped him to continue his development.  Let's not jump to conclusions (negative or positive) at this stage of his career.

[b+w geezer]

This will be an interesting one to look back on. Both on this board and elsewhere opinions have ranged from highly enthusiastic to highly un-, with some sensibly in between, as Plodder just now.  Sensible, but (in the opinion of some of us) imperceptive in missing "a glimpse of anything exceptional." Time will tell, injuries permitting.

[Carborundum]

There are few certainties or near certainties in football or life, but here, I submit are three:

Every single player on the pitch has been an aspiring and unproven young hopeful given a break

If young players don't feature in some games, hope and motivation ebb away from an academy

Young players will have games where their deficiencies get shown up

Used to watch Aussie Rules.  Generally the three subs would include on or more junior players.  If things weren't going well for my team, it was just a matter of time before a grizzled Aussie veteran in the crowd would shout the following "give the young bloke a go".  Wise words and I tend to think it's better to err on the side of too much youth involvement for the good of the club.  Surely all we can do is cheer them on and hope they excel.