ToffeeWeb - Season 2008-09

The Mail Bag

Youth

I'm trying to get over the fact the Premier League season is over, but would rather not torment myself trying to think who may or may not be joining Everton this coming silly season.

So, I was wondering if anyone in the know could provide us with some information on some "one's to watch" from the Academy.

Finch Farm is meant to be top draw so I'd presume we are really able to get the best out of our talented youth.

Just wondering if anyone on here had any idea whether we can look forward to the emergence of the next Jack Rodwell this season?
Michael Ferguson, Sydney Posted 02/06/2009 at 20:43:25

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Kieran Kinsella
1 Posted 03/06/2009 at 02:26:18

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A few of our "youth" seem to be following the Stuart Barlow path of remaining as barely mentioned "promising youngsters" for years and years. I mean Scott Spencer, Agard, Jutkiewicz, Ruddy, Turner etc are all past the age at which we?ve normally used them in the first team or shown them the door.

Paul Hennessey
2 Posted 03/06/2009 at 04:07:17

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That's all part of the youth team though, some players develop and come through at different ages and others fall away; all in all I?d say we?ve done pretty well from our youth system.

An interesting one to watch is the lad Daniel Fox we released a few years ago, now at Coventry. I think he was one we may have let go too soon ? but these things happen.

Mike Ferguson
3 Posted 03/06/2009 at 08:12:51

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I think its becoming increasingly important that we get the best out of our youth system. We have great facilities in Finch Farm, a manager who wants young (British) talent, and access to what is supposedly one of the best scouting networks in the world.

Hopefully this transfer window we will see all three working to good effect so we can see some more promising young players arriving.

Alan Clarke
4 Posted 03/06/2009 at 09:13:19

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Hallam Hope.

Young striker in the under-15s scoring for fun. Mancunian lad who the Manchester clubs came in for but he chose Everton ahead of the club he supports, Man U. This shows what a draw it is for the youngsters to train alongside the first team at Finch Farm.

Hallam has already been training with the reserves and similarly to Baxter he hopes to possibly make the bench next season. Pleasingly, he’s already a bigger build than Osman.

Ciarán MacGiollaEoin
5 Posted 03/06/2009 at 09:24:40

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Indeed Alan,

Seen young Hallam in the milk cup...looks like a fantastically talented kid..scored a hat trick if I remember rightly.

I think he’s at least 3 seasons away from a bench place though.

David Chait
6 Posted 03/06/2009 at 15:38:57

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I find this way more interesting than the transfer gossip ? who do we have to break through?
I think you are right about Fox - I read he made the Championship team of the season... Jags and Baines anyone... then again sometimes it shows that they need competitive league football to develop ? loans are important... I feel Vaughan & Baxter would do wonders with a year in the the league below.

Anyone had realistic thoughts on Baxter? Is he ready to battle Vidic and Alex?

Stu Foster
7 Posted 03/06/2009 at 16:19:28

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Hallam Hope is still at school, so don?t expect to see him next season! And as for bigger than Ossie, he?s already taller than me @ 6ft. Scored a couple for the U18?s at the end of the season, so they obviously rate him.

The one player I liked from last season was Nsiala. Saw him against ManU reserves and was the only one who really held his own. I think it was his debut as well. Played centre-half.

Steve Jones
8 Posted 03/06/2009 at 23:44:10

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Keep your eyes on Ross Barklay - captain of England under 16s following from Jose and Jack, a year behind and a cross between Rooney and Gerrard in attitude and physique. Plays centre mid - or anywhere else he wants for that matter..
Going to be fantastic.

Gareth Mercer
9 Posted 04/06/2009 at 09:35:14

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Love this kind of thread. I always have a look at the youth set-up as it gives me something to look forward to. Ross Barkley, as mentioned above, is definately brimming with potential. Can’t wait to see him develop. But also we have a terrific young defender (just 15 I think) called Jake Bidwell. He will be VERY special. Been playing in under 16s for England with Ross Barkley lately.
Hallam Hope looks quality as does Hope Akpan for me. Akpan is a centre midfielder, really tough in the tackle. We need one of those don’t we.
Let’s not forget Jose Baxter though. I thought he would have progressed a little further this year, but he is still breath-taking when at his best. As someone said, he would really benefit from regular competitive games on loan. I hope he gets that opportunity.
I summary, I firmly believe the future is very, very bright. Whislt we don’t win the FA Youth Cup, that is not a sign of great future players necessarily. Evertons main focus is on developing the players, and winnign thigns somes second to that in our Youth set-up.