Another month for Bidwell at Brentford

Not too many of the dozens of kids who have gone out on loan in recent years have ever been heard of again, so I hope Jake doesn`t get his hopes up too much!

Another Blue, Adam Forshaw, is a regular for Brentford and has helped drive their success -- only six losses in 35 league games, and 140 minutes all square with Chelsea in the FA Cup.

I wish 'em well, especially for my neighbor the Brentford supporter!

In relation to the above, I liked Forshaw. If your not local, James Wallace is doing well at Tanmere although has just got injured. He looks like he could play in the Championship (and yes we have a sell on fee).

As listed in the ToffeeWeb Player Profile for Adam Forshaw, he joined Brentford on a two-year deal at the end of last season.

The revamping of the Reserves this season as the Under-21s was supposed to boost their profile, increase competition among the clubs, and increase spectator interest. Part of the plan was to force clubs to no longer play Reserves/U21 games at training grounds but incredibly Everton got away with playing half their season at Finch Farm before the recent deal with Southport.

As for over-age players, there is some provision for them and for seniors playing their way back from injury.

But you're dead right about the fate of players who go out on loan: the vast majority end up leaving.

Is he athlete enough to contribute well? They don't all have to be great.

Ian, thanks for the scouting report on Bidwell... having seen him twice for Brentford I had a higher opinion of his speed, but I bow to your more thorough view.

And speaking of ex-Blues, anybody see James Vaughan's overhead kick goal last weekend? Outstanding.

In common with most match-going Evertonians, I don`t watch the Under-21s although with them now playing up the road, I must make the effort.

So very few of these lads come through – and so much is at stake that`s understandable (just look at Villa`s struggles, playing kids this season) that it almost seems a pointless and costly exercise.

Do other clubs have more `graduates`?

I think it's been 2¾ seasons now that the rules limiting squad size and encouraging the advancement of homegrown players have been in place. Has anyone seen any studies on how successful that has been in practice???

I see that we are being linked with Eric Dier again. I thought he looked a really talented centre half in the couple if games I saw. Really composed.