Ouzounidis signs contract extension

I know that Melbourne is the world's third largest Greek city but what is the background to this lad being at Everton for around 5 years.

Who??

Does this extension of his employment qualify as a Con job?

He is in the u23s. Supposedly good although a 12 month deal is hardly a massive vote of confidence. On e year ago Fumes Mori was quoted as saying "I think he's [Ouzounidis] got a really good future.”

Lol Mike, I dunno they claim he is Ouzin talent

There's been plenty of time in Greece when Iveneededanouzo.

Not sure about that Mike G, you would have to consult the Oracle at Delphi.

Seriously though, I have watched this lad a couple of times when attending the U-23s and he appears quite decent, and a big lad. Whether, as with all youngsters, if he will make it to the next level though is a subject for... erm, the Oracle at Delphi!

I think only a 1-year extension says it all. He's still got a lot of Con-vincing to do, but well done and good luck.

Moving from the puns, there was an interesting interview in the Guardisn with Brighton's director of the Academy. In it he said "My ultimate role, is fine-tuning someone to be available for the first-team manager to select. My next role is for players who are just falling short of that: can I help that process for the club to sell someone? And if not, can they have a football career somewhere? And finally, can they walk out the door having still learned some life skills? We want them to look back and say it was still beneficial."

With young players, the club has an obligation. For this lad, he would have been brought here by us at a young age, we can't simply throw him on the scrao heso when we realise he isn't gonna make it into the first team. I guess we give him a year contract in an effort to prepare him to find a club and make a career in a years time.