Young Everton keeper Daniel Rose joins Schalke

Good luck.

Given that last paragraph about how many games he's played, it is hardly surprising he has declined a new contract.

I know somebody has to be the sub goalie in the youngest team but it might be more encouraging if they had runs of half-a-dozen games at a time or there was more encouragement for local competitions for youngsters.

German clubs seem keen on English youngsters but on another thread we could mention only 1 German having played for Everton although there were 3 other tenuous links. And Brexit too!

To put this into perspective Rose I believe is a 16 year old Schoolboy, it's hardly surprising that older Academy Scholars were ahead of him and he was only bench cover. It seems we offered him the normal two year Scholar contract to start in July but he turned it down. Zan-Luk Leban a year older is ahead of him, but I would imagine Schalke also have older academy keepers on their books. For me an odd decision for a youngster who's been on our books for a few years to make, but heh ho it's his choice.

Thanks for that insight, Phill. I couldn't help thinking there must be a back story here – although it may be simply a case of too much competition, as you suggest: The U18s team page at Everton's website lists no less than EIGHT goalkeepers in what seems to be a massive squad of 41 players???

But ours is not to reason why...

Michael,

I've noticed at times we seem to collect young keepers, at one time a few years ago we had 12 keepers listed at U18s & U23s!

Some of those 41 players are now over 18, the OS is very poor at keeping it correct. Last time I looked “Ritus Wudches” was still listed despite, to my knowledge, only existing as a spelling mistake for Rhys Hughes in one game ;-). The exciting bit for me is the number of Schoolboys, 8 or 9, listed who have appeared at least once this season, potentially a very good crop coming through.

ps: That reminds me, I came late to your “ Missing players At Senior Cup game” post a few weeks ago, I posted some thoughts, not sure if you saw them, it's probably archived now but may fill some gaps.

The 'Transfer Window' is not yet open for senior players, are there different transfer rules for youth players?

Eric (#6); It may not matter as if he is out of contract in June (if indeed he ever had one being just 16) he has probably been eligible since January to sign a pre-contract agreement, or whatever they are called.

Thanks Alan J. didn't realise he was out of contract, makes sense then.

I know a German couple who are friends of friends and their schoolboy son has joined the Everton academy; so it's not all one way!

The boy's mum told me a nice story: Other clubs including Liverpool were after this lad, and the LFC scout said: "We'll make him the next Stevie G ... we'll make him play for England.

Mum said, "No, he definitely won't get to play for England."

"Why not?" said the hapless scout ...

"Cos he's German," said Mum.

Long painful silence followed!

Hasn't he turned the contract down as the youth team bosses rate Jack McIntyre more highly and he's played the vast majority of the games?

I've not seen either of them play, so have no inside knowledge here.