Midfielder Sean McAllister agrees a new contract

What I didn't mention was he started only six games in the entire season, being on the bench for the other 13 games, which just seemed a lot for the rather classy player he is.

Not sure he quite lives up to the billing of "classy". He strikes me more as a no-nonsense type who relies on his strength, physicality and direct running to be effective - and he runs in behind well and is a decent finisher, which are very important strengths. I'd still be hugely surprised to ever see him play for the first team.

I was able to find this on the Royal Blue Mersey website:

“It … must have been a big boost for the 19-year-old player from the small town of Randalstown in Northern Ireland.

“I have seen him on many occasions over the past 18 months. Although injuries have hampered his progress this term and indeed, as things stand, his contract expires in the summer he has always impressed me with his energy, stamina and versatility. Right midfield is possibly his strongest position, but he has lined up at left and centre midfield, and even at right back when needed by David Unsworth.

“He has an eye for goal as evidenced by the FA Youth Cup run of 2020-21 and is quite powerfully built so should not find the physicality of the Premier League an issue.”

“We are very pleased Sean has signed a new contract. Sean has a lot of the key elements you require as a midfielder – technical ability, energy, composure and a strong work-ethic– and we are looking forward to helping him continue to progress."

These recent re signings like McAllister, Quirk, Higgins, Anderson and Hunt are in contrast to previous seasons when we let a number go. Then we had Price, Whitaker, Butterfield, Welch, Campbell, Mills emerging in the U18s. Perhaps they don't rate the second-year Scholars as highly in terms of their ability to step up to U21s early so have retained experienced players.

These recent re signings like McAllister, Quirk, Higgins, Anderson and Hunt are in contrast to previous seasons when we let a number go. Then we had Price, Whitaker, Butterfield, Welch, Campbell, Mills emerging in the u18s. Perhaps they don’t rate the second year Scholars as highly in terms of their ability to step up to u21s early so have retained experienced players.

Hopefully the two of them can spur each other on. When people talk about direct routes rather than loan routes to the first team, Stan Mills possibly comes into that category if he continues to improve and impress.

Did anyone find out about Shea Cahill, has he been kept on?

Fingers crossed that at the coming season, he will be better handled and coached by Tait, who is now operating under the organisational mandate and philosophy set forth by Thelwell.