No reserves

[Redraine]

Football 19 has put the finger on a massive issue for us in his post on the Northants match thread. I was discussing the same with our esteemed Fan Director before the game yesterday on the Clayton End, as it seems to me we are at a big disadvantage as compared with most of our rivals. Keeping all our big squad of loanees, etc motivated must be a nightmare and I don't see how we can get the stability and progression in the squad which we are lacking without addressing the issue. Look at Jim Bentley, for instance, who has been able to bring through Redshaw, Burrows and others through the reserves, and is beginning to see the benefits. If they didn't have the awful Globe Curse on them they would be in L1 by now and I expect them to be up there in the playoffs. I wonder how many other L2 and even Conference teams operate without a reserve team?
I haven't done the National Lottery for years, but am going to have a do every week from now on in the hope I can provide this boost for the Reds if the numbers come up!

[Redash]

I too think no reserves are hurting us. I truly believe Kurtis could have made something of himself last year, had he been playing regular football.

[maccawozzagod]

we've had massive problems with the pitch over the last few years which haven't been helped with reserve games and burnley reserve games etc etc being played on it. Is the pitch significantly improved enough now to risk churning it up?

If it could cope with twice as many games then does it make financial sense to have the players hanging around longer for evening games? can our medical 'division' cope with the extra strain on players getting knocks?

If all the above can be answered yes then no doubt we'd have a reserve team. Personally I'd love to see it pushed more and more as the option to 'modern' football. Back to where many of us once stood amongst empty terraces and voices echoing around derelict grounds - the non league feel. We have around 1200 home fans and 1100 of them regularly don't go to away matches .... maybe reserve games could fill the void?

[cashman]

Would love us to have a reserve side again, but am sure finances dictate its a massive No-No,

[smudgie]

Some good points made by everybody.

The expense of running a reserve side is massive, and as Rob has said the pitch, medical etc costs all rise as a result.

In addition to that other clubs (such as Burnley) have set up a Development squad which basically play behind closed doors friendlies against local clubs, such as ourselves.

Personally I think that the lack of reserve team has nothing to do with it.

[football19]

I sort of understand what your saying smudge,but you could say the same about the school of excellence.You need a interim/development team if you are going to produce your own players,instead of picking up released players.
Crewe do it despite competition from Liverpool/Everton etc..
It's a chicken and egg situation, so it's either all in or nothing.
It's the ability to attract young players with top class coaching/ facilities and opportunities ,even then, we have seen other teams loanees not upto it.
Hope leam now gets a more comprehensive junior scouting network going,with the selling point being the lure of early first team chances.
As always,most youngsters chase the option of playing for a bigger club,then going down the ladder,instead of the opposite.
Ps - keep an eye on the young keeper,good prospect

[smudgie]

Good points.

I rate Dawber very highly indeed.

Im just hoping he gets a proper year or 2 professional deal, as its my understanding he is still a 2nd year apprentice.

[ddevil2006]

redshaw and burrows did'nt come through the reserves at morecambe,

[Redraine]

Originally Posted by ddevil2006

redshaw and burrows did'nt come through the reserves at morecambe,

The 21-year-old impressed while on trial, scoring twice for the Shrimps reserves in a 4-1 win over Tranmere.
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley told the club website: "Jack is a player with great potential.
"He may only be small but he is strong and quick and has a real eye for goal. He is definitely one for the future."

[ddevil2006]

Redshaw was signed from altrincham, after being at man city and rochdale

[football19]

Smudge,keep it under your hat,but was told the keeper was training at Liverpool as a favour,but was invited back as they liked what they saw!,could be wrong,but being from wigan he must be a Good !! LolAt 17 he's already a big kid and still growing,defo worth a punt

[Redraine]

Originally Posted by ddevil2006

Redshaw was signed from altrincham, after being at man city and rochdale

I know, but he did not break into The Shrimps first eleven until he served time in their reserves. I never suggested that he was discovered by the Shrimps.

[Grimps]

We need to set up sum games loads clubs round here non league teams would do for accyreserves if possible.