Released players!

[Joey's Toe]

I know Wilder's approach is to constantly evolve and not allow players to get settled or complacent, but it's hugely disappointing when clearly able players are being released or listed.

If they are clearly able, to quote, why are we not in a play-off or automatic promotion position.

Clearly, that makes then not able...

I would counter that many of those listed haven't been given a good run. Now, there may be a good reason for that (we don't see them in training etc), but I think Deering, Green, and Midson in particular would have benefitted from having an extended run and being given the chance to show what they can do when they get a chance.

[Mooro]

- Deering - good player, terrible attitute (allegedly)
- Midson - average, Torquay notwithstanding. 0 goals for Barnet
- Matt Green gives you almost no option, although a Stockport-supporting colleague says he looked superb for the 10 minutes he was given on Saturday. One goal for Cheltenham though.
- Clist - the one in the list I would prefer to keep, always gave 100%
- Purkiss is good cover, but not good enough to challenge.
- Sangare - bit of a mystery but Wuilder sees him day in day out in training.

Now this board has added a surreal touch to its other many qualities - a man arguing with his own toe, whatever next!

[Druid]

What's the situation with Burge and Hackney, have they gone too? And with Woodley and Marsh, I never really grasp how the youth contracts work.

I've been quite out of touch on the youth side for the last year or so, but the basic situation is that they spend 2 years in the youth squad, then the lucky (very) few that get offered something are normally offered a one year (or even 3/6 month) pro deal. In the last couple of years, some of the 2nd year scholars spend at least some time on loan at other local clubs, which gives them some experience of the senior game, while also giving them a potential outlet should they not get a pro deal at OUFC.

From memory Woodley was offered longer on his 17th birthday as other clubs were sniffing around, which I think includes next season.
Marsh, I think, is still a 1st year scholar, so no decision needed on him.
Second years waiting nervously are, I think, keeper Nathan Silver, defenders Henry Owen &amp Sam Parish, midfielders Jamie Connor &amp Dan West and the delightfully named winger Conor Mcdonagh.

I'm making a few enquiries, and will post up any more definate info I have on this front....

All have been released by the club.
Nathan Silver went a while ago, certainly Max Crocombe has been playing in youth team and sub for reserves for some months.
Henry Owen has a severe knee injury, spent some time at Lilleshall recently.
Sam Parrish was at the exit trials featured this week on Late Kick Off - could be seen in back ground during the Rix interview.
Dan West and Conor McDonagh attended exit trials at Wallsall today.

Interesting feature re released scholars on Late Kick Off this week, can be watched on iPlayer - several OUFC boys in evidence.

[Belgian Yellow]

So Conor McDonagh is a gonner?

[Baboo]

All have been released by the club.
Nathan Silver went a while ago, certainly Max Crocombe has been playing in youth team and sub for reserves for some months.
Henry Owen has a severe knee injury, spent some time at Lilleshall recently.
Sam Parrish was at the exit trials featured this week on Late Kick Off - could be seen in back ground during the Rix interview.
Dan West and Conor McDonagh attended exit trials at Wallsall today.

Interesting feature re released scholars on Late Kick Off this week, can be watched on iPlayer - several OUFC boys in evidence.

Why do we bother with a youth team?
When was the last time a youth teamer established themselves in the first team?
What are the costs v benefits?
Are those running the youth set up up to the job?

[Baboo]

I agree with all of this. And then you go and let your self down by not mentioning Ben Futcher, possibly the biggest heap of stinking poo in an Oxford shirt this season...

But how come BF managed to get back in the Bury side at the back end of the season?

[Paul Cooper]

Why do we bother with a youth team?
When was the last time a youth teamer established themselves in the first team?
What are the costs v benefits?
Are those running the youth set up up to the job?

A good question and one that seems to come up each year.

There must have been times especially at the end of the season when CW must have been crying out for a young player that could come into the team and prove themselves. He clearly did not have the confidence that they could do so.

If ALL have been released presumably it is deemed that none are good enough? In addition Woodley seems no further forward than he was last season and this is with a reserve team which was suppoosed to give these players more opportunity to shine. Has the reserve team been a success?

[Mooro]

All have been released by the club.
Nathan Silver went a while ago, certainly Max Crocombe has been playing in youth team and sub for reserves for some months.
Henry Owen has a severe knee injury, spent some time at Lilleshall recently.
Sam Parrish was at the exit trials featured this week on Late Kick Off - could be seen in back ground during the Rix interview.
Dan West and Conor McDonagh attended exit trials at Wallsall today.

Interesting feature re released scholars on Late Kick Off this week, can be watched on iPlayer - several OUFC boys in evidence.

Why do we bother with a youth team?
When was the last time a youth teamer established themselves in the first team?
What are the costs v benefits?
Are those running the youth set up up to the job?

I have to defer to Druid (whoever he is?) on the details around the individuals in the youth team nowadays, beyond what is available on the club site.

However, Tyrone Marsh is a first year, so is Cole Hinchliffe a centre-back who has featured in the reserves a few times too. These seem to be the most prominent of that batch. Two U-16s Aiden Hawtin &amp David Lynn also made reserve appearances near the end of the season, so may be taken on, but I'll try to get the full official list of new scholars if I can. I dont have any info on youth team appearances.

Why do we bother - why not, not sure of the exact costs any more, but if the calculations were enough to convince Kassam that it was worth it, then who am I to argue? Saying that, another Dexter or Deano would strengthen the case no end.
Additionally, costs are much reduced now we are back in the FL due to the grant, so that is not as big a factor as it was, while there is always the community/PR aspect of a) having it in place, or b) being seen to axe it!

Last youth teamers to make an impact - Sam Deering, Craig Davies, James Clarke, , Eddie Anaclet-Odihiambo were the last ones to make over 10 appearances in a season - not a massive list, especially when the first two only joined the system at scholar level &amp Eddie left at 16 and came back via Southampton. A number of others have made a handful of appearances over the same period, some who may have been unlucky not to get a longer opportunity, but it has been a long time since the last Deano et al,

[JoeyBeauchamp]

I agree with all of this. And then you go and let your self down by not mentioning Ben Futcher, possibly the biggest heap of stinking poo in an Oxford shirt this season...

But how come BF managed to get back in the Bury side at the back end of the season?

And why have they offered him a new contract in the league above?

[Ancient Colin]

If you think Futcher's so good why aren't you critical of Lord Wilder for releasing him?

[Baboo]

If you think Futcher's so good why aren't you critical of Lord Wilder for releasing him?

Don't think any one has said he is good. It's just a mystery that Bury are happy with him at a higher level yet he was considered to be absolutely useless for us by most.

I didn't particularly rate him and was pleased when he went back but did not think he was quite as bad as many would have you believe. He was one of those players that occassionally did something half decent but got no recognition for it at all from the crowd.

[Baboo]

I'm not that much in touch with the youth but am hearing that Tyronne Marsh is a bit better than some.

[Druid]

First year scholars in addition to Marsh, who have been involved with the reserves are George Morris, Lewis Alderman, David Lynn and Cole Hinchcliffe. (Don't recall seeing Aiden Hawtin)

Have been impressed with Hinchcliffe.

[Tabbernackle]

Well lets just hope he gets it right this time then. I fear that all this tickering may cost him (us)

[headless_pnub]

I assume you mean tinkering, but do you honestly think that those released will move us forward or should we get in better players to push/improve upon those in the starting 11?