Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: SaddVillan on January 22, 2024, 07:34:14 PM

Title: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: SaddVillan on January 22, 2024, 07:34:14 PM
https://x.com/villareport/status/1749489939023049091?t=viovjcKkNun9Kb-cwO2fHA&s=08

He's a top top prospect. We signed him from Fleetwood when he was 16.
To good to play for our youth/reserve set up, but too young/inexperienced for the first team.

Union would be a good move for him - he's probably not going to get a chance playing centre back for an English club, so level 3 in Spain for 6 months would be good.

The Union head coach, Inigo Idiakez was Villa's U21 coach until leaving to take over there last December.

Think we may well see more youngsters going out on loan to Union in the future. This may well be a very interesting and fruitful development within the VSports empire.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 22, 2024, 07:51:09 PM
Spanish third division, semi pro.

I understand the Emery connection but surely that’s too low a level for him?

Why not the English third division?
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pablo_picasso on January 22, 2024, 07:53:03 PM
I agree, it is quite a low level.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Steve67 on January 22, 2024, 07:55:33 PM
Three Villan's going over.  Too low for Feeney but will be good for them all.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 22, 2024, 08:10:16 PM
Spanish third division, semi pro.

I understand the Emery connection but surely that’s too low a level for him?

Why not the English third division?

A few months in Guimarães would have been better, they're having a good season, currently 5th but only on a lesser goal difference.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 22, 2024, 08:13:51 PM
They're already calling him 'El Feeneymeno' over there.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Risso on January 22, 2024, 08:23:40 PM
That seems really odd, looks like Conference or below standard football. Unless the idea is to send three of our youth players over there to give them a boost and give the team a leg up into the second division so that they can then go full time?
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: OCD on January 22, 2024, 08:33:39 PM
They're young lads, likely having to fend for themselves for the first time and having to grow up a bit. The game over there is likely to be more technical and less physical. A lot of our young players won't be ready physically so moving away and having to learn a different way of playing would be good for their development, I would think.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dogtanian on January 22, 2024, 08:58:23 PM
They're young lads, likely having to fend for themselves for the first time and having to grow up a bit. The game over there is likely to be more technical and less physical. A lot of our young players won't be ready physically so moving away and having to learn a different way of playing would be good for their development, I would think.

Josh will be a unit when he’s bulked up and got used to a more physical game.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: SaddVillan on January 22, 2024, 09:01:07 PM
Take the points about the level of football compared to English Leagues  but I can't see many managers/coaches risking 18yr olds in the centre back position.

Makes it quite difficult to find somewhere for them to develop - probably not strong enough for the rough and tumble of L1 or L2.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dante Lavelli on January 22, 2024, 09:07:11 PM
Imagine being 18/19 and sent to a town just outside San Sebastián for 6 months. Then you’re told a couple of mates are going out to join you.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: OCD on January 22, 2024, 09:11:43 PM
Take the points about the level of football compared to English Leagues  but I can't see many managers/coaches risking 18yr olds in the centre back position.

Makes it quite difficult to find somewhere for them to develop - probably not strong enough for the rough and tumble of L1 or L2.

Someone like Ronnie Edwards can illustrate a path. He's 20 now (21 in a couple of months). First league season but he's in his third year at Peterbrough and being spoken of highly, having been recommended to Man United by Alex Ferguson as a youth prospect.

Edwards looks a unit now so next season might be the right time to start getting Feeney league experience, which still leaves 6 months where we can send him to our Spanish partner club where he can continue being trained by the coach who has been managing him the first half of the season.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Bad English on January 22, 2024, 09:55:18 PM
Clearly been sent to attain level C1 in Spanish.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Smithy on January 22, 2024, 10:01:52 PM
That seems really odd, looks like Conference or below standard football. Unless the idea is to send three of our youth players over there to give them a boost and give the team a leg up into the second division so that they can then go full time?

It does feel odd that such a promising youth player is being sent to play at such a low level, but Cam Archer was sent to play in non-league at 18, and was worth £20m three years later, so you never know...
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dave P on January 22, 2024, 10:57:54 PM
I agree it does feel a bit odd but they are not a random lower league Spanish club, there is a link there to us. Who knows, maybe they can buy him for £50m to help FFP?
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: eamonn on January 23, 2024, 12:54:24 PM
Imagine being 18/19 and sent to a town just outside San Sebastián for 6 months. Then you’re told a couple of mates are going out to join you.


Yep, the boys' WhatsApp group is pinging with talk of tans (might be tough at times in San Seb but they'll learn) and señoritas who can sway.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 23, 2024, 04:26:31 PM
It will help them having Iñigo Idiakez there as Coach. I never realised how close he was to joining us as Nigel Pearson's assistant. Pearson had been interviewed at Villa Park and they both expected he'd get the job but obviously Tony Xia had other thoughts. Pearson and Idiakez joined Derby on 27th May 2016 and a few days later we appointed Roberto Di Matteo.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: DeKuip on January 23, 2024, 05:05:34 PM
I’m amazed folk are suggesting the Spanish 3rd division is a low standard, there’ll be a lot of top youngsters playing in that. I can’t imagine Barcelona’s B team contain anything other than talented lads, then there’s Real Sociedad and Osasuna’s B team and Deportivo Coruna first team.
It’ll be a great experience for the lads.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Mister E on January 23, 2024, 05:27:51 PM
Who are the other lads going over?
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 23, 2024, 07:26:46 PM
Who are the other lads going over?

VillaTim, Silhillvilla and Cooper's Injury

*punches air*

I've no idea who the other two are.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 23, 2024, 07:44:51 PM
Who are the other lads going over?


why do i have the inbetweeners film in my head
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 23, 2024, 07:56:36 PM
Imagine being 18/19 and sent to a town just outside San Sebastián for 6 months. Then you’re told a couple of mates are going out to join you.

Yep, the boys' WhatsApp group is pinging with talk of tans (might be tough at times in San Seb but they'll learn) and señoritas who can sway.

He'll be fine, those señoritas love a ginger.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: johnc on January 24, 2024, 06:26:33 PM
Imagine being 18/19 and sent to a town just outside San Sebastián for 6 months. Then you’re told a couple of mates are going out to join you.
I was that soldier . Without the complications of professional football. A great two years. I still go back.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 24, 2024, 06:33:08 PM

It’ll be a great experience for the lads.

It will certainly be a great eating experience for the lads.

Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 24, 2024, 06:48:02 PM

It’ll be a great experience for the lads.

It will certainly be a great eating experience for the lads.



Not to mention a shagging experience.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: tomd2103 on January 25, 2024, 12:27:53 AM
That seems really odd, looks like Conference or below standard football. Unless the idea is to send three of our youth players over there to give them a boost and give the team a leg up into the second division so that they can then go full time?

Think that's probably the case tbh. 
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Axl Rose on January 25, 2024, 01:01:53 AM

It’ll be a great experience for the lads.

It will certainly be a great eating experience for the lads.



Not to mention a shagging experience.

You took the words right out of my mouth, Paulie!
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dogtanian on January 25, 2024, 09:38:23 AM
Looks like Tommi O'Reilly might be joining our Josh;

https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20 (https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20)

I've really liked O'Reilly when I've seen him, though he definitely needs a bulking period. I can't wait to see how he progresses outside of academy football.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Risso on January 25, 2024, 09:50:11 AM
They both look about 12.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 25, 2024, 10:01:45 AM
They both look about 12.

Feeney looks like he's got offers from three red brick universities, O'Reilly looks like he didn't do A Levels.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Gareth on January 25, 2024, 10:19:13 AM
Looks like Tommi O'Reilly might be joining our Josh;

https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20 (https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20)

I've really liked O'Reilly when I've seen him, though he definitely needs a bulking period. I can't wait to see how he progresses outside of academy football.
And he is only 2 days younger than Duran…promising talent and it’ll be good to see him play proper non age group football
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on January 25, 2024, 10:21:41 AM
They both look about 12.

Feeney looks like he's got offers from three red brick universities, O'Reilly looks like he didn't do A Levels.
Brilliant!

Exactly what I was thinking too!
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 25, 2024, 10:24:01 AM
They both look about 12.

Feeney looks like how Luke Littler should. O'Reilly looks like a fella you'd see on Irish newsreels from the 50s featuring the dancehalls of the era.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Risso on January 25, 2024, 10:27:57 AM
If Feeney comes back with anything from his travels, I hope it's a decent haircut rather than the clap.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: LeeB on January 25, 2024, 10:36:18 AM
If Feeney comes back with anything from his travels, I hope it's a decent haircut rather than the clap.

Might be forced to as presumably his mom won't be there to cut it for him again.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dogtanian on January 25, 2024, 11:31:06 AM
Apparently the delay is down to not being able to get his work permit yet;

https://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-player-issues-work-permit-complete-transfer-solely-administrative-complicating-things/ (https://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-player-issues-work-permit-complete-transfer-solely-administrative-complicating-things/)
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pablo_picasso on January 25, 2024, 11:45:00 AM
Looks like Tommi O'Reilly might be joining our Josh;

https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20 (https://x.com/Total_Villa/status/1750448396777959860?s=20)

I've really liked O'Reilly when I've seen him, though he definitely needs a bulking period. I can't wait to see how he progresses outside of academy football.

Im not overly convinced by O'Reilly.


Far too lightweight at this stage...
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 25, 2024, 01:44:03 PM
Im not overly convinced by O'Reilly.

Neither is Sybil.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: astonvilla82 on January 25, 2024, 03:01:25 PM
Im not overly convinced by O'Reilly.

Neither is Sybil.
👏
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: SaddVillan on February 01, 2024, 09:08:10 PM
Confirmation thatTommy and Josh are off to Real Union on loan

https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1753161477337370969?t=9fswn__cQZoGE1Vpa4Y6NQ&s=08

Looks as if the paperwork issues have been resolved.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 01, 2024, 09:42:40 PM

These are simply assets that are given experience and then sold on.
They will seemingly have a caree that has little to do with Villa, and now they may be more talented players which is increasingly becoming the case but increasingly so to get a fee.

You see talented players at numerous clubs in England , and they frequently played for Chelsea or Manchester City as young players.


Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 01, 2024, 09:43:35 PM

These are simply assets that are given experience and then sold on.
They will seemingly have a caree that has little to do with Villa, and now they may be more talented players which is increasingly becoming the case but increasingly so to get a fee.

You see talented players at numerous clubs in England , and they frequently played for Chelsea or Manchester City as young players.




Well, unless they're good enough, obviously.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Dogtanian on February 01, 2024, 09:44:54 PM
Confirmation thatTommy and Josh are off to Real Union on loan

https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1753161477337370969?t=9fswn__cQZoGE1Vpa4Y6NQ&s=08

Looks as if the paperwork issues have been resolved.

Cracking, can’t wait to see how they get on.

Anyone know how or if you can even see their games?
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 01, 2024, 11:18:08 PM
Iñigo Idiakez stepping down as coach of Real Unión. https://twitter.com/REALUNIONCIRUN/status/1774747037868699806
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Drummond on April 02, 2024, 10:50:39 AM
Iñigo Idiakez stepping down as coach of Real Unión. https://twitter.com/REALUNIONCIRUN/status/1774747037868699806

Looks like he was popular...

"Today I open a bottle of wine and champagne to celebrate. Thank you so much, Iñigo, you enter the select club of hated people in Gal."

"We should have stopped him a long time ago, let's hope it's not too late."

"You bring as much peace as you leave us the fans with rest, you have not connected for even a second with us or with the squad, what a mess you leave. You didn't even deserve the last two games in which we had a lot at stake. I hope it's not late."

And my favourite...

"We loaded the equipment in December. With Fran Justo we all rowed in the same direction. With Idiakez it has been a shipwreck foretold. There is no choice but to continue fighting. Wow Union!! ⬜️⬛️💪🏼"

Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 10, 2024, 01:30:22 PM
The Feeney.
Now what's his likelihood next season to be part of squad or loaned  again? He was 19 other day I think another season away again  for more good experience playing time.
I think can expect more Villa youngsters to go to V sports groups teams of Real Union, Vitória SC, Vissel Kobe and maybe Zed FC too.
Title: Re: Real Union/Josh Feeney
Post by: OCD on May 10, 2024, 01:40:43 PM
There's already talk of some of our kids being loaned out to other leagues. Bogarde is being linked with AZ Alkmaar and Young is being linked with a move to a lower-end Bundesliga side. Feeney will be loaned out but time will tell whether it's to an English side or whether we'll choose to send him to another European league.
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