Listed below our squad in descending current age on the left, with number of Prem appearances up to the end of last season on the right.
34 Heaton 116
33 Elmo 183
31 Taylor 144
30 Kalinic 0
30 Lansbury 13
29 Hourihane 27
28 Emi 15
28 Jed Steer 2
27 Mings 71
27 Ros Barkley 202
26 Marvelous 29
26 Engels 17
26 Trezeguet 33
26 McGinniesta 28
25 Guilbert 25
25 El Ghazi 34
25 Kortney Hause 13
25 Traore 0
25 Jacktastic 82
25 MattTargett 71
24 Ollie 0
24 Wesley 21
23 Cash 0
33 Ezri Konsa
22 Davis 18
22 Douglas Luiz 36
19 Jacob Ramsey 0
Average age - lowest in the Prem.
Perhaps those who jump to criticise might be a bit more
understanding if they bear these numbers in mind.
Taylor, Lansbury and Kalinic will be moved on soon, bringing the average down still further.
We've signed a lot of good young uns recently. With a bit of decent coaching and more Prem experience they should get better and increase in value too - not that we should be looking to sell, but financially it should help.
What stands out for me is the relative youth of the squad overall and their collective Prem inexperience. They can only get better as they mature and get more games under their belts.
And don't forget that Dean Smith is in only his 2nd season in the Prem.
We've got the basis of a solid squad. The Academy is beginning to show signs that the new philosophy of signing top youngsters is working - we should get some proper talent coming through. Add in the steady addition of
3-4 players of the right quality and potential over the
next 2-3 windows we should be set fair for a bright future.
There will be stumbles along the way, but we should look be looking forward to the coming seasons with confidence.
Please, just win the holy sodding grail - that'll do me.
