Reserves and Academy 2023/24

[dcdavecollett]

Thanks, Rotters.

What's a PL test, btw?

[Rotterdam]

Premier League (PL) come in three times a year to test lads fitness as part of a research project. 1km run, yo-yo (like bleep test) and an agility test.
Preseason, Christmas and end of season.
Clubs also run there own tests and have parameters that should be met, otherwise it's 'extras'.

The suggestion was JJ couldn't be arsed with tests and wouldn't put any effort in.

WBA weigh lads & skinfolds every week. 1st team daily!

[dcdavecollett]

Thanks, Rotterdam.

I had no idea about this! How long has it been going on?

[SaddVillan]

Thought I'd look at what's become of our 2021 FA Youth Cup winning squad

Released/free transfer
Brad Young - now at New Saints
Arjan Raikhy - joined Leicester
Hayden Lindley - joined Darlington, now unattached
Paul Appiah - joined Leicester
Dewain Sewell - unattached
Mamadou Sylla - joined UD Almeira, now unattached
Kahrel Reddin - joined Stoke

Still on the books
Filip Marschall
Olivier Zych
Sil Swinkels
Seb Revan
Kane Kesler-Hayden
Louie Barry
Tommi O'Reilly

Sold - thus far
Chucky £20m.
Aaron Ramsey £14m
Lamare Bogarde £4m
TOTAL £38m

Shows how difficult it is to break through into the first team, but also how important the development of talent can be financially, particularly with regard to FFP/PSR.

[Brazilian Villain]

Anyone heard an update on the Rory Wilson contract situation?

[SaddVillan]

Anyone heard an update on the Rory Wilson contract situation?

His current contract expires next summer.
We put a 5yr deal on the table, but he hasn't signed it - yet.

Is he holding out for something better?
Do we offer him something "better"?
We'll want to tie him down to a long contract, but what will it take to get him to sign l?
Does he intend to let it run down and leave on a free?
Should we try and move him on for a big fee?

Bit of a stand-off at present it seems.

[cdbearsfan]

To be fair to Wilson, he might have expected a look-in by now, even if only on the bench. If he's being a greedy twat, I've little sympathy. He'll be rich beyond his wildest dreams if he stays at Villa. If he thinks he has a better chance of first team football elsewhere, I wouldn't slate him for wanting to try.

[Gareth]

To be fair to Wilson, he might have expected a look-in by now, even if only on the bench. If he's being a greedy twat, I've little sympathy. He'll be rich beyond his wildest dreams if he stays at Villa. If he thinks he has a better chance of first team football elsewhere, I wouldn't slate him for wanting to try.

Whenever I’ve seen him play for the 23’s he’s looked v v decent but not particularly stand out…hopefully he will sign a deal and then get a loan next season

[SaddVillan]

To be fair to Wilson, he might have expected a look-in by now, even if only on the bench. If he's being a greedy twat, I've little sympathy. He'll be rich beyond his wildest dreams if he stays at Villa. If he thinks he has a better chance of first team football elsewhere, I wouldn't slate him for wanting to try.

Parents, agents, assorted relatives - wonder who's whispering in his ear?

[AV84]

You would think if he's nowhere near the first team but we're still offering him a 5 year deal, he should be snapping our hands off for it. Away out on loan for a season and prove he deserves better.

[OCD]

At the end of last season he did an interview where even he admitted he needed to bulk up a bit before he went out on loan. Seemed self-aware then.

[dcdavecollett]

Where's Bogarde gone?

[Percy McCarthy]

Jacob Tanswell at The Athletic reckons they are trying to coach his all-round game as at the moment he’s just a finisher.

Edit: Rory Wilson I mean. Just realised I’ve posted in the middle of some Bogarde chat.

[Dave]

Where's Bogarde gone?

Nowhere yet, but talk of Forest for £4m

[DeKuip]

We won’t get to play across the city in the group stage of EFL Trophy unfortunately as we’re in the northern half of the draw and they’re in the southern half in a group with Walsall and Shrewsbury.
We’ll know who we play on Thursday. I always enjoy getting to some of our games in this each season.