Slumming it in Smethwick has obv worked wonders for Illing Junior. Maybe we need to bring Mile back as loans officer.Find our young talent good clubs and good scenarios. I'd have thought that even a handful of 10-15 minute appearances for us in the topflight between now and the end of the season would be beneficial for Jimoh. Rather than semi regular appearances for the dregs of the lower division in front of pitiful crowds.But then I have precisely zero domestic and European titles to my name, so what do I know.
Not sure a relegation battle would be great for his development, my mate reckons they were ultra defensive last time out although that might have been a 'horses for courses' reaction to getting gubbed 0-5 at home in the coaches first game.We can surely place him at a better club than that shower.?
Quote from: PeterWithe on January 30, 2026, 10:08:47 PMNot sure a relegation battle would be great for his development, my mate reckons they were ultra defensive last time out although that might have been a 'horses for courses' reaction to getting gubbed 0-5 at home in the coaches first game.We can surely place him at a better club than that shower.?Exactly, even Coventry with their promotion attempt would back more sense, a team winning more often than not, trying to achieve something. Even Fat Frank may be able to help his development. But the Albion? It defies all logic.
Got absolutely no problem.with him going out on loan, it really does some players good. I'm not sure now is the right time though with us being short on numbers. Next season might be better.
Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on Today at 01:50:10 AMQuote from: PeterWithe on January 30, 2026, 10:08:47 PMNot sure a relegation battle would be great for his development, my mate reckons they were ultra defensive last time out although that might have been a 'horses for courses' reaction to getting gubbed 0-5 at home in the coaches first game.We can surely place him at a better club than that shower.?Exactly, even Coventry with their promotion attempt would back more sense, a team winning more often than not, trying to achieve something. Even Fat Frank may be able to help his development. But the Albion? It defies all logic.Counter argument*:To grow, he needs to experience a range of challenging situations to allow mental and emotional maturity, while his body grows and 'hardens' in matches where every decision matters. Experiencing a relegation battle will teach him a lot more than floating around the relatively protected youth and squad environment. Going to Coventry would put him in roughly the same position he is at Villa - struggling to get game time in a squad chasing top of the league.At this point, the club know what his technical abilities are. We don't know enough about his metal, emotional, and physical durability -which can only be learned through experience.*Not 100% sure I believe this, but I''ll put it out there in the interests of balance.
I like how the Deepdale stands always look really dark on TV during night games, only Stamford Bridge compares.