When talking about the youth team and those who may come through, he obviously alluded to development in light of Jack Payne most recently, but Bentley and Smith also. He spoke of Paul Smith too, and how although he realises how unpopular he is with the fans in terms of his actual goalkeeping, his part in the development of Bentley and Smith has been vital. He alluded to Bentley being very close to the U21's for England, and Smith's involvement, and this is in no small part due to the relationship they have with Smith. He also confirmed that Ron had turned down a bid for Bentley, although not amounts or whom.
He then went on to say how Timlin had provided Jack Payne with the same support, and it's these players, and overall, the entire squad that supports one another and provide and excellent environment for the pros. That in fact the development players will only ever be as good as the pros. A lesson for us all really, when calling for the heads of the players that we deem surplus to requirements, or question their inclusion to the team.
He was challenged on why we don't employ the reserve team to aid the youth team development. He said it's not viable for a squad of our size. We have 22 players including two kids that have stepped up. Last year Coker played 53 competitive games, if we add in a reserve league of 20/25 games, and the same again for the two youth levels, as soon as injuries and suspensions take place, the squad is under enormous pressure to find teams for a league, that quite frankly holds no competitive sway and means nothing. Players like Jack Payne would be eligible for four squads, and it's how players would burn out. Last year we played around 20 non-competitive friendlies with our own refs and lino's, no suspensions as a result.
Today there is a game at Oxford's training ground. Mads, Barnard, Worrall and Timlin have all asked to be involved, Timlin wanted to be on the bench at York, such is his character and desire!
Steve was asked about rail seats, to allow safe standing. He went into a very long, articulated and clearly educated diatribe about how excellent an idea it is, he's an advocate, but simply, it's not allowed in the UK. He strongly believes the familes of those lost at Heysel should be consulted ahead of any decision, as football is steeped in history, and although tragic, they should not be forgotten or dimissed in the name of advancement. If passed, by the governments and agreed by the Heysel families, they need to then address design, as some stadiums are too steep in design to make it safe, or practical as it blocks the view. But he is an advocate.
Phil spoke about Deegan, about his belief in Jordan and Manny at full back, allowed him to go to Ron and ask for Deegan to be added, despite only having White and Coker on the books. He wanted a nasty *******, someone who bites players heads off and gives us that bite. Although concedes he needs to be kept on a leash at times. In the final inter-team game when he had what he believes was his first team, playing Cougho's reserve XI, Deegan was destroying Clifford, just bullying and stamping all over him. Brown stopped the game, and said team talks, Cougho took his bunch and Brown the first XI. He said to Connor, either you deal with Deegan or you're out the XI. He's stamping all over you and you need to deal with it. Now get out there and sort it. And having Deegan has helped Clifford improve.
On the same topic of dirty *******s, and when we were talking about transfer fees (Bentley is worth £60,000,000.50), he admitted that we aren't a selling club, but he supposes that eventually, if an offer comes in that is too good, he'll go, but we have already turned down a fee for him. So it has to be right for us. He asked about our biggest transfer fee, and was told Collymore. He had an anecdote about his first game back from injury for Forest, when Brown was playing for Bolton, he and Mcginlay had scored, and Collymore had come on to partner Jason Lee. Within minutes, Forest had a throw in, and Pearce launched down the line, and Brown got in behind Collymore calling him a *******, tugging him, and getting tight, Collymore frustrated, whilst all the Forest fans were singing Collymore songs elbowed Brown, skittling him, by the time Brown had know what was happening, Collymore was off again and the fans were baying for Brown's blood. Forest then won 3-2 against ten men, with Jason Lee scoring as well. After the game in the players lounge, Collymore's 'entourage' gave Brown a bit of a hiding. He didn't report it, it's not like today where it all has to go in the book/ He just took the beating and got on with it.
