Only the loanly!
The Chronicle is reporting that Phil Airey is the subject of interest from SPL outfit Hibernian as former Mag assistant Colin Calderwood looks to plunder his old club to strengthen his current club.
Why not take James Perch instead? Please take James Perch. He's itching for first team football remember! Anyway, the name of Phil Airey has been mentioned but it's merely a bit of tinsel to decorate this article as I want to focus on something else that was said in that very same Chronicle piece.
Basically it seems as though a lot of our younger players will be farmed out on loan next season. It should, in theory, give them a better education when it comes to life as a footballer, according to John Carver who said this today:
“The reserve team is just an extension of the Academy. You can only learn so much in the reserves."
“Playing in League One or the Championship, you really get to grips with what everyday football is all about. The manager has made it clear that is what we want to do with our youngsters.”
So players will be loaned out then? About bloody time! It's pointless having all of these kids if they aren't going to play, so why not give them a chance to go and play somewhere else? It's what most clubs do, yet we've been slow on the uptake. Shocking really, when you consider how much of a positive impact it could have on a younger player.
Who will end up going out though? Well anyone I guess. The likely candidates are going to be the ones that are close to the first team but not too close, highly rated, and perhaps don't get any real benefit in the ressies. Phil Airey is one as he rips the reserves up and scores for fun so it's gone beyond being a test for him, Michael Richardson could be another given how highly Alan Pardew has been speaking of him.
Loaning players out could also benefit those who have lost a lot of time playing football through injury, like Tamas Kadar and Haris Vuckic. Personally, I'm all for it.
Whoever gets the nod to go on loan, fear not. I like to keep up to speed with how our kids are getting along so me and the lads will be keeping you updated on their progress whilst they are away at their temporary clubs. We'll be reporting via observations, reports and from speaking to fans of each respective club to try and give you guys the lowdown on the loan stars.
It's just a matter of seeing who will get the nod to go now I guess. Who would you send? Personally, rather than just give up on Nile Ranger I'd like us to send him somewhere on loan first to see if it gives him the kick up the arse he sorely needs!
Comments welcome ;)
