Fox on the Rox

Yep. I hope the younger crop of players see through it and save themselves. As a young player it's a hard decision not to sign a new contract, because if you don't, the club won't play you or allow you out on loan. So you have to basically lose a year or more of development and exposure to potential future clubs. But, that's got to be better than the cycle the likes of Alves are currently trapped in.

I thought he was from Northampton?

Nailed it right there.

My bad mate. Still think Jakub is a different type to a lad who joins us at 8 or 9 years old and comes all the way through the academy like Monga, Alves, Nelson et al.

Is he ITK? Facts are Nelson played all 9 games for Oxford after he returned from injury in early March (over 5 months ago). The last 7 games for the full 90 minutes. So that theory doesn't fly for me.

Think about when those guys came through. I'd argue Jakub doesn't really count, he was 20 when he joined us, hardly an academy product.

You need to ask why that is. He had a fairly serious injury at Oxford but started every (or nearly every) game after his return. You could argue he's demonstrated the professionalism and dedication required to get back to fitness. This club doesn't provide young players with the opportunities they need to develop. He's been around the first team since 16, played u21s since 16, played for England at u20, will play for England u21 provided we give him game time. Didn't get significant game time last time we were in the Championship so had to go on loan last season. Let's not repeat the cycle or he'll be going on a free in 2027.

Yep, and what example does that set for the next group coming through? They'll be looking at what happens to Nelson, Alves and even Braybrooke and wondering if they'd be better off trying to make it elsewhere than committing their early careers to Leicester.

Nelson and Alves already had Championship loans. Nelson was a starter for Oxford whenever he was available and would've played the whole season if not for a pretty serious injury. No way either of those are going to League One.

The alleged ITK is named 'Eric Blair'. Is @Ric Flair winding them up?

Rumours of Chelsea interest have spawned some clips videos Ben Nelson - Season Highlights | 2025 This Is Why Chelsea Want Ben Nelson 2025 - Skills, Tackles & Passes

Why would he sign a 5 year deal aged 20? He will want to be free to move to bigger club in his early 20's, not be tied to us. Or have a lever to negotiate a much better deal in the unlikely event he wants to stay. Long contracts are only advantageous to established pros, not young players (unless they don't back themselves).

Made EFL Team of the Week https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCIZGYtJYg/?img_index=1&igsh=MXFzZjF6bWRwamw0NA==

Oxford Mail player ratings for yesterday's match

Yep. And any prospective youth signings or their advisers hearing that will be put right off joining Leicester.

He seems to hold the academy lads in contempt. Maybe he judges them by his own standards because that's what he was like when he was a young player.

This 100%. I hadn't finished listening to the pod when I last commented and he got worse. He came over as patronising and full of his own importance, and his comments about Braybrooke and Nelson just made him sound bitter and jealous. I think his mouth ran away with him, trying to sound itk. He's not done himself any favours at all with that interview, except for with the establishment at the club maybe. BSLB lads, I'm afraid you've been used, but at least it backfired on the guy (pun intended).

When you know some of the stuff someone comes out with is total b*****ks, it's hard to take anything they say seriously.

Yes, there is a full time training model at the club. The school involved is close to the training ground.

90+ minutes for Ben Nelson in the England Elite squad (formerly u20's).

Yep. Not been recalled, just doing his rehab at Seagrave. Still time before the window closes though depending on both clubs' plans for him.

I disagree. The club didn't have 'no idea' that the Dundee loan wouldn't work out. First loans often don't workout, it's not unusual. The club needs to get professional in how it manages the careers of young players like Braybrooke, Alves and Nelson. Not just for the benefit of those players but also, the next crop of promising youngsters are watching what happens for those three. The club should be able to point to good management and the success and opportunities that brings when offering youngsters like Monga their first pro contract, that would reduce the chances of them being seduced away by more promising offers. The two club rule is well known. Any young player who might be going on loan shouldn't lose one of those 'lives' for a single, unimportant game. Someone should have responsibility and accountability for ensuring young players' opportunities are maximised. There isn't joined up thinking going on. Also, it shouldn't be left till the very end of the window for young players to be allowed out on loan. By then many of the best loan places are filled, players risk missing out on the best opportunities and can be left scratching around for what's left (Braybrooke?) or missing out entirely (Alves?). I believe that's why we have such a poor record with loans. There should be a clear career plan for each young player - it's what many other clubs do - so whoever's deciding on the squad for the Papa Johns knows the plan is for Braybrooke to go on loan and therefore he's not up for selection.

Typical from the club. Their management of the careers of young players is generally very poor.

Yep. Nelson had to go down to league 2 to get his first two loans, though arguably it's harder for a young CB to get a loan. It worked out well for him with several Championship clubs after him last summer. Shame he's now injured as he was getting really good reviews at Oxford and great experience. Hopefully he'll be fit again soon.

Still in rehab, expected to be fit early March and can't be recalled from Oxford till January window opens. Will have to wait and see what the club does.