Development/Youth Squads 2025/2026 Thread - U18/U21

[Rubbersoul]

7 minutes ago, Aleksz said:

Gonna have to disagree with some of the above re: Hutchinson. It’s clear he’s out grown 18s football in the same way Evans has 21s. Both need to step up. 

I’d love to hear from someone who’s actually involved what they’re thinking is when it comes to who to promote and how they know they’re ready. It’s fascinating really! 
 

There must be so many talented youngsters who have missed their chance. I imagine a lot of it comes down to good timing. I think Luke Thomas is a good example of this. Came into the side when we were absolutely flying so his limitations were perhaps not exposed.

[Aleksz]

Just now, Rubbersoul said:

I’d love to hear from someone who’s actually involved what they’re thinking is when it comes to who to promote and how they know they’re ready. It’s fascinating really! 
 

There must be so many talented youngsters who have missed their chance. I imagine a lot of it comes down to good timing. I think Luke Thomas is a good example of this. Came into the side when we were absolutely flying so his limitations were perhaps not exposed.

I suppose these kids have to be ready mentally as well as technically. Both are clearly there technically.

 

Hutchinson and his camp clearly think he’s ready, that article posted above is the latest in the last couple of months that have popped up - most likely from his agent/camp getting impatient about contracts and pathways. 

[RowlattsFox]

I think this whole conversation shows how desperate Leicester fans are for something to get behind. Evans has time on his side but we are desperate to chuck a 17 year old in. 

Can under 18s go out on loan? Because I'd like see Evans play some mens football, even if its national league. 

[Ric Flair]

4 hours ago, Rubbersoul said:

I’d love to hear from someone who’s actually involved what they’re thinking is when it comes to who to promote and how they know they’re ready. It’s fascinating really! 
 

There must be so many talented youngsters who have missed their chance. I imagine a lot of it comes down to good timing. I think Luke Thomas is a good example of this. Came into the side when we were absolutely flying so his limitations were perhaps not exposed.

Ramadaone has links to the academy and has said his all round game is seen as nit strong enough yet. 

[Rubbersoul]

8 minutes ago, Ric Flair said:

Ramadaone has links to the academy and has said his all round game is seen as nit strong enough yet. 

My post wasn’t so much about Evans & Hutchinson. I meant more about academy players in general and finding the process on how clubs decide who’s ready for senior football interesting

[Ric Flair]

7 minutes ago, Rubbersoul said:

My post wasn’t so much about Evans & Hutchinson. I meant more about academy players in general and finding the process on how clubs decide who’s ready for senior football interesting

Agreed, would love to hear. I do try and get folk on the pod that have been involved in our academy but it's difficult. 

[Rubbersoul]

Didnt we have a really long record of having at least 1 academy player in the squad until it ended whilst Maresca was here? 

Can see us having a similar type of run going again 

[moore_94]

13 minutes ago, Rubbersoul said:

Didnt we have a really long record of having at least 1 academy player in the squad until it ended whilst Maresca was here? 

Can see us having a similar type of run going again 

Ended under Cooper

[Rubbersoul]

3 minutes ago, moore_94 said:

Ended under Cooper

Yeah was literally just checking and realised it was Cooper! 
 

It ended in October 2024. Was a 288 game run going back to 2018! 

[Ryy]

 

[UniFox21]

He's definitely in contract talks then

[filbertway]

1 minute ago, UniFox21 said:

He's definitely in contract talks then

Like clockwork isn't it haha.

 

Can't believe he's still playing U18s

[Tommy Fresh]

2 hours ago, UniFox21 said:

He's definitely in contract talks then

He only just signed a pro deal didn't he? Seems weird you lock yourself in only a few months ago

[Ric Flair]

https://www.instagram.com/stories/lorenz.hutchinson1/3809295125718020543?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=YW44dWVtZDl1ZW5n

 

Signs he isn't just a finisher

[honeybradger]

2 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/lorenz.hutchinson1/3809295125718020543?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=YW44dWVtZDl1ZW5n

 

Signs he isn't just a finisher

He has scored goals for the u18s where he dribbles multiple players, definitely not just a finisher.

[Rubbersoul]

Chelsea are streaming the u18s game at 12. Just Incase anyone wants something else to watch  should be on their YouTube 

 

Funny that they can stream a game that is at our training ground 

Edited 17 January by Rubbersoul

[Rubbersoul]

U21s are away to West Brom this afternoon. Kick offs at 1

[Ryy]

U21 to face West Brom: French, Ali, Amartey, Gray, Donnelly, Golding, Neale, Motsi, Briggs, Fisken, Otchere

 

Bench: Donohue, Hutchinson, Khela, Omobolaji, Toko

[brookfox]

5 minutes ago, Ryy said:

U21 to face West Brom: French, Ali, Amartey, Gray, Donnelly, Golding, Neale, Motsi, Briggs, Fisken, Otchere

 

Bench: Donohue, Hutchinson, Khela, Omobolaji, Toko

Evans injured or in the squad for Wrexham do we think?

[Rubbersoul]

9 minutes ago, Ryy said:

U21 to face West Brom: French, Ali, Amartey, Gray, Donnelly, Golding, Neale, Motsi, Briggs, Fisken, Otchere

 

Bench: Donohue, Hutchinson, Khela, Omobolaji, Toko

No Richards? Could be a loan move on the cards or just injured 

[moore_94]

1-0!

 

Briggs goal, Amartey assist

Edited 19 January by moore_94

[AjcW]

Kick off delayed but we've scored after 4 mins.

 

 

*oh Moore is here, i'll get back in my box

Edited 19 January by AjcW

[coolhandfox]

1 hour ago, Ryy said:

U21 to face West Brom: French, Ali, Amartey, Gray, Donnelly, Golding, Neale, Motsi, Briggs, Fisken, Otchere

 

Bench: Donohue, Hutchinson, Khela, Omobolaji, Toko

Good to see Hutchinson involved.  

[CosbehFox]

Probably wrong time to put it here now. 

 

Just looked at under 21s fixtures as I wondered if we were playing this game at Alexandra Stadium (we aren;t)

 

But a couple of interesting venues/dates

 

Sunday 1st February, we are away at Sunderland, playing at Eppleton Colliery Welfare 

Monday 13th April, we are away at Leeds, playing at York City's new ground

[Ryy]

2-0 Motsi