Where are the youngsters?

[Ric Flair]

Craig Levein has sais he wants to bring some home grown young players in to the team, but since his arrival Richard Stearman and Tommy Wright have both been dropped from the first team squad. I just think that now we've got our first defeat that Levein needs to crack the whip with players like Dabizas, Gemmill, Pressman and Dublin. Get them completely out of the first team squad and develop Stearman, Dawson, Wesolowski and Wright.

One thing that is worrying is how badly our Under 18's are doing this season, 6 defeats on the bounce! They came 2nd and 4th last season, don't know what's happening but let's hope Robert Kelly can have an effect on the younger players.

They can't be any worse than the 4 old boys mentioned above.

[Louise]

He doesn't want to take risks I imagine... However he's taking charge of the reserves tonight.

LET'S PICK IT UP! 

BY BILL ANDERSON

10:30 - 15 November 2004

Confidence will be the key to Leicester City breaking out of mid-table to join the large group of promotion hopefuls.

That is how boss Craig Levein sees it after City suffered their first defeat on Saturday since he took over from Micky Adams two weeks ago.

Levein watched his side dumped 1-0 by Sunderland at the Walkers Stadium.

It was another improved display but there are still things to be sorted out by the new manager and Levein said: "We still lack a bit of confidence, giving the ball away in what I would describe as safe situations.

"The players still seem a bit fragile in temperament and don't have enough steel, but we have to overcome it and there is still a lot to do.

"People might have been carried away with the previous two games but I wasn't.

"The positive thing to come out of it was that we finished strongly again, showing that if we do go a goal behind, we will chase right to the end."

Levein believes that the foundations for improvement are in place and, to that end, will run the rule over more of his players when the reserves travel to face Arsenal tonight.

Those on the bench on Saturday, including Dion Dublin and Chris Makin, have a chance of being involved, while Lee Morris will be given a full 90 minutes.

Striker Tommy Wright will also play and Levein said: "I am still learning about the squad and this gives me the chance to see more of them in action.

"But from what I have seen so far, the basis is there for improvement and that is what we are trying to bring to the squad."

Levein has acknowledged that he has a goal-keeping problem with the continued absence of Ian Walker through injury and is hoping to draft in a new keeper soon.

He said: "I knew when I came here that the budget had all been spent but I will be speaking to the board this week hoping we can do something.

"These are extenuating circumstances. No-one expected Ian to be out this long and, in any case, it would at least give some competition."

There were no injury problems to report after the Sunderland game and Levein is looking forward to his first unbroken week working with the players.

The setback might give him food for thought about changes and perhaps tonight's Reserves outing could be more significant than usual.

However, he believes the improvement since he arrived at the club was still evident on Saturday and that is encouraging enough for him at the moment.

link

[Guest]

Whilst I agree the likes of Stearman need to be given a chance, throwing them in at the deep end isn't going to help develop their game.

I can understand why managers are cautious with the younger players.

[Ric Flair]

Whilst I agree the likes of Stearman need to be given a chance, throwing them in at the deep end isn't going to help develop their game.

I can understand why managers are cautious with the younger players.

36127[/snapback]

There's being cautious and then there's being neglectful like a Mr Adams.

If a player has potential like Stearman and Dawson then it needs unleashing, in my opinion Stearman is better than Dabizas and Heath and a place on the bench at worst is needed. Dawson is way ahead in what i've seen of Gemmill this season and even Gudjonsson to a certain extent, both need to be given a chance.

[Dunc]

yeah all these players in the youth team are brilliant, get them in!

Thats why they've lost 6 on the bounce.

[Guest]

Whilst I agree the likes of Stearman need to be given a chance, throwing them in at the deep end isn't going to help develop their game.

I can understand why managers are cautious with the younger players.

36127[/snapback]

There's being cautious and then there's being neglectful like a Mr Adams.

If a player has potential like Stearman and Dawson then it needs unleashing, in my opinion Stearman is better than Dabizas and Heath and a place on the bench at worst is needed. Dawson is way ahead in what i've seen of Gemmill this season and even Gudjonsson to a certain extent, both need to be given a chance.

36132[/snapback]

In an ideal world, they'd be on the bench, we'd be comfortably winning, and we'd be able to stick the kids on for the final 10-15 minutes to give them valuable experience without damaging their confidence.

Unfortunately we live in the real world, and for every Wayne Rooney, there's about 100 'next best things' who never quite made it for whatever reason.

It's a tough call for Levein, and as much as I'd like to see Stearman instead of Dabizas (please!!!!!), I can't see it happening just yet.

But then again I could be proven wrong, it wouldn't be the first time!!

[Scow]

yeah all these players in the youth team are brilliant, get them in!

Thats why they've lost 6 on the bounce.

36135[/snapback]

Have you watched them play this season? I suggest you go and watch a few games before you make sly digs towards the academy. Results are not the the definitive factor at that level of football, it's the performances and progression of players with potential. Besides, alot of players like Stearman, Wesolowski, Dawson, Butcher and Porter have been playing reguarly for the reserves this season, restricting their apperances for the U18's where they are seen as important players for the team.

Ignorant.

[Ric Flair]

yeah all these players in the youth team are brilliant, get them in!

Thats why they've lost 6 on the bounce.

36135[/snapback]

Have you watched them play this season? I suggest you go and watch a few games before you make sly digs towards the academy. Results are not the the definitive factor at that level of football, it's the performances and progression of players with potential. Besides, alot of players like Stearman, Wesolowski, Dawson, Butcher and Porter have been playing regualry for the reserves this season, restricting their apperances for the U18's where they are seen as important players for the team.

Ignorant.

36137[/snapback]

Quite right Scowy. Dunc's point would have some substance if they hadn't progressed so well last season with the likes of Stearman, Dawson, Wesolowski and Porter moving mainly up to the reserves. The Under 18's have lost alot of players who scored them goals - Petrescu and O'Grady naming two.

Not all of the academy players are good enough, infact the majority of them aren't but Dunc if you had ever seen Dawson or Stearman play and Wesolowski for that matter then I think you'd have a different opinion. These three are definately capable of rivalling the likes of Dabizas, Gemmill, Heath, Dublin, Blake, etc for a place in the first team or atleast on the bench.

I'd take on anyone who thinks otherwise, if you can come up with a valid argument as to why the 3 of our talented youngsters don't deserve a chance when we have first team seasoned pro's putting in laughable performances like Dabizas and Dublin do each week then i'd be keen to hear it.

Anyway Levein was the one who said he wanted some younger home grown players in, so what are we waiting for?

[Dunc]

Oh yeah forgot the ressies had a great record too!

If they aren't winning games and shining for the reserves, why do we think they will be any good in the first team?! It makes no sense to me I'm afraid. And I'm not saying they aren't talented or won't be good enough but considering our reserves had lost almost all their games this season and the Academy side has lost 6 on the bounce, it would indicate none of these players are ready yet.

Of course I've not seen them play for the reserves or youth team cause I've got better things to do with my time, but the strikers aren't scoring and the defenders are letting in goals, a pretty good indication if you ask me

[Ric Flair]

Oh yeah forgot the ressies had a great record too!

If they aren't winning games and shining for the reserves, why do we think they will be any good in the first team?! It makes no sense to me I'm afraid.  And I'm not saying they aren't talented or won't be good enough but considering our reserves had lost almost all their games this season and the Academy side has lost 6 on the bounce, it would indicate none of these players are ready yet.

Of course I've not seen them play for the reserves or youth team cause I've got better things to do with my time, but the strikers aren't scoring and the defenders are letting in goals, a pretty good indication if you ask me

36148[/snapback]

A fair point Dunc, but in response I will say that in every single reserve game that I have been to this season and reading report's of the one's I haven't got to Richard Stearman and Stephen Dawson have stood head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the park. The Mercury have also picked up on this and said it when they print their little section on the reserve results. Now I agree with you the results for both the academy teams and the reserves have been pretty abysmal, but Peter Shirtliff made the comment that the results didn't matter at the minute as his reserve team was made up of all academy players and it was a case of individual performances.

Would you say that Matty Piper, Ian Walker, Muzzy Izzet and Robbie Savage are not good enough because when we got relegated in 01/02 they were in a team that performed ridiculously badly? Just because you have a team playing badly, doesn't mean that there isn't one or two good enough players. I'm not saying every academy player is good enough to make the grade, infact only Stearman, Dawson and Wesolowski look capable. Should players like these get a bad name from people like you who don't watch them because they play in a team that isn't playing well? Your only scratching the surface when you talk about the results. Now results win matches and we want winners in our team, but our current first team are under-achieveing so why shouldn't some players who have been praised as our hottest prospects be given a chance?

Stephen Dawson has got in to the Ireland Under 21 squad without making a single appearance for our first team as reward for his excellent displays in our reserve team! Now I know Irish Under 21's is abit different to England Under 21's but still it isn't bad going is it? As for Stearman even Micky Adams had to give in and admit Stearman is an excellent prospect and Wesolowski has been praised ever since he was about 10.

But still if your happy with watching Dabizas and Dublin and you don't believe in giving players a chance who perhaps deserve a chance then fair enough. As you said you have better things to do with your time, so why comment? I wouldn't comment about some of your obscure musical interests.

[Dunc]

Yeah, my point wasn't so much they weren't good enough but in my opinion they wouldn't be ready.

Thats my opinion and i can see your point but i'm not swayed. As for Dublin and Dabizas, Tommy Wright has at least done something for the ressies (Ie scored a few) so he'd get my vote in front of/Alongside Dublin. Dabizas though, I'm not sure why everyone hates him, he's not that bad IMO - him and Heath look ok to me.

Its all opinions and what do i know eh.

[mr potatohead]

I agree that you cannot throw the Academy guys into a struggling side , that helps no one.I also agree that many of them are not good enough but you have to look beyond that, the problem is much deeper .If they are not good enough , who brought them in and why?.Why did they do so well last year and so badly this year? .T Peake coached them last year he is not the coach this year!!! .Some of the players are good enough or are potentially good enough....... Stearman, Dawson, Graham, Dodds ,Weslowski, Sheehan, but they need leadership and motivation.I think this is in short supply.

Even at under 18 level you cannot carry players .I have seen them play many times and there are too many weaknesses especially at the back.I also question the tactics used on many occasions i.e playing Petrescu in midfield( a forward) and Butcher (a midfielder) up font in one particular game. Playing one up front and knocking long balls to no one in particular.Playing Weslowski at right back when the midfield is crying out for drive and enthusiasm and when his "engine" will allow him to support the lone frontman.The team looks short on ideas , tactically suspect , demotivated and low on morale.The whole thing needs a good shake up and that's not just the players.

[Mad Dog]

It actually gives me a headache to try and see this from your points of view.

A new manager has been here for a two weeks, and is being critisised for not playing some kids he's literally never heard of, never seen play a match, never heard anything about, who have been playing in reserve and youth teams and losing every single match.

Just the fact that you'd put, say, Stearman in ahead of Dabizas, Heath, Elliott, Keown or Dublin in defence, after you've seen him play what, 5 games maybe? Probably actually only once or twice, and each time against youth or reserve teams. It's incredible.

[mr potatohead]

It actually gives me a headache to try and see this from your points of view.

A new manager has been here for a two weeks, and is being critisised for not playing some kids he's literally never heard of, never seen play a match, never heard anything about, who have been playing in reserve and youth teams and losing every single match.

Just the fact that you'd put, say, Stearman in ahead of Dabizas, Heath, Elliott, Keown or Dublin in defence, after you've seen him play what, 5 games maybe? Probably actually only once or twice, and each time against  youth or reserve teams. It's incredible.

36160[/snapback]

Madog my comments are about the under 18's not the first team, sio actually i agree with you , I don't think any of them are ready for first team football.I aws trying to expain why the under 18's are struggling.

[Jonbluefox9]

Just because Levein said he wants to bring in younger players doesn't mean that will happen within the first 4 games. Everyone jumps to the conclusion that because he said that, it will happen immediately. A little patience is needed here in my opinion. Also it's alright everyone saying let's start with Dawson, Wright, Stearman and Wesolowski for the next game but if they have absolute shockers three games in a row where will they go from there? Fans will start slating them which they won't be used to and they'll be dropped back a level which will knock their confidence. I'm just a bit annoyed that people seem to think that Levein will be putting out an under 21 side within his first few games. Bringing through youth takes time.

[Mark]

I'm just a bit annoyed that people seem to think that Levein will be putting out an under 21 side within his first few games. Bringing through youth takes time.

36163[/snapback]

Obviously not. Bring them though slowly yes, but we dont bring them through at all. Where are they on the bench? We cant bring them on in games to give them experience and help them develop when they aint on the bench. Notice how old the subs were in the last match?

[Ric Flair]

It actually gives me a headache to try and see this from your points of view.

A new manager has been here for a two weeks, and is being critisised for not playing some kids he's literally never heard of, never seen play a match, never heard anything about, who have been playing in reserve and youth teams and losing every single match.

Just the fact that you'd put, say, Stearman in ahead of Dabizas, Heath, Elliott, Keown or Dublin in defence, after you've seen him play what, 5 games maybe? Probably actually only once or twice, and each time against  youth or reserve teams. It's incredible.

36160[/snapback]

I'm not having a go at Levein, I know for a fact that Levein will be looking to develop the youth side of things it is more of a dig at the lack of passion, comitment and drive that the likes of Dabizas, Dublin and a few others put in. I have watched Stearman on a dozen occasions and only once has he had a dodgy game. Dawson gets better each time I see him and I HONESTLY think they deserve a chance, i'm not saying that they will definately be world beaters or anything but when players like Dabizas, Dublin, Gemmill and Blake get chance after chance and play badly it makes you wonder whether players are picked on merit or reputation?

I'm just frustrated, mainly from the Adams regime. I am sorry for bringing the subject up perhaps i'm wrong and perhaps none of them will be good enough but we might never know.

[Jonbluefox9]

Well I think it would be better for Stearman to be playing a match for the youth team rather then sitting on the bench at a first team game. Levin is still trying to assess these youngsters.

Bring them though slowly yes, but we dont bring them through at all.

We haven't brought them through in the past. That was under a different manager. Forget about that. The only reason why the older players have been given places on the bench and in the first team was because Levein wanted to see if they were any good himself and needed to use their experience to help him start his reign. If you want to know Levein's plans on the youth stage, go and talk to him at the training ground and he'll tell you what his ideas are for the future. It's stupid to judge what he's going to do or what he's doing if you don't actually know.

[Mark]

Dublin wants to leave, yet he's on the bench and comes on when that place could be taken by the unproven Tommy Wright. It don't make sense, we need commited players, Dion Dublin is looking to leave! I'm not saying Tommy will be good enough, but he is the only striker we have that is unproven, all the rest are proven shite.

I'm not getting on Leveins back i'm totally behind him, i just thought he said he wanted commited players that will give their all till the final whistle. Dublin hasnt even started trying yet, unless he's just so incapable

[Ric Flair]

Well I think it would be better for Stearman to be playing a match for the youth team rather then sitting on the bench at a first team game. Levin is still trying to assess these youngsters.

Bring them though slowly yes, but we dont bring them through at all.

We haven't brought them through in the past. That was under a different manager. Forget about that. The only reason why the older players have been given places on the bench and in the first team was because Levein wanted to see if they were any good himself and needed to use their experience to help him start his reign. If you want to know Levein's plans on the youth stage, go and talk to him at the training ground and he'll tell you what his ideas are for the future. It's stupid to judge what he's going to do or what he's doing if you don't actually know.

36167[/snapback]

To be fair that is an excellent post young man, I totally agree with you.

I apologise for the manner of this thread, I am totally behind Craig Levein and i'm sure he will be looking to develop our youth side. The only gripe I had was that Stearman was on the verge of the first team and has kind of dissapeared the past few weeks, but it's up to him to impress Levein and i'm sure he will.

[emmalcfc]

I know we can't expect Levein to just throw youngsters into the team, but with Keown out, I'd ave thought Stearman would at least be on the bench. If Stearman was given the chance, I think he'd be great, way better than Dabizas. My reasonings, Stearman don't mess about in his own half, and Stearman's willing to make a run up the pitch, and put decent crosses into the box.

[Ric Flair]

I know we can't expect Levein to just throw youngsters into the team, but with Keown out, I'd ave thought Stearman would at least be on the bench. If Stearman was given the chance, I think he'd be great, way better than Dabizas. My reasonings, Stearman don't mess about in his own half, and Stearman's willing to make a run up the pitch, and put decent crosses into the box.

36185[/snapback]

Spot on there! Stearman is a new age defender, something we haven't ever had at this club. He likes to play the ball out of defence similar to Rio Ferdinand does, proof of that is his 90 yard run with the ball, which resulted in a sublime goal in pre-season against some Finnish team.

Dawson didn't even get on last night, that's a shame. I'm not getting worried though if Dawson, Stearman and Wesolowski are good enough then they'll get their chance. Levein is a fair man, unlike bum chin ever was.

[Jonbluefox9]

I know we can't expect Levein to just throw youngsters into the team, but with Keown out, I'd ave thought Stearman would at least be on the bench. If Stearman was given the chance, I think he'd be great, way better than Dabizas. My reasonings, Stearman don't mess about in his own half, and Stearman's willing to make a run up the pitch, and put decent crosses into the box.

36185[/snapback]

Spot on there! Stearman is a new age defender, something we haven't ever had at this club. He likes to play the ball out of defence similar to Rio Ferdinand does, proof of that is his 90 yard run with the ball, which resulted in a sublime goal in pre-season against some Finnish team.

Dawson didn't even get on last night, that's a shame. I'm not getting worried though if Dawson, Stearman and Wesolowski are good enough then they'll get their chance. Levein is a fair man, unlike bum chin ever was.

36314[/snapback]

We all know this but Levein has to find it out for himself. Expect a few changes at Wigan going on what CL said. Keown back in for Dabizas, new keeper in for Pressman and possibly Morris in for Gillespie. That's what I think he'll do.

[Ric Flair]

Martin Keown is fit and ready to restart his Leicester City career if he gets the nod for Saturday's trip to Championship leaders Wigan.

The 38-year-the old defender fell out of favour with former boss Micky Adams, was put on the transfer list and then struggled for fitness.

But he is now back in the fold and in line to make a comeback at the JJB Stadium.

City boss Craig Levein has confirmed there will be changes after last Saturday's defensive lapse cost City defeat to Sunderland.

Ex-Arsenal man Keown was on the bench for that one, as Levein was reluctant to change an improving side, but is now likely to step up.

Levein said: "Keown is back and has been training hard. We had a double training session which he came through all right and, as there will be changes for Saturday, he certainly comes into the reckoning."

He might not be the only one as Levein ran the rule over other options during the reserve clash at Arsenal on Monday night.

These outings can sometimes be treated a something of a chore by the senior pros, but Levein saw nothing other than the right attitude.

He said: "In the past I have seen experienced players against younger reserve sides and they have played abysmally, but our team played well.

"What was encouraging to me was the attitude of the senior players, which can be questionable in these situations, and it gave me food for thought."

Levein is still hoping to add to his goalkeeping strength before the Wigan clash, a loan transfer who would be expected to go straight into the team.

In the meantime, he is continuing to assess his squad which he says remains buoyant despite the Sunderland setback.

He said: "Everyone is still on the up. We have increased the workload but, ultimately, you want to be a team who works hard with a lot of energy about them and that is what we are working towards."

Skipper Matt Elliott and Ian Walker remain long-term injury concerns for Levein who, while keen on promoting the younger players into the squad, feels that until the team settles down, now is not the right time to push them forward.

This is only his third week in the job and, while the fans have seen a marked improvement, there is still a lot more to do in terms of reconstruction.

[Guest]

Sensible, I suppose.