I've never claimed otherwise. Just comparing U23 vs the opposition they're playing, which is mostly PL clubs who spends million poaching young talent around the world. Have on multiple times highlighted the gap between this level and senior football. It's boys football that is quick and technical, while there is barely a tackle and rarely a 6ft striker. The physical part of the game can't be learned here, so they really need to go on loan to be ready. It's also quite easy to see when players have outgrown the level and needs senior football. Buckley, JRC, Magloire found it too easy in the end. Pike, McBride and probably Vale needs to go on loan to not stagnate. Garrett's looking ready, but might need half a season to fill out and wise up some of his tackling.

The U23 would be dissapointed not to win last night. Should've scored at least 3-4 goals, but wasteful finishing let them down. Leicester scored a worldie of a long-range shot. Lined up in 4-2-1-3 formation. Ranking-Costello was giving 45 min as right-back while Pike was shifted to left. Young Gamble came in for his debut as a centre-back and didn't look out of place. No word on why Ash Phillips was involved, but could be managing his game load. Commentator mentioned that Barnes and Whitehall is injured, and that's why they haven't been involved so far this season. Rankin-Costello came through fine, showing some excellent deliveries and great in possesion. Looked like a grown man playing with kids at time, although you could see he was a bit rusty. Burns was excellent in the first half with his usual all-action display. Scored an excellent goal rounding the keeper, but probably should've had a hattrick. His only downside is that he is not clinical enough. Also agree with Garrett. So calm in possession, great vision and excellent tackling. You can see why the club rewarded him with a 3-year deal, while most of the others got a 2 year deal in the summer. He's a great tackler, but needs to learn to when to apply the right amount of force. Had an over-the-top tackle on a winger going nowhere, which resulted in a yellow, but I've seen red given at this level for similar tackles. McBride played behind the striker, but never got involved. Was subsistuted for Gilsenan, who was excellent when he came on. Will be exciting to see if can step-up, because U23 haven't had a proper attacking midfielder for some time. Vale has looked a bit out-of-sorts this season and maybe lacks confidence. Yesterday was no different, a few good involvements, but lacked edge and turned over possession multiple times. Brennan set-up the goal and looked okay going foward. However he continues to struggle with defensive side shying out of headers and never tackles. The transition from U18 where he could just get on the ball to the more physical side seems to be a bit of struggle for him. George Gent came in at half-time at left-back and did fine again. Another U18 who looks to have something about him. Very good delivery with his left foot and often takes set-pieces. All-in-all the U23 hasn't had the results they deserve. But they continue to play good football and dominating matches against PL oppositions.

Thanks for a great reply, for which I very much agree with you conclusion.

I think most agree on principle. In reality it's a lot harder. Bauer - I think we were in, but he partially went to Preston because Mowbray wouldn't promise him a starting spot. Looks poorly handled considering we chased him for a long time. Walton - Agree, you think decent keepers would've been available. An area where I think the gap between League one and Championship is not that great. We used the Raya money towards Gallagher. Walton was not the first option, I think we were close to bringing in Martinez from Arsenal(now Villa) on loan, which could've been a totally different animal Douglas and Trybull however I think was decent on paper. Douglas looked like a coup, but ended up as dud. Trybull was a decent enough squad player, with a good pedigree from Championship and PL experience, also paid very little of his wages. Also Pickering had only had a decent season in League 2 at that time, so I think he was not on the radar. There are some diamonds in League One, but most fails. Amari Bell was rated one of the best in division which tells you something about the level. You'd find better and cheaper options abroad, but that requires scouting and know-how which has been lacking. Braithwaite was just a stop-gap loan. The club hedged with bringing in Harwood-Bellis well. You'll find that League One clubs are reluctant to loan-to-buy deals. They prefer to sell, esp if there best players. This was also in January where prices would be at a premium. Wharton and Ayala was injured but would return, so not sure if a permanent buy would make sense at that time.

Never seen him, but sounds like a Rhodes type of player: " “Luke doesn’t get in any races with defenders does he, because he knows he just lacks that yard of pace. “But when the ball gets played into him it sticks and he just pops it off without complicating things and he gets in the box." Also signed a two-year contract this summer, so won't be cheap.

Thought he was more a winger. Shola Shoretire might fit the bill. Queue on those two would be Long though..

Not only he is 16, he just turned 16 at the end of June!

He was great for the U18, signed a new contract when big clubs were sniffing, and also made is debut. But he hasn't really kicked on since. While a lot of that U18 batch has really taken to U23 level like Cirino, Pike, Burns, Garrett, Whiltehall, it seems that he has struggled more. Going to be 20 this year and I'm not sure he going to make it here. Is getting to an age where he needs to prove himself either at U23 level or on loan. This will probably the season for him to do it. If McBride or Vale goes on loan (both have outgrown U23), he might get a chance to do it.

Was just thinking that myself. Might be poached before even making the seniors.

I think Nixon is right on this one.

Very certain we are not paying 6 million for him. My guess based on all noises and reports is: Soton is paying 15 mill + Obafemi (reported valued at 6 mill). If Obafemi doesn't come, Soton will have to pay extra (would guess that is more likely to be 2-3 mill) Regarding wages, I think a sign-on fee can be used to offsett Obafemi's current wages. I'll also add that of Obafemi has scored 4 goals in 9 starts. He has played 32 games, but 23 have been as a sub.

Regarding FFP, is that an option? If a sale helps towards the next FFP cycle, that will help in the future and probably mean more freedom for another manager. For the long-term of the club, and a world without Venky's, my head says that we can't have a 20 mill decifit each year needed to be covered by owners.

Nope, only has 30 min of pre-season. Got cramp and wise to take him off before pulling a hamstring.

Think he has been ill for a couple of weeks. Might be back in training now, but probably not fully fit.

I'm also in the camp of wanting the Armstrong case to be resolved. If that money plus the skeleton squad we have can survive this season, might give the next manager a chance to rebuild without the FFP looming each season. Don't think it's a bad thing that Mowbray will be forced to use the U23 players. They will be a lot better for the experience even if we barely survive. I for one find it easier to cheer on "our own babies" rather than a bloated squad of seniors. The largest obstacle is that the squad lacks leaders regardless of age. Lenihan and Travis are probably the only ones, and I can easily see us fold when getting behind.

I'd love us to loan Cole Palmer from City. Fast, direct Winger who scores and creates. Been unplayable when I've seen him.

Yes, Sheron was in charge. Probably an obvious choice for the U23 job after Barr. The opposition was too poor to really judge the performance. The most positive was the the two U18 players. Phillips might event be U16 since he turned 16 in June. The big powerful centre-half played for the U18 last season at 15, so will be interesting to see if gets U23 football this season. Thought Butterworth was dissapointing, lost possession multiple times by taking on players and overdoing it. Greedy and seems to have a bit of attitude. Not fond of tracking back either, which you can get away with on this level, but not on senior. Obviously talented, but could probably do with a reality-check of a loan. The trio of McBride, Burns and Vale on the other hand will put in a shift. Always liked Vale who is a decent allround striker. Has outgrown U23 and needs to kick-on. McBride is the best finisher, clinical striking technique and composed. Good work-rate, decent footwork and decent pace. Another who could benefit from a loan. Love to watch Sam Burns as a fan. Stocky little bugger with a big heart. Some similarities with Dickov. Not the most composed finisher, but good pace and good positioning means he gets at the end of a lot of chances. Only got a 1-year extension so will probably stay at U23 to earn another contract.

Youngsters won the Lancashire cup tonight against a poor Wigan side. Very one sided. A couple of new faces on display. A massive centre back named Ash Phillips. Handle himself well, very suprise to learn that he turned 16 this year as he was a big filled Out unit. Charlie weston, midfielder, Just turned 17. Was on the bench for the first team in preseason. Really like the look on him. Accomplished two way midfielder with good passing. Probably going to be fast tracked to U23 like Garrett Last year.

0-0 HT. Formation works well. Buckley been very good. Garrett impressive for a first start, some good tackles and solid passing.

I think he suggest someone will be missing on Wednesday's match against Leeds

You are correct. Dahlin and Per Pedersen was brought in as replacements. Dahlin was a very decent striker in his prime, but came with a back injury and was forced to retire.

Watched the whole game, and Ben played as left forward/winger in the same position that he's played this season. Spent the second half mostly tracking back and helping the full-back. Looked a real handful in the first half, and could've several goals if the team mates had not been so selfish.

Fair point. I would probably estimate it to be more in the 5-6 mill region given Joe Nolan, Nsiala, Kayden Jackson fetched quite decent fees at the time. Not arguing that the 12 mill was poor use of funds. Still a 10 player tombola is a large gamble on the wage budget. You would also pay sign-on fees, as well as riddance money for those who doesn't work out. Still it's just nitpicking, we all agree that the 12 mill should've been better spend on strengthening the squad with more than two players and in more positions.

Seems to have serve Brentford well. I don't mind a data-driven approach to scouting and finding targets. The world and technology has changed massively over the last 10 years. The information available now in the form of stats and video from games is totally different from previous decades. If you are not using data you are going to be left behind, as more and more clubs uses it to get a larger reach. The good old approach with feet on the ground and relying on "trusted agents" to find players is limiting in today's market. However the scouting and compiling lists only take you so far. The mayhem with agents is still the biggest obstacle in any signing. You also need a good vetting process on player regarding their personality, motivation etc. You only have to look a club like United who has accumulated bad apples for large sums over the years.

Ipswich tried that approach in 18/19 and finished dead last. They hired the Shrewsbury manager who ran us close when we were promoted. He went on a spending spree in League One bringing in the likes of Joe Nolan, Gwion Edwards, Kayden Jackson, Elliis Harrison etc. Breo was not worth the money, but scattergun approach is dangerous thing as well.