Ultimate Football (Soccer) Thread (2012-2013)

[Liventia]

Norwich have one hand on the FA Youth Cup. Lead Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, 3–1 on aggregate.

[Slembana]

Norwich have one hand on the FA Youth Cup. Lead Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, 3–1 on aggregate.

Yay!

[Britcan]

Norwich have one hand on the FA Youth Cup. Lead Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, 3–1 on aggregate.

I guess we could be seeing a pretty strong Norwich side in the future then.

[Polar Islandstates]

Well, youth football is way more topsy-turvy than full professional level. A couple of strong individual performances on one side can turn a close match into a 7-2 drubbing, and then the next match they could play badly and lose 4-0. It's up and down. Don't go placing any bets or raiding them on FM just yet

[DesAnges]

Norwich have one hand on the FA Youth Cup. Lead Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, 3–1 on aggregate.

I guess we could be seeing a pretty strong Norwich side in the future then.

Not necessarily. Liverpool won it quite comfortably in 07 and the only one of those lads who got near the first team was Spearing.

[Nadkor]

Aye, the Youth Cup isn't a guaranteed indicator of first team players coming through.

We won it two years ago with the best players being Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba. Morrison turned out to be a radge, and Pogba went off to Juve. No guarantees at all.

[Britcan]

I guess we could be seeing a pretty strong Norwich side in the future then.

Not necessarily. Liverpool won it quite comfortably in 07 and the only one of those lads who got near the first team was Spearing.

True, but it indicates their is some strength in their youth squad which is much more significant to a club like Norwich that can't go around bringing in multiple £10m players every transfer window.

[Nadkor]

Manchester pretty busy today:

[Slembana]

Manchester pretty busy today:
(Image)

Holy moly.

[Mytannion]

Purely out of interest here, Nadkor, what do you think to FC United?

[Polar Islandstates]

On the topic of youth football, an 89th minute goal from Obika has just seen Spurs beat Everton 3-2 at the Lane and move into the final of this year's u-21s development league. Or whatever the full name is.
COYS!
There's a good half dozen or so players in this squad I'm looking forward to seeing develop, too, which is more than I think I've ever seen at one time in a Spurs youth team before.

[Liventia]

On the topic of youth football, an 89th minute goal from Obika has just seen Spurs beat Everton 3-2 at the Lane and move into the final of this year's u-21s development league. Or whatever the full name is.

It's not all that complicated: it's the Barclays U21 Premier League.

[Polar Islandstates]

It was something something Elite something earlier. I didn't realise they'd changed the name back again now its in the playoffs.

[DesAnges]

Not necessarily. Liverpool won it quite comfortably in 07 and the only one of those lads who got near the first team was Spearing.

True, but it indicates their is some strength in their youth squad which is much more significant to a club like Norwich that can't go around bringing in multiple £10m players every transfer window.

Sort of. Not really.

The gap between youth football and Prem level football is quite large. You have to be truly exceptional to make the jump, hence why there are so few players under the age of 22 getting regular games.

This has made me interested as to where all of the players from that Youth Cup winning side are, so a quick Google search brought up a list RAWK (one of the few times they have been helpful) compiled 2 years ago:

FIRST XI


GK: David Roberts

Having been released by Liverpool in Summer 2007, Roberts went on to play at Weymouth F.C., before moving to Aberystwyth Town F.C. in 2008. At Aberystwyth he failed to cement a starting place, and, after allegations of assault in Newcastle town centre, was sent on loan to Newtown A.F.C., also in the Welsh Premier League. He soon signed permanently for Newtown A.F.C, and is still playing in goal for them.

RB: Stephen Darby

Still on the Liverpool F.C. books, on loan until the end of the season to Notts County. Previously been on loan at Swindon in 2010. He featured occasionally for the first team in the 2009-10 campaign, notably against Fiorentina at Anfield, in a dead rubber game. We lost 2-1. - At Bradford and doing rather well

CB: Jay Spearing

Another still at Liverpool, Spearing has featured numerous times this season, include the Merseyside derby. In 2010 he went on loan to Leicester City, where he scored one goal. With a shortage in the centre of the park, Spearing has found himself playing more often in recent weeks.

CB: Michael Burns

Michael Burns played in both the 2006 and 2007 F.A. Youth Cup finals, but was released by the club in the summer of 2007. He was quickly signed by Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers, where he made regular appearances for their reserve side. In 2009 he transfered to Carlisle United, after an unsuccessful trial at Gillingham. He made one appearance for the League One outfit, before signing for Stafford Rangers on loan. Upon his return, he joined Newport County in January 2011, but was released after just a month at the club. He is currently unattached.

LB: Robbie Threlfall

His performances for the Liverpool Youth team earned him an U19 cap for England in 2007, and although still technically at the club up until 2010, during the 3 year period inbetween the final and then, he had loan spells at Hereford United, Stockport County, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, before signing for the latter permanently in 2010. Since then, he's made just 6 appearances for their first team. - Now at Morecambe

MF: Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett stayed at Liverpool for another season, joining Tranmere Rovers in the summer transfer window of 2008. He played 36 games for the Rovers, scoring 4 goals. In 2010 he transferred to Accrington Stanley, where he has thus far played 34 games, and scored 2 goals. - Accrington Stanley but it looks like his contract has just expired

MF: Jimmy Ryan

Jimmy left the club in August 2007, first for a loan, then permanently, to Shrewsbury Town. He made just 4 appearances, before transferring, in 2008, to Accrington Stanley. He's since been a regular fixture in midfield for Stanley, appearing 123 times, and scoring 19. - Scunthorpe

AMF: Astrit Ajdarevic

The Swedish attacking midfielder from SFR Yugoslavia left Liverpool on loan to Leicester City in 2009, before joining permanently at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. He didn't feature at all, and was loaned to Hereford United, where he played just once. He was then released by Leicester City, and joined Swedish top league (Allsvenskan) side Orebro SK. He played 13 times in the 2010 season, and when it ended, exercised his right to move club (due to some sort of contractual clause), joining Swedish side IFK Norrkoping. According to Wikipedia, he has yet to play a game for the Allsvenskan outfit. - Ended up playing 40 games for Norrkoping, now at Standard Liege

MF: Ryan Flynn

Flynn arrived from Falkirk in 2005. In 2008 he was loaned out to Wrexham, and then Falkirk again. He signed permanently for Falkirk in 2009, and played during their last season in the Scottish First Division. They were relegated at the end of the season. - Sheffield United

MF: Ray Putterill

Ray was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2008-09 season after a series of injuries and operations (namely: fractured spine, a hip reconstruction, damaged cartilage in his knee and a hernia operation), and he swiftly joined Liverpool County Premier League side Halewood Town. He played their for a season, before being snapped (no pun intended) up by Accrington Stanley in July 2010. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, including scoring a goal against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. - Spent half this season at Rochdale but has since been sold to Hyde

ST: Craig Lindfield

After loan spells at Notts County (3 appearances, 1 goal), Chester City (7 appearances, no goals), Bournemouth (3 apperances, 1 goal), and Accrington Stanley (20 appearances, 2 goals), over a 2 year spell following the Youth Cup triumph, Lindfield signed for Macclesfield Town in 2010, having been released by the club in 2009. In between, he had trials with Carlisle United and Morecombe. After 18 appearances and 2 goals for Macclesfield, Lindfield joined Accrington Stanley in June 2010 on a one year contract. After suffering a knee injury, he was loaned out to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers for match fitness, but made just a 12 minute appearance before all Conference games were postponed due to bad weather. He returned to Accrington in December 2010; his contract runs out at the end of this season. - Still at Accrington


SUBS

GK: Josh Mimms

After leaving Liverpool, Mimms joined York City. However, he failed to make an impact on the first team, and now plays for Evo-Stik League side Retford United.

MF: Sean Highdale

After suffering a horrific car-crash in which two of his friends died, Highdale began the long road to recovery - at times it was thought he would never play again. He made his return in January 2010 against Wrexham in a friendly. He had a loan spell at Oldham Athletic. In January 2011, he was loaned to Newtown AFC of the Welsh Premier League to gain match fitness and experience.

MF: Ben Parsonage

New Zealander Ben Parsonage left Liverpool F.C. in 2008 and joined Caernarfon Town of the Welsh Alliance League. After 3 appearances, he joined the Liverpool County Football side Prescot Cables. He now plays for Hibiscus Coast A.F.C., a semi-professional club competing in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2 of New Zealand.

FW: Lee Woodward

Lee Woodward was released by the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, after a series of back injuries. There appears to be no information about him on the internet, so I can only assume he no longer players professionally, or semi-professionally for a club with a website.

DF: Steven Irwin

Steven Irwin is still with the club, although he has yet to make it into the first team. - Plays at some Finnish Premier League team
Red annotations are mine.

Now, that was a good team. Extremely good, IIRC. Only one, maybe two, still plays at a standard high enough for what Norwich would need to stay in the Premier League, and they would be Spearing and Adjarevic. Neither of them were even the best players in that team - Lindfield, Putterill and Flynn were all seen as the long term futures of the club.

Now I'm not saying that Norwich will be exactly the same, but the transition is not predictable at all.

Speaking of Norwich and Spearing, they always buy him from me on FIFA. Always. I think he'd be a good fit for them as well.

[Serrland]

Manchester pretty busy today:
(Image)

Is that a permanent balcony thing, or temporary scaffolding?

I don't mean to sound like a wimp or anything, but I'd be pretty nervous up there with it being jam packed and all, to be honest.

Cup parades are a lot of fun. Admittedly it's a different sport, but I had a hell of a time at the Stanley Cup parade when the Hawks won a few years back.

[Eastfield Lodge]

True, but it indicates their is some strength in their youth squad which is much more significant to a club like Norwich that can't go around bringing in multiple £10m players every transfer window.

Sort of. Not really.

The gap between youth football and Prem level football is quite large. You have to be truly exceptional to make the jump, hence why there are so few players under the age of 22 getting regular games.

This has made me interested as to where all of the players from that Youth Cup winning side are, so a quick Google search brought up a list RAWK (one of the few times they have been helpful) compiled 2 years ago:

FIRST XI


GK: David Roberts

Having been released by Liverpool in Summer 2007, Roberts went on to play at Weymouth F.C., before moving to Aberystwyth Town F.C. in 2008. At Aberystwyth he failed to cement a starting place, and, after allegations of assault in Newcastle town centre, was sent on loan to Newtown A.F.C., also in the Welsh Premier League. He soon signed permanently for Newtown A.F.C, and is still playing in goal for them.

RB: Stephen Darby

Still on the Liverpool F.C. books, on loan until the end of the season to Notts County. Previously been on loan at Swindon in 2010. He featured occasionally for the first team in the 2009-10 campaign, notably against Fiorentina at Anfield, in a dead rubber game. We lost 2-1. - At Bradford and doing rather well

CB: Jay Spearing

Another still at Liverpool, Spearing has featured numerous times this season, include the Merseyside derby. In 2010 he went on loan to Leicester City, where he scored one goal. With a shortage in the centre of the park, Spearing has found himself playing more often in recent weeks.

CB: Michael Burns

Michael Burns played in both the 2006 and 2007 F.A. Youth Cup finals, but was released by the club in the summer of 2007. He was quickly signed by Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers, where he made regular appearances for their reserve side. In 2009 he transfered to Carlisle United, after an unsuccessful trial at Gillingham. He made one appearance for the League One outfit, before signing for Stafford Rangers on loan. Upon his return, he joined Newport County in January 2011, but was released after just a month at the club. He is currently unattached.

LB: Robbie Threlfall

His performances for the Liverpool Youth team earned him an U19 cap for England in 2007, and although still technically at the club up until 2010, during the 3 year period inbetween the final and then, he had loan spells at Hereford United, Stockport County, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, before signing for the latter permanently in 2010. Since then, he's made just 6 appearances for their first team. - Now at Morecambe

MF: Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett stayed at Liverpool for another season, joining Tranmere Rovers in the summer transfer window of 2008. He played 36 games for the Rovers, scoring 4 goals. In 2010 he transferred to Accrington Stanley, where he has thus far played 34 games, and scored 2 goals. - Accrington Stanley but it looks like his contract has just expired

MF: Jimmy Ryan

Jimmy left the club in August 2007, first for a loan, then permanently, to Shrewsbury Town. He made just 4 appearances, before transferring, in 2008, to Accrington Stanley. He's since been a regular fixture in midfield for Stanley, appearing 123 times, and scoring 19. - Scunthorpe

AMF: Astrit Ajdarevic

The Swedish attacking midfielder from SFR Yugoslavia left Liverpool on loan to Leicester City in 2009, before joining permanently at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. He didn't feature at all, and was loaned to Hereford United, where he played just once. He was then released by Leicester City, and joined Swedish top league (Allsvenskan) side Orebro SK. He played 13 times in the 2010 season, and when it ended, exercised his right to move club (due to some sort of contractual clause), joining Swedish side IFK Norrkoping. According to Wikipedia, he has yet to play a game for the Allsvenskan outfit. - Ended up playing 40 games for Norrkoping, now at Standard Liege

MF: Ryan Flynn

Flynn arrived from Falkirk in 2005. In 2008 he was loaned out to Wrexham, and then Falkirk again. He signed permanently for Falkirk in 2009, and played during their last season in the Scottish First Division. They were relegated at the end of the season. - Sheffield United

MF: Ray Putterill

Ray was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2008-09 season after a series of injuries and operations (namely: fractured spine, a hip reconstruction, damaged cartilage in his knee and a hernia operation), and he swiftly joined Liverpool County Premier League side Halewood Town. He played their for a season, before being snapped (no pun intended) up by Accrington Stanley in July 2010. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, including scoring a goal against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. - Spent half this season at Rochdale but has since been sold to Hyde

ST: Craig Lindfield

After loan spells at Notts County (3 appearances, 1 goal), Chester City (7 appearances, no goals), Bournemouth (3 apperances, 1 goal), and Accrington Stanley (20 appearances, 2 goals), over a 2 year spell following the Youth Cup triumph, Lindfield signed for Macclesfield Town in 2010, having been released by the club in 2009. In between, he had trials with Carlisle United and Morecombe. After 18 appearances and 2 goals for Macclesfield, Lindfield joined Accrington Stanley in June 2010 on a one year contract. After suffering a knee injury, he was loaned out to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers for match fitness, but made just a 12 minute appearance before all Conference games were postponed due to bad weather. He returned to Accrington in December 2010; his contract runs out at the end of this season. - Still at Accrington


SUBS

GK: Josh Mimms

After leaving Liverpool, Mimms joined York City. However, he failed to make an impact on the first team, and now plays for Evo-Stik League side Retford United.

MF: Sean Highdale

After suffering a horrific car-crash in which two of his friends died, Highdale began the long road to recovery - at times it was thought he would never play again. He made his return in January 2010 against Wrexham in a friendly. He had a loan spell at Oldham Athletic. In January 2011, he was loaned to Newtown AFC of the Welsh Premier League to gain match fitness and experience.

MF: Ben Parsonage

New Zealander Ben Parsonage left Liverpool F.C. in 2008 and joined Caernarfon Town of the Welsh Alliance League. After 3 appearances, he joined the Liverpool County Football side Prescot Cables. He now plays for Hibiscus Coast A.F.C., a semi-professional club competing in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2 of New Zealand.

FW: Lee Woodward

Lee Woodward was released by the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, after a series of back injuries. There appears to be no information about him on the internet, so I can only assume he no longer players professionally, or semi-professionally for a club with a website.

DF: Steven Irwin

Steven Irwin is still with the club, although he has yet to make it into the first team. - Plays at some Finnish Premier League team
Red annotations are mine.

Now, that was a good team. Extremely good, IIRC. Only one, maybe two, still plays at a standard high enough for what Norwich would need to stay in the Premier League, and they would be Spearing and Adjarevic. Neither of them were even the best players in that team - Lindfield, Putterill and Flynn were all seen as the long term futures of the club.

Now I'm not saying that Norwich will be exactly the same, but the transition is not predictable at all.

Speaking of Norwich and Spearing, they always buy him from me on FIFA. Always. I think he'd be a good fit for them as well.

Well, at least the game's consistent with your transfers.

*cough*KarimBenzemaToNewcastle*cough*

[Slembana]

Sort of. Not really.

The gap between youth football and Prem level football is quite large. You have to be truly exceptional to make the jump, hence why there are so few players under the age of 22 getting regular games.

This has made me interested as to where all of the players from that Youth Cup winning side are, so a quick Google search brought up a list RAWK (one of the few times they have been helpful) compiled 2 years ago:

FIRST XI


GK: David Roberts

Having been released by Liverpool in Summer 2007, Roberts went on to play at Weymouth F.C., before moving to Aberystwyth Town F.C. in 2008. At Aberystwyth he failed to cement a starting place, and, after allegations of assault in Newcastle town centre, was sent on loan to Newtown A.F.C., also in the Welsh Premier League. He soon signed permanently for Newtown A.F.C, and is still playing in goal for them.

RB: Stephen Darby

Still on the Liverpool F.C. books, on loan until the end of the season to Notts County. Previously been on loan at Swindon in 2010. He featured occasionally for the first team in the 2009-10 campaign, notably against Fiorentina at Anfield, in a dead rubber game. We lost 2-1. - At Bradford and doing rather well

CB: Jay Spearing

Another still at Liverpool, Spearing has featured numerous times this season, include the Merseyside derby. In 2010 he went on loan to Leicester City, where he scored one goal. With a shortage in the centre of the park, Spearing has found himself playing more often in recent weeks.

CB: Michael Burns

Michael Burns played in both the 2006 and 2007 F.A. Youth Cup finals, but was released by the club in the summer of 2007. He was quickly signed by Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers, where he made regular appearances for their reserve side. In 2009 he transfered to Carlisle United, after an unsuccessful trial at Gillingham. He made one appearance for the League One outfit, before signing for Stafford Rangers on loan. Upon his return, he joined Newport County in January 2011, but was released after just a month at the club. He is currently unattached.

LB: Robbie Threlfall

His performances for the Liverpool Youth team earned him an U19 cap for England in 2007, and although still technically at the club up until 2010, during the 3 year period inbetween the final and then, he had loan spells at Hereford United, Stockport County, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, before signing for the latter permanently in 2010. Since then, he's made just 6 appearances for their first team. - Now at Morecambe

MF: Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett stayed at Liverpool for another season, joining Tranmere Rovers in the summer transfer window of 2008. He played 36 games for the Rovers, scoring 4 goals. In 2010 he transferred to Accrington Stanley, where he has thus far played 34 games, and scored 2 goals. - Accrington Stanley but it looks like his contract has just expired

MF: Jimmy Ryan

Jimmy left the club in August 2007, first for a loan, then permanently, to Shrewsbury Town. He made just 4 appearances, before transferring, in 2008, to Accrington Stanley. He's since been a regular fixture in midfield for Stanley, appearing 123 times, and scoring 19. - Scunthorpe

AMF: Astrit Ajdarevic

The Swedish attacking midfielder from SFR Yugoslavia left Liverpool on loan to Leicester City in 2009, before joining permanently at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. He didn't feature at all, and was loaned to Hereford United, where he played just once. He was then released by Leicester City, and joined Swedish top league (Allsvenskan) side Orebro SK. He played 13 times in the 2010 season, and when it ended, exercised his right to move club (due to some sort of contractual clause), joining Swedish side IFK Norrkoping. According to Wikipedia, he has yet to play a game for the Allsvenskan outfit. - Ended up playing 40 games for Norrkoping, now at Standard Liege

MF: Ryan Flynn

Flynn arrived from Falkirk in 2005. In 2008 he was loaned out to Wrexham, and then Falkirk again. He signed permanently for Falkirk in 2009, and played during their last season in the Scottish First Division. They were relegated at the end of the season. - Sheffield United

MF: Ray Putterill

Ray was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2008-09 season after a series of injuries and operations (namely: fractured spine, a hip reconstruction, damaged cartilage in his knee and a hernia operation), and he swiftly joined Liverpool County Premier League side Halewood Town. He played their for a season, before being snapped (no pun intended) up by Accrington Stanley in July 2010. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, including scoring a goal against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. - Spent half this season at Rochdale but has since been sold to Hyde

ST: Craig Lindfield

After loan spells at Notts County (3 appearances, 1 goal), Chester City (7 appearances, no goals), Bournemouth (3 apperances, 1 goal), and Accrington Stanley (20 appearances, 2 goals), over a 2 year spell following the Youth Cup triumph, Lindfield signed for Macclesfield Town in 2010, having been released by the club in 2009. In between, he had trials with Carlisle United and Morecombe. After 18 appearances and 2 goals for Macclesfield, Lindfield joined Accrington Stanley in June 2010 on a one year contract. After suffering a knee injury, he was loaned out to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers for match fitness, but made just a 12 minute appearance before all Conference games were postponed due to bad weather. He returned to Accrington in December 2010; his contract runs out at the end of this season. - Still at Accrington


SUBS

GK: Josh Mimms

After leaving Liverpool, Mimms joined York City. However, he failed to make an impact on the first team, and now plays for Evo-Stik League side Retford United.

MF: Sean Highdale

After suffering a horrific car-crash in which two of his friends died, Highdale began the long road to recovery - at times it was thought he would never play again. He made his return in January 2010 against Wrexham in a friendly. He had a loan spell at Oldham Athletic. In January 2011, he was loaned to Newtown AFC of the Welsh Premier League to gain match fitness and experience.

MF: Ben Parsonage

New Zealander Ben Parsonage left Liverpool F.C. in 2008 and joined Caernarfon Town of the Welsh Alliance League. After 3 appearances, he joined the Liverpool County Football side Prescot Cables. He now plays for Hibiscus Coast A.F.C., a semi-professional club competing in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2 of New Zealand.

FW: Lee Woodward

Lee Woodward was released by the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, after a series of back injuries. There appears to be no information about him on the internet, so I can only assume he no longer players professionally, or semi-professionally for a club with a website.

DF: Steven Irwin

Steven Irwin is still with the club, although he has yet to make it into the first team. - Plays at some Finnish Premier League team
Red annotations are mine.

Now, that was a good team. Extremely good, IIRC. Only one, maybe two, still plays at a standard high enough for what Norwich would need to stay in the Premier League, and they would be Spearing and Adjarevic. Neither of them were even the best players in that team - Lindfield, Putterill and Flynn were all seen as the long term futures of the club.

Now I'm not saying that Norwich will be exactly the same, but the transition is not predictable at all.

Speaking of Norwich and Spearing, they always buy him from me on FIFA. Always. I think he'd be a good fit for them as well.

Well, at least the game's consistent with your transfers.

*cough*KarimBenzemaToNewcastle*cough*

Sneijder kept on signing for City in mine.

[Serrland]

True, but it indicates their is some strength in their youth squad which is much more significant to a club like Norwich that can't go around bringing in multiple £10m players every transfer window.

Sort of. Not really.

The gap between youth football and Prem level football is quite large. You have to be truly exceptional to make the jump, hence why there are so few players under the age of 22 getting regular games.

This has made me interested as to where all of the players from that Youth Cup winning side are, so a quick Google search brought up a list RAWK (one of the few times they have been helpful) compiled 2 years ago:

FIRST XI


GK: David Roberts

Having been released by Liverpool in Summer 2007, Roberts went on to play at Weymouth F.C., before moving to Aberystwyth Town F.C. in 2008. At Aberystwyth he failed to cement a starting place, and, after allegations of assault in Newcastle town centre, was sent on loan to Newtown A.F.C., also in the Welsh Premier League. He soon signed permanently for Newtown A.F.C, and is still playing in goal for them.

RB: Stephen Darby

Still on the Liverpool F.C. books, on loan until the end of the season to Notts County. Previously been on loan at Swindon in 2010. He featured occasionally for the first team in the 2009-10 campaign, notably against Fiorentina at Anfield, in a dead rubber game. We lost 2-1. - At Bradford and doing rather well

CB: Jay Spearing

Another still at Liverpool, Spearing has featured numerous times this season, include the Merseyside derby. In 2010 he went on loan to Leicester City, where he scored one goal. With a shortage in the centre of the park, Spearing has found himself playing more often in recent weeks.

CB: Michael Burns

Michael Burns played in both the 2006 and 2007 F.A. Youth Cup finals, but was released by the club in the summer of 2007. He was quickly signed by Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers, where he made regular appearances for their reserve side. In 2009 he transfered to Carlisle United, after an unsuccessful trial at Gillingham. He made one appearance for the League One outfit, before signing for Stafford Rangers on loan. Upon his return, he joined Newport County in January 2011, but was released after just a month at the club. He is currently unattached.

LB: Robbie Threlfall

His performances for the Liverpool Youth team earned him an U19 cap for England in 2007, and although still technically at the club up until 2010, during the 3 year period inbetween the final and then, he had loan spells at Hereford United, Stockport County, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, before signing for the latter permanently in 2010. Since then, he's made just 6 appearances for their first team. - Now at Morecambe

MF: Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett stayed at Liverpool for another season, joining Tranmere Rovers in the summer transfer window of 2008. He played 36 games for the Rovers, scoring 4 goals. In 2010 he transferred to Accrington Stanley, where he has thus far played 34 games, and scored 2 goals. - Accrington Stanley but it looks like his contract has just expired

MF: Jimmy Ryan

Jimmy left the club in August 2007, first for a loan, then permanently, to Shrewsbury Town. He made just 4 appearances, before transferring, in 2008, to Accrington Stanley. He's since been a regular fixture in midfield for Stanley, appearing 123 times, and scoring 19. - Scunthorpe

AMF: Astrit Ajdarevic

The Swedish attacking midfielder from SFR Yugoslavia left Liverpool on loan to Leicester City in 2009, before joining permanently at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. He didn't feature at all, and was loaned to Hereford United, where he played just once. He was then released by Leicester City, and joined Swedish top league (Allsvenskan) side Orebro SK. He played 13 times in the 2010 season, and when it ended, exercised his right to move club (due to some sort of contractual clause), joining Swedish side IFK Norrkoping. According to Wikipedia, he has yet to play a game for the Allsvenskan outfit. - Ended up playing 40 games for Norrkoping, now at Standard Liege

MF: Ryan Flynn

Flynn arrived from Falkirk in 2005. In 2008 he was loaned out to Wrexham, and then Falkirk again. He signed permanently for Falkirk in 2009, and played during their last season in the Scottish First Division. They were relegated at the end of the season. - Sheffield United

MF: Ray Putterill

Ray was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2008-09 season after a series of injuries and operations (namely: fractured spine, a hip reconstruction, damaged cartilage in his knee and a hernia operation), and he swiftly joined Liverpool County Premier League side Halewood Town. He played their for a season, before being snapped (no pun intended) up by Accrington Stanley in July 2010. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, including scoring a goal against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. - Spent half this season at Rochdale but has since been sold to Hyde

ST: Craig Lindfield

After loan spells at Notts County (3 appearances, 1 goal), Chester City (7 appearances, no goals), Bournemouth (3 apperances, 1 goal), and Accrington Stanley (20 appearances, 2 goals), over a 2 year spell following the Youth Cup triumph, Lindfield signed for Macclesfield Town in 2010, having been released by the club in 2009. In between, he had trials with Carlisle United and Morecombe. After 18 appearances and 2 goals for Macclesfield, Lindfield joined Accrington Stanley in June 2010 on a one year contract. After suffering a knee injury, he was loaned out to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers for match fitness, but made just a 12 minute appearance before all Conference games were postponed due to bad weather. He returned to Accrington in December 2010; his contract runs out at the end of this season. - Still at Accrington


SUBS

GK: Josh Mimms

After leaving Liverpool, Mimms joined York City. However, he failed to make an impact on the first team, and now plays for Evo-Stik League side Retford United.

MF: Sean Highdale

After suffering a horrific car-crash in which two of his friends died, Highdale began the long road to recovery - at times it was thought he would never play again. He made his return in January 2010 against Wrexham in a friendly. He had a loan spell at Oldham Athletic. In January 2011, he was loaned to Newtown AFC of the Welsh Premier League to gain match fitness and experience.

MF: Ben Parsonage

New Zealander Ben Parsonage left Liverpool F.C. in 2008 and joined Caernarfon Town of the Welsh Alliance League. After 3 appearances, he joined the Liverpool County Football side Prescot Cables. He now plays for Hibiscus Coast A.F.C., a semi-professional club competing in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2 of New Zealand.

FW: Lee Woodward

Lee Woodward was released by the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, after a series of back injuries. There appears to be no information about him on the internet, so I can only assume he no longer players professionally, or semi-professionally for a club with a website.

DF: Steven Irwin

Steven Irwin is still with the club, although he has yet to make it into the first team. - Plays at some Finnish Premier League team
Red annotations are mine.

Now, that was a good team. Extremely good, IIRC. Only one, maybe two, still plays at a standard high enough for what Norwich would need to stay in the Premier League, and they would be Spearing and Adjarevic. Neither of them were even the best players in that team - Lindfield, Putterill and Flynn were all seen as the long term futures of the club.

Now I'm not saying that Norwich will be exactly the same, but the transition is not predictable at all.

Speaking of Norwich and Spearing, they always buy him from me on FIFA. Always. I think he'd be a good fit for them as well.

Curiously enough, my scouts keep recommending that I sign Ajdarević on my FM game. He plays for Bournemouth in 2016.

[Britcan]

Well, at least the game's consistent with your transfers.

*cough*KarimBenzemaToNewcastle*cough*

Sneijder kept on signing for City in mine.

The one I always got was Javier Mascherano going to United, Kurt Zouma and Luke Shaw usually ended up at my club.

[DesAnges]

Sort of. Not really.

The gap between youth football and Prem level football is quite large. You have to be truly exceptional to make the jump, hence why there are so few players under the age of 22 getting regular games.

This has made me interested as to where all of the players from that Youth Cup winning side are, so a quick Google search brought up a list RAWK (one of the few times they have been helpful) compiled 2 years ago:

FIRST XI


GK: David Roberts

Having been released by Liverpool in Summer 2007, Roberts went on to play at Weymouth F.C., before moving to Aberystwyth Town F.C. in 2008. At Aberystwyth he failed to cement a starting place, and, after allegations of assault in Newcastle town centre, was sent on loan to Newtown A.F.C., also in the Welsh Premier League. He soon signed permanently for Newtown A.F.C, and is still playing in goal for them.

RB: Stephen Darby

Still on the Liverpool F.C. books, on loan until the end of the season to Notts County. Previously been on loan at Swindon in 2010. He featured occasionally for the first team in the 2009-10 campaign, notably against Fiorentina at Anfield, in a dead rubber game. We lost 2-1. - At Bradford and doing rather well

CB: Jay Spearing

Another still at Liverpool, Spearing has featured numerous times this season, include the Merseyside derby. In 2010 he went on loan to Leicester City, where he scored one goal. With a shortage in the centre of the park, Spearing has found himself playing more often in recent weeks.

CB: Michael Burns

Michael Burns played in both the 2006 and 2007 F.A. Youth Cup finals, but was released by the club in the summer of 2007. He was quickly signed by Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers, where he made regular appearances for their reserve side. In 2009 he transfered to Carlisle United, after an unsuccessful trial at Gillingham. He made one appearance for the League One outfit, before signing for Stafford Rangers on loan. Upon his return, he joined Newport County in January 2011, but was released after just a month at the club. He is currently unattached.

LB: Robbie Threlfall

His performances for the Liverpool Youth team earned him an U19 cap for England in 2007, and although still technically at the club up until 2010, during the 3 year period inbetween the final and then, he had loan spells at Hereford United, Stockport County, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, before signing for the latter permanently in 2010. Since then, he's made just 6 appearances for their first team. - Now at Morecambe

MF: Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett stayed at Liverpool for another season, joining Tranmere Rovers in the summer transfer window of 2008. He played 36 games for the Rovers, scoring 4 goals. In 2010 he transferred to Accrington Stanley, where he has thus far played 34 games, and scored 2 goals. - Accrington Stanley but it looks like his contract has just expired

MF: Jimmy Ryan

Jimmy left the club in August 2007, first for a loan, then permanently, to Shrewsbury Town. He made just 4 appearances, before transferring, in 2008, to Accrington Stanley. He's since been a regular fixture in midfield for Stanley, appearing 123 times, and scoring 19. - Scunthorpe

AMF: Astrit Ajdarevic

The Swedish attacking midfielder from SFR Yugoslavia left Liverpool on loan to Leicester City in 2009, before joining permanently at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. He didn't feature at all, and was loaned to Hereford United, where he played just once. He was then released by Leicester City, and joined Swedish top league (Allsvenskan) side Orebro SK. He played 13 times in the 2010 season, and when it ended, exercised his right to move club (due to some sort of contractual clause), joining Swedish side IFK Norrkoping. According to Wikipedia, he has yet to play a game for the Allsvenskan outfit. - Ended up playing 40 games for Norrkoping, now at Standard Liege

MF: Ryan Flynn

Flynn arrived from Falkirk in 2005. In 2008 he was loaned out to Wrexham, and then Falkirk again. He signed permanently for Falkirk in 2009, and played during their last season in the Scottish First Division. They were relegated at the end of the season. - Sheffield United

MF: Ray Putterill

Ray was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2008-09 season after a series of injuries and operations (namely: fractured spine, a hip reconstruction, damaged cartilage in his knee and a hernia operation), and he swiftly joined Liverpool County Premier League side Halewood Town. He played their for a season, before being snapped (no pun intended) up by Accrington Stanley in July 2010. He has so far made 23 appearances for the club, including scoring a goal against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. - Spent half this season at Rochdale but has since been sold to Hyde

ST: Craig Lindfield

After loan spells at Notts County (3 appearances, 1 goal), Chester City (7 appearances, no goals), Bournemouth (3 apperances, 1 goal), and Accrington Stanley (20 appearances, 2 goals), over a 2 year spell following the Youth Cup triumph, Lindfield signed for Macclesfield Town in 2010, having been released by the club in 2009. In between, he had trials with Carlisle United and Morecombe. After 18 appearances and 2 goals for Macclesfield, Lindfield joined Accrington Stanley in June 2010 on a one year contract. After suffering a knee injury, he was loaned out to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers for match fitness, but made just a 12 minute appearance before all Conference games were postponed due to bad weather. He returned to Accrington in December 2010; his contract runs out at the end of this season. - Still at Accrington


SUBS

GK: Josh Mimms

After leaving Liverpool, Mimms joined York City. However, he failed to make an impact on the first team, and now plays for Evo-Stik League side Retford United.

MF: Sean Highdale

After suffering a horrific car-crash in which two of his friends died, Highdale began the long road to recovery - at times it was thought he would never play again. He made his return in January 2010 against Wrexham in a friendly. He had a loan spell at Oldham Athletic. In January 2011, he was loaned to Newtown AFC of the Welsh Premier League to gain match fitness and experience.

MF: Ben Parsonage

New Zealander Ben Parsonage left Liverpool F.C. in 2008 and joined Caernarfon Town of the Welsh Alliance League. After 3 appearances, he joined the Liverpool County Football side Prescot Cables. He now plays for Hibiscus Coast A.F.C., a semi-professional club competing in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2 of New Zealand.

FW: Lee Woodward

Lee Woodward was released by the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, after a series of back injuries. There appears to be no information about him on the internet, so I can only assume he no longer players professionally, or semi-professionally for a club with a website.

DF: Steven Irwin

Steven Irwin is still with the club, although he has yet to make it into the first team. - Plays at some Finnish Premier League team
Red annotations are mine.

Now, that was a good team. Extremely good, IIRC. Only one, maybe two, still plays at a standard high enough for what Norwich would need to stay in the Premier League, and they would be Spearing and Adjarevic. Neither of them were even the best players in that team - Lindfield, Putterill and Flynn were all seen as the long term futures of the club.

Now I'm not saying that Norwich will be exactly the same, but the transition is not predictable at all.

Speaking of Norwich and Spearing, they always buy him from me on FIFA. Always. I think he'd be a good fit for them as well.

Curiously enough, my scouts keep recommending that I sign Ajdarević on my FM game. He plays for Bournemouth in 2016.

He kicked on the season after this, and I was quite surprised when we just let him go. Considering where he spent the next 4 years or so, maybe it was a wise decision. I am glad his career is recovering though.

The one youth departure I am really pissed off about is Alex Kacanaklic. Fucking Hodgson. Why would the Alien be worth £3.5M, Kaca and Dalle Valle?

[Liventia]

Well done Norwich City, 4–2 winners of the 2013 FA Youth Cup on aggregate.

[Liventia]

Manchester City have sacked Roberto Mancini.

It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager.

This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take interim responsibility for the remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States.

[DesAnges]

Manchester City have sacked Roberto Mancini.

It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager.

This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take interim responsibility for the remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States.

Could they not let him last out the season? Seems a bit crass.

[Ardboe Eire]

Manchester City have sacked Roberto Mancini.

It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager.
The
This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take interim responsibility for the remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States.

Could they not let him last out the season? Seems a bit crass.

Sure they did the same thing to Sparky(Mark Hughes)

[DesAnges]

Could they not let him last out the season? Seems a bit crass.

Sure they did the same thing to Sparky(Mark Hughes)

I thought Hughes was mid-season.