Academy To Close? (Mathie says no)

[Dashing Bob S]

Apparently Jim Goodwin just said at the St Mirren AGM on zoom tonight that Hibs are closing the academy at East Mains and laying off a lot of young players. The guy who told me is reliable but if it is the case I’m astonished Goodwin has heard this.

[hibbyfraelibby]

P!$# of the first order.

[Dashing Bob S]

P!$# of the first order.

I kind of thought so too. But it was definitely mentioned at the meeting, apparently 2-3 times by JG. Very strange.

[hibbyfraelibby]

I kind of thought so too. But it was definitely mentioned at the meeting, apparently 2-3 times by JG. Very strange.
Maybe he means we aren't in for any of his players this window as we pretty much use St. Mirren as an extension of our academy :wink:

[Pretty Boy]

I've no idea if what Goodwin says is true.

It does seem highly probable that Hibs will be looking at further ways to cut costs in the coming months though. We are going to go a whole season without a single walk up fan, the PPV income won't touch the sides of that shortfall. The people at the club are also far from stupid. The ST campaign would normally be launching in the next 6-8 weeks and they will know sales will be down at least until people have some clarity on whether they will be seeing any live football next season. Like any business Hibs will be seeing that as customers personal finances take a hit so does their ability to spend money or make quick financial decisions.

Hibs focus will be on the 1st team. That is what drives income for the club, both from fans and from commercial partnerships. The sad fact of the matter is almost nothing else is sacred.

[Since452]

Probably thinks they'll have a better chance against St Johnstone than Hibs in the final. Stirring the pot.

[Smartie]

St Mirren ARE our academy.

[Jones28]

If, and it’s a very big if, it’s surely a mothballing situation until things stabilise again?

[Viva_Palmeiras]

If true I think it’s sad that (unless those already aware of the situation have been told) folks may find out through a rival teams manager chatting on an AGM Zoom call. Just how should he know about our affairs (unless of course he’s been approached by representatives perhaps?)

[bingo70]

Won’t be popular but I think it makes sense to shut it down.

In every youth team the chances of anyone making the breakthrough are so slim, this can mean keeping 8 or 9 players on so the 2 or 3 we think can make it have team mates to play with. On top of that the landscape of youth football has changed and if we do bring through a particularly special player the bigger clubs can just take them for a relatively small amount of money.

I would do away with the academy and look to pick up good 17 and 18 year olds released by the biggest clubs.

I think that’s what Brentford did and to me it makes complete sense.

[04Sauzee]

Nothing on the St Mirren AGM thread yet

https://www.blackandwhitearmy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/51145-st-mirren-fc-ltd-agm-2020/page/3/#comments

[EI255]

Let's be honest, our academy has hardly been a rip roaring success. Might be a good time to rethink everything and perhaps remodel our youth system, if what has been said is true.

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[04Sauzee]

Won’t be popular but I think it makes sense to shut it down.

In every youth team the chances of anyone making the breakthrough are so slim, this can mean keeping 8 or 9 players on so the 2 or 3 we think can make it have team mates to play with. On top of that the landscape of youth football has changed and if we do bring through a particularly special player the bigger clubs can just take them for a relatively small amount of money.

I would do away with the academy and look to pick up good 17 and 18 year olds released by the biggest clubs.

I think that’s what Brentford did and to me it makes complete sense.

This is Brentfords model

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/05/brentford-ditched-their-academy-premier-league-outcasts

[bingo70]

This is Brentfords model

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/05/brentford-ditched-their-academy-premier-league-outcasts

To be honest I’m too lazy to read that but I remember watching a decent documentary about it on BT Sport.

The guy from Brentford spoke a lot of sense on it.

[MikeyS]

Load of sh*te I reckon. He will be having a sly dig at Hibs and Jack Ross for taking a few of his players and staff.

[WhileTheChief..]

Won’t be popular but I think it makes sense to shut it down.

In every youth team the chances of anyone making the breakthrough are so slim, this can mean keeping 8 or 9 players on so the 2 or 3 we think can make it have team mates to play with. On top of that the landscape of youth football has changed and if we do bring through a particularly special player the bigger clubs can just take them for a relatively small amount of money.

I would do away with the academy and look to pick up good 17 and 18 year olds released by the biggest clubs.

I think that’s what Brentford did and to me it makes complete sense.

Completely agree with this.

I’ve said before that the youth academy is in the main a waste of money.

I’d rather we went round poaching the best youngsters from other clubs like we did with John McGinn and more recently Nisbet and Magennis.

Could be Ron’s way of thinking too?

[bingo70]

Load of sh*te I reckon. He will be having a sly dig at Hibs and Jack Ross for taking a few of his players and staff.

He’s maybe just taking what was in the red tops at the start of lockdown as gospel?

[Brightside]

Need to be careful what people think is the academy. The senior academy is pretty much shut anyway. Players go out on loan. There hasn’t been any games for kids for ages. They are all “home training”. The community angle will keep going as it brings in plenty money. Not sure if longer term there is much point running the boys “pro youth” academy.

Personally youths are better sticking to youth clubs then making the move at 16. At that point Hibs can put those players out to our linked lower league clubs.

[J-C]

We did it at the last lockdown but re opened it when things stabilised, I'd assume due to the academy not being deemed elite athletes it'll be closed until we come out of tier 4.

[Smartie]

Completely agree with this.

I’ve said before that the youth academy is in the main a waste of money.

I’d rather we went round poaching the best youngsters from other clubs like we did with John McGinn and more recently Nisbet and Magennis.

Could be Ron’s way of thinking too?

It's easy to become wedded to an idea so much that you can't see past it.

Maybe Ron has come in and asked the pertinent questions - "we spend how much...and it raises how much back, exactly?", and the answer was one that led us in this direction?

Ron didn't stand at Easter Road in the early 90s though. We've managed to build the infrastructure we have by bringing through players and selling them for profit since then.

It works for some clubs, not for others. And whilst we might not have sold anyone for big bucks recently, we've got a good few first team games out of Hanlon and Stevenson, who we might have paid a few transfer fees for over the years had we not had those players.

[Brightside]

We did it at the last lockdown but re opened it when things stabilised, I'd assume due to the academy not being deemed elite athletes it'll be closed until we come out of tier 4.

It’s been closed for ages tbf. Open for a few weeks then locked down again. Same as every other club.

[bingo70]

https://twitter.com/gmathie82/status/1352348357369483264?s=21

Graham Mathie tweeting about the Academy an hour ago. If news was imminent about it closing I doubt he’d be talking about rolling out some initiative in the future.

[Pretty Boy]

It's easy to become wedded to an idea so much that you can't see past it.

Maybe Ron has come in and asked the pertinent questions - "we spend how much...and it raises how much back, exactly?", and the answer was one that led us in this direction?

Ron didn't stand at Easter Road in the early 90s though. We've managed to build the infrastructure we have by bringing through players and selling them for profit since then.

It works for some clubs, not for others. And whilst we might not have sold anyone for big bucks recently, we've got a good few first team games out of Hanlon and Stevenson, who we might have paid a few transfer fees for over the years had we not had those players.

One of the things I always think you have to consider about an academy or youth system, particularly at the older age groups, is you are essentially carrying a sqaud of 16-18 players to facilitate the 2 or 3 who have a realistic chance of making it.

Hibs know by the age of 16 or 17 who is likely to make it here. You'll get the odd late developer but for the most part the club have an idea. It's just common sense that every player at every age group isn't realistically going to be a 1st team player, that would require us to ship out an entire 1st team squad every other season.

I'm not proposing we rip up the entire system but I think it's healthy to revisit the way things are done regularly and not just stick with something because 'that's how we have always done it' or 'that's how everyone else does it too'. Is there merit in only progressing 6 or 7 high quality players above under 17 level and using the link up with Stenhousemuir to develop them rather than running a development side? Is there merit in leaving boys with the juvenile sides longer but working with them to ensure they undertake the strength and conditioning work that can sometimes be lacking when you take a player late? Is there merit in following the Brentford model?

The current situation is probably as good a chance as any to sit down and really decide if what we are currently doing is both working and value for money. If it is then great, if not then change it.

[WhileTheChief..]

It's easy to become wedded to an idea so much that you can't see past it.

Maybe Ron has come in and asked the pertinent questions - "we spend how much...and it raises how much back, exactly?", and the answer was one that led us in this direction?

Ron didn't stand at Easter Road in the early 90s though. We've managed to build the infrastructure we have by bringing through players and selling them for profit since then.

It works for some clubs, not for others. And whilst we might not have sold anyone for big bucks recently, we've got a good few first team games out of Hanlon and Stevenson, who we might have paid a few transfer fees for over the years had we not had those players.

I don’t disagree with any of that.

We will of had hundreds of lads through the academy over the years and a only handful will have contributed to us in a meaningful way though.

Most we will never have heard of, some will make a go of it at lower league clubs and the majority will be out of the game by the time they’re out of their teens I’d imagine.

Not knocking the club here btw, it’s the way with most clubs probably.

I just think it’s maybe worth taking a different approach and maybe focus on those from ages 17/18 up only.

There will be people that work in youth football that know more about it than me but worth a thought at least?

[04Sauzee]

https://twitter.com/gmathie82/status/1352348357369483264?s=21

Graham Mathie tweeting about the Academy an hour ago. If news was imminent about it closing I doubt he’d be talking about rolling out some initiative in the future.

Graham Mathie also responded to a tweet asking about the closure of the academy and tweeted the following...

Q.
Graeme.. allegedly Jim Goodwin has made comments tonight about Hibs closing the academy. A simple yes or no to put our minds at ease.. thanks.


A.
Haven’t seen any comments but no, that’s not accurate. 👍

[BILLYHIBS]

I’m a wee bit behind the times

Have the kit guy and his Mrs gone ?

[JimBHibees]

Seems utterly bizarre Goodwin would make this statement especially if proven to be wrong

[green day]

Perhaps on the basis that Mathie has confirmed its not true the thread should be binned now?

[Dashing Bob S]

Perhaps on the basis that Mathie has confirmed its not true the thread should be binned now?

I would agree. It seems unsubstantiated.

[KeithTheHibby]

Seems utterly bizarre Goodwin would make this statement especially if proven to be wrong

Seems more tongue in cheek than anything else.

[Magpie]

St Mirren ARE our academy.

😂

[Frazerbob]

It would’ve been a merry jape as we sign a few of their players (instead of rearing our own). Shan patter.

[Since452]

His players were desperate to come to Hibs so he should maybe ask questions of his own club before mentioning us

[hibee-boys]

Would we even notice🤷🏼

[Jim44]

Is it not unprofessional of Goodwin to reference the business of another club at his own club’s AGM? I hated him as a player, but was warming to him as a manager ........ back to the drawing board. :cb

[badabing67]

Does any of this have something to do with that partnership that was announced. Is our development side now called Stenhousemuir ?

[dp00]

Sure I read Celtic had furloughed there u18s so could be similar


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[JimBHibees]

Is it not unprofessional of Goodwin to reference the business of another club at his own club’s AGM? I hated him as a player, but was warming to him as a manager ........ back to the drawing board. :cb

Hugely unprofessional maybe trying to put us off for the semi final. :greengrin

[The dalmeny]

Sure I read Celtic had furloughed there u18s so could be similar


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celtic have

[The dalmeny]

I would do away with the academy and look to pick up good 17 and 18 year olds released by the biggest clubs.
.

if you’re happy to be second best

[green day]

Graham Mathie also responded to a tweet asking about the closure of the academy and tweeted the following...

Q.
Graeme.. allegedly Jim Goodwin has made comments tonight about Hibs closing the academy. A simple yes or no to put our minds at ease.. thanks.


A.
Haven’t seen any comments but no, that’s not accurate. 👍

For those who havent read the whole thread, this was Mathies response - so knickers can be untwisted.

As I said yesterday, perhaps the thread should be removed by the OP (before it appears as "fact" in the daily record)?

[Keith_M]

So much chat over an unsubstantiated rumour.

[Onceinawhile]

Let's be honest, our academy has hardly been a rip roaring success. Might be a good time to rethink everything and perhaps remodel our youth system, if what has been said is true.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

3 of our current back 4 came through our academy.

[Jones28]

3 of our current back 4 came through our academy.

:agree:

Plus feel like we are seeing youngsters being given more and more chances, though I do wish Ross would be a bit braver with getting them in the team.

[Brightside]

I think the idea of the academy is still worthy of discussion. I've never believed in very young kids being put into a Pro Youth system. I think there is an opportunity to review how it is setup. I'm sure it will be on Rons agenda at some point.

[nonshinyfinish]

For those who havent read the whole thread, this was Mathies response - so knickers can be untwisted.

As I said yesterday, perhaps the thread should be removed by the OP (before it appears as "fact" in the daily record)?

I think a thread addressing the question and including the definitive response from GM is better than a deleted thread with only the title remaining – that would just cause more confusion, allegations of censorship etc.

[bod]

Graham Mathie also responded to a tweet asking about the closure of the academy and tweeted the following...

Q.
Graeme.. allegedly Jim Goodwin has made comments tonight about Hibs closing the academy. A simple yes or no to put our minds at ease.. thanks.


A.
Haven’t seen any comments but no, that’s not accurate. 👍

I wonder how accurate JG was.
Something must be happening for him to mention it.

[Keith_M]

I think a thread addressing the question and including the definitive response from GM is better than a deleted thread with only the title remaining – that would just cause more confusion, allegations of censorship etc.


Perhaps the thread title could be changed to 'Some prick at St Mirren falsely claims Academy is to close'

[J-C]

I’m a wee bit behind the times

Have the kit guy and his Mrs gone ?


Tam's wife has left and Tam is on a p/t contract, my mates good friends with him and told me a few weeks back.

[blackpoolhibs]

I don't know about now, but St Johnstone only concentrated on their 1st team squad a few years ago if my memory is right.

They had no academy and to be fair, with the crowds they were getting, who could blame them?

I've said it before, most EPL clubs only have academy's as a box ticking exercise. There are grants they receive that fund them, but mainly for the money spent, they lose money in the long run.

Obviously there is the odd exception, but it's the lower league clubs that benefit more often than not, by picking up those players that don't make it at that level.

I'm on the fence with academy's, i can see why, but i'm not 100% sure they are worth the time, effort and expense?

[green day]

Seen some stuff on the B&W army sit on this - https://www.blackandwhitearmy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/51145-st-mirren-fc-ltd-agm-2020/page/3/&tab=comments#comment-1763252

Relevant para is this -

"2. Academy Update - some players have left as club felt they would not make first team. Club always looks to provide a pathway for those who leave. Academy games restricted due to COVID, but unlike some clubs (Hibs) St Mirren have kept the Academy going throughout the pandemic. Club have put some players out on load to gain experience, but there is limited football being played. High hopes for a number of players including Lewis Jamieson (Striker), Kieran Offord (Striker) and Dylan Reid. It is hoped that Dylan when he turns 16 this season will make his 1st team debut if all goes well"


eta - that was an excerpt of Goodwin doing an update on the playing side.

[04Sauzee]

Seen some stuff on the B&W army sit on this - https://www.blackandwhitearmy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/51145-st-mirren-fc-ltd-agm-2020/page/3/&tab=comments#comment-1763252

Relevant para is this -

"2. Academy Update - some players have left as club felt they would not make first team. Club always looks to provide a pathway for those who leave. Academy games restricted due to COVID, but unlike some clubs (Hibs) St Mirren have kept the Academy going throughout the pandemic. Club have put some players out on load to gain experience, but there is limited football being played. High hopes for a number of players including Lewis Jamieson (Striker), Kieran Offord (Striker) and Dylan Reid. It is hoped that Dylan when he turns 16 this season will make his 1st team debut if all goes well"


eta - that was an excerpt of Goodwin doing an update on the playing side.

Seems that's the quote

Interesting they made a bid for Kevin Nisbet.
Also someone asked about filling in tje corners of the stand 😁

[happiehibbie]

IMO, Pro elite youth has actually worked against the younger footballer. Training with Hibs or any other pro football team at 8 years old only gives out false hopes and parents bragging rights.

get the kids into school football let them play Boys club level basically two games a day, remember when you played for the School in the morning and your boys club in the afternoon and as a protest on a Sunday.

LET THEM PLAY!

[neil7908]

This is Brentfords model

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/05/brentford-ditched-their-academy-premier-league-outcasts

Are Brentford the model for success? I know they are probably punching above their weight but when was the last time they were in the top league in England? Just doesn't seem to me that they have been successful enough to hold up as an exemplar for us.

[04Sauzee]

Are Brentford the model for success? I know they are probably punching above their weight but when was the last time they were in the top league in England? Just doesn't seem to me that they have been successful enough to hold up as an exemplar for us.
Not sure what success is for Brentford?
Not sure if they are better or worse of than before?
Did they have debt previously?
They have built a cracking new stadium.

Just posting a link not sure how its working for them

[Brizo]

I don’t disagree with any of that.

We will of had hundreds of lads through the academy over the years and a only handful will have contributed to us in a meaningful way though.

Most we will never have heard of, some will make a go of it at lower league clubs and the majority will be out of the game by the time they’re out of their teens I’d imagine.

Not knocking the club here btw, it’s the way with most clubs probably.

I just think it’s maybe worth taking a different approach and maybe focus on those from ages 17/18 up only.

There will be people that work in youth football that know more about it than me but worth a thought at least?

Tbh I think this is a pretty accurate assessment of the whole Academy model and not just at Hibs.

If RG was looking at the current Academy set up and was looking at returns in terms of players making the first team then it's definitely a part of the club that's worth looking at in terms of what we are getting from it.

When RG first came in and made his infamous "pony up" comment it was in respect of us contributing to the building of more facilities at EM. That quickly went off the agenda so ,while I wouldn't take what JG has said as fact , if we are looking at the Academys function at a time of decimated income streams that makes sense to me.

[lord bunberry]

To be honest I’m too lazy to read that but I remember watching a decent documentary about it on BT Sport.

The guy from Brentford spoke a lot of sense on it.
The problem with doing that is if all the other clubs adopt the same policy there won’t be enough players to go around. It’s not a viable long term strategy and I’d imagine that if Brentford got into the premiership and stayed there they would rethink that model and bring back their academy. In our market we’re already in the premiership so can’t rely on leeching players from the league above us. The fact is in our country we are one of the big clubs and along with the other big clubs we need to have an academy or the whole system starts to fall apart.

[Pretty Boy]

IMO, Pro elite youth has actually worked against the younger footballer. Training with Hibs or any other pro football team at 8 years old only gives out false hopes and parents bragging rights.

get the kids into school football let them play Boys club level basically two games a day, remember when you played for the School in the morning and your boys club in the afternoon and as a protest on a Sunday.

LET THEM PLAY!

How do Hibs, and other clubs, go about bringing guys in at 7/8 years old? Is it lads who have been scouted or can they just be taken along?

I've seen a few pictures on social media of kids who look about Primary 2 or 3 age signing forms in front of the press conference board and holding up the strip and stuff and it just strikes me as wrong. No doubt the kids will get a kick out of it but I find it very uncomfortable. This isn't kids playing at an open day, this is young kids 'signing for Hibs' and the sad fact is the vast majority will be back out the door by the time they reach 14 or 15, potentially regarding themselves as failed footballers.

[Frazerbob]

So much chat over an unsubstantiated rumour.

So much chat over what was clearly a joke.

[Pretty Boy]

So much chat over what was clearly a joke.

It's been quite an interesting discussion though so I'm not sure it really matters how it came about.

[Pretty Boy]

I was searching for an article I read with Tom Taiwo, from a good while ago, that tore into the academy system. I can't find the whole thing but a small snippet below:

'At 16 I was rated as a very good prospect; now I’m at Carlisle. You see boys who weren’t rated at 16 who at 23 are playing for England. Chris Smalling, he was playing non-league. Now he’s a top player with Manchester United and England. It makes a mockery of the academy system, shows it is not the be-all and end-all. Boys like myself have been right through the system and now I’m nowhere near his standard. That’s the worry.”

That reads as pretty damming. However a quick look on Google shows that Tom Taiwo now works as a scout for......... The Chelsea Academy. I'm not sure it proves much beyond man needs job. However it does suggests he doesn't find the system completely morally objectionable.

[Brightside]

How do Hibs, and other clubs, go about bringing guys in at 7/8 years old? Is it lads who have been scouted or can they just be taken along?

I've seen a few pictures on social media of kids who look about Primary 2 or 3 age signing forms in front of the press conference board and holding up the strip and stuff and it just strikes me as wrong. No doubt the kids will get a kick out of it but I find it very uncomfortable. This isn't kids playing at an open day, this is young kids 'signing for Hibs' and the sad fact is the vast majority will be back out the door by the time they reach 14 or 15, potentially regarding themselves as failed footballers.

Scouted. I used to be involved with a cracking bunch of 05/06 born kids. One of the best groups in Scotland at the time. AT 9/10 years old Hibs and Hearts came along and signed the majority of the squad. Even before they were playing 11 a side. Young kids who had the chance to create memories, win cups at youth level, all that goes out the window when Pro Clubs come calling. Parents blinded by the idea of their kids going to play for Hibs etc. Its utterly pointless. Leave them were they are and build links with youth clubs so they have first dibs when the kids are 15/16. I've never heard one good argument for young kids going to Pro Youth.

[Onceinawhile]

How do Hibs, and other clubs, go about bringing guys in at 7/8 years old? Is it lads who have been scouted or can they just be taken along?

I've seen a few pictures on social media of kids who look about Primary 2 or 3 age signing forms in front of the press conference board and holding up the strip and stuff and it just strikes me as wrong. No doubt the kids will get a kick out of it but I find it very uncomfortable. This isn't kids playing at an open day, this is young kids 'signing for Hibs' and the sad fact is the vast majority will be back out the door by the time they reach 14 or 15, potentially regarding themselves as failed footballers.

There's certainly scouts at the 7 a side games my son plays. I think we had a player picked up when we were still playing 5s, so about primary 3 or so. That was hearts. Released a year later absolutely gutted.

[Brightside]

I was searching for an article I read with Tom Taiwo, from a good while ago, that tore into the academy system. I can't find the whole thing but a small snippet below:

'At 16 I was rated as a very good prospect; now I’m at Carlisle. You see boys who weren’t rated at 16 who at 23 are playing for England. Chris Smalling, he was playing non-league. Now he’s a top player with Manchester United and England. It makes a mockery of the academy system, shows it is not the be-all and end-all. Boys like myself have been right through the system and now I’m nowhere near his standard. That’s the worry.”

That reads as pretty damming. However a quick look on Google shows that Tom Taiwo now works as a scout for......... The Chelsea Academy. I'm not sure it proves much beyond man needs job. However it does suggests he doesn't find the system completely morally objectionable.

He still lives in Porty so he must be a regional scout for them.

[Pretty Boy]

He still lives in Porty so he must be a regional scout for them.

Scotland and the North East according to LinkedIn.

[Jones28]

Scouted. I used to be involved with a cracking bunch of 05/06 born kids. One of the best groups in Scotland at the time. AT 9/10 years old Hibs and Hearts came along and signed the majority of the squad. Even before they were playing 11 a side. Young kids who had the chance to create memories, win cups at youth level, all that goes out the window when Pro Clubs come calling. Parents blinded by the idea of their kids going to play for Hibs etc. Its utterly pointless. Leave them were they are and build links with youth clubs so they have first dibs when the kids are 15/16. I've never heard one good argument for young kids going to Pro Youth.

Thats the crux of it for me, instead of getting kids in at 7/8 get them in at 11/12, when they're more experienced. Whats the point of a club like Hibs teaching young kids the basics of the game, then developing them in to 11 aside players when there are dozens of smaller clubs who can do that for them?

My wife used to do a bit of physio for the same group as Josh O'Connor came from and they were a joy to watch - but I think Josh is the only player to have made the grade. It would suggest to me that if the yield is one player from a group of 15/16 then we are wasting money on it.

[J-C]

How do Hibs, and other clubs, go about bringing guys in at 7/8 years old? Is it lads who have been scouted or can they just be taken along?

I've seen a few pictures on social media of kids who look about Primary 2 or 3 age signing forms in front of the press conference board and holding up the strip and stuff and it just strikes me as wrong. No doubt the kids will get a kick out of it but I find it very uncomfortable. This isn't kids playing at an open day, this is young kids 'signing for Hibs' and the sad fact is the vast majority will be back out the door by the time they reach 14 or 15, potentially regarding themselves as failed footballers.


I think that's what Stevie is saying, we had greater success years ago when kids just played football at school and boys club level, far too many parents think their kid has made it when they sign up for the academy at 11 yrs old and think he's getting coached and prepared for bigger things. We had more home grown players coming through 20-30 years ago than now due to them just playing football and honing their skills.

[Kaff]

How do Hibs, and other clubs, go about bringing guys in at 7/8 years old? Is it lads who have been scouted or can they just be taken along?

I've seen a few pictures on social media of kids who look about Primary 2 or 3 age signing forms in front of the press conference board and holding up the strip and stuff and it just strikes me as wrong. No doubt the kids will get a kick out of it but I find it very uncomfortable. This isn't kids playing at an open day, this is young kids 'signing for Hibs' and the sad fact is the vast majority will be back out the door by the time they reach 14 or 15, potentially regarding themselves as failed footballers.

I stand to be corrected here but I think some of the press conference style set up with multiple players is a little fun for the community teams which aren't particularly based on ability but more an affiliation to Hibs?
All a bit of a play on the pro game rather than serious stuff.

That does not disregard the fact there are young kids signed up of course and the merits of that are what is being discussed.

[silverhibee]

I think the idea of the academy is still worthy of discussion. I've never believed in very young kids being put into a Pro Youth system. I think there is an opportunity to review how it is setup. I'm sure it will be on Rons agenda at some point.

What is the youngest age group we start at.

[Brightside]

What is the youngest age group we start at.

I'm not sure what age they join the actual Academy. They certainly had them in at 8/9/10 a few years back. The Community side have them in at very young ages but that is purely recreational and no issue with that at all.

[silverhibee]

I think that's what Stevie is saying, we had greater success years ago when kids just played football at school and boys club level, far too many parents think their kid has made it when they sign up for the academy at 11 yrs old and think he's getting coached and prepared for bigger things. We had more home grown players coming through 20-30 years ago than now due to them just playing football and honing their skills.

:agree:

Would be interesting to know if youth teams like Hutchie Tynie BC & Salvie are still bringing through lads or has that all stopped since the pro academies came into place.

I would prefer we went back to picking up lads from the clubs above at 15 and other youth teams as well, I watched Deek come through that system and it seemed to be working well, he got plenty experience from winning things and travelling abroad and it made these young guys hungry to get a deal with a club when they turn 16, rather than thinking you have made it at Hibs at the age of 9 only to be dumped a couple of years later because you haven't developed quick enough, must be soul destroying for these young lads to be told at 12 year old that they won't make the grade.

[Kaff]

I was at the Edinburgh Cup with a team of 9 yr olds, so 7 a side, and the biggest concern for me was the win at all costs attitude of too many coaches, there weren't referees available so was to be done from the sidelines but this was basically disregarded and we found ourselves the only ones calling free kicks etc against ourselves and we fell into the spiral of not calling them either. Dog eat dog.
I do wonder if a lot of the reason for clubs wanting access to young players is getting them before the poor youth coaches have taken the skill element of their game out of them?
Certainly the argument would be partnerships with reputable clubs/coaches being most productive

[JimBHibees]

I was at the Edinburgh Cup with a team of 9 yr olds, so 7 a side, and the biggest concern for me was the win at all costs attitude of too many coaches, there weren't referees available so was to be done from the sidelines but this was basically disregarded and we found ourselves the only ones calling free kicks etc against ourselves and we fell into the spiral of not calling them either. Dog eat dog.
I do wonder if a lot of the reason for clubs wanting access to young players is getting them before the poor youth coaches have taken the skill element of their game out of them?
Certainly the argument would be partnerships with reputable clubs/coaches being most productive

Would be amazed if that wasn't one of the main reasons. It will be to do with competition if other teams are picking players up at a certain young age then all teams will follow suit in fear of missing out.

[silverhibee]

I was at the Edinburgh Cup with a team of 9 yr olds, so 7 a side, and the biggest concern for me was the win at all costs attitude of too many coaches, there weren't referees available so was to be done from the sidelines but this was basically disregarded and we found ourselves the only ones calling free kicks etc against ourselves and we fell into the spiral of not calling them either. Dog eat dog.
I do wonder if a lot of the reason for clubs wanting access to young players is getting them before the poor youth coaches have taken the skill element of their game out of them?
Certainly the argument would be partnerships with reputable clubs/coaches being most productive

Where do you get good youth coaches for that age group, more than likely a parent giving up there spare time to coach the best they can young kids, I done it myself for 6-7 years and it is hard work, 2 nights training game at the weekend, meetings for league and club monthly, dealing with nippy kids and parents and sometimes not even a thanks for it, snidely comments from parents but won't step up themselves to help out, I done a few badges but I know I wasn't a great coach, but I knew I was doing something to help kids do what they loved, play football, don't knock the poor coaches when the SFA do nothing to help youth football.

[Is It On....]

This is Brentfords model

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/05/brentford-ditched-their-academy-premier-league-outcasts

Josh Doig and Jason Cummings were picked up after being released by a Championship club 😉

[superfurryhibby]

:agree:

Would be interesting to know if youth teams like Hutchie Tynie BC & Salvie are still bringing through lads or has that all stopped since the pro academies came into place.

I would prefer we went back to picking up lads from the clubs above at 15 and other youth teams as well, I watched Deek come through that system and it seemed to be working well, he got plenty experience from winning things and travelling abroad and it made these young guys hungry to get a deal with a club when they turn 16, rather than thinking you have made it at Hibs at the age of 9 only to be dumped a couple of years later because you haven't developed quick enough, must be soul destroying for these young lads to be told at 12 year old that they won't make the grade.

Couldn't agree more.

The elite boys clubs still gave a very decent standard of play for laddies before pro-youth or whatever it's called took over.

Not sure about the current state of Juvenile football these days, well Covid aside, I'm sure these clubs are still doing their stuff, but I would imagine the vast majority of youngsters playing professionally will have come through pro-youth?

Looking back on coaching (1970's) though, there was very little attempt at drilling my side with the likes of offside or anything beyond very basic level tactics. You knew your role and kind of just developed a bit shape or at least that's how it felt to me. I played for Tynie and our coach, Dougie Dalgleish was, as you might expect a right Hearts man. He was to have a long involvement with Juvenile football and scouted or coached at Hearts. I think he just encouraged us to go and play.

[Stonewall]

I was searching for an article I read with Tom Taiwo, from a good while ago, that tore into the academy system. I can't find the whole thing but a small snippet below:

'At 16 I was rated as a very good prospect; now I’m at Carlisle. You see boys who weren’t rated at 16 who at 23 are playing for England. Chris Smalling, he was playing non-league. Now he’s a top player with Manchester United and England. It makes a mockery of the academy system, shows it is not the be-all and end-all. Boys like myself have been right through the system and now I’m nowhere near his standard. That’s the worry.”

That reads as pretty damming. However a quick look on Google shows that Tom Taiwo now works as a scout for......... The Chelsea Academy. I'm not sure it proves much beyond man needs job. However it does suggests he doesn't find the system completely morally objectionable.

Yes a man’s got to eat.

To be fair he maybe loves coaching and has an aptitude for it and wants to progress to more senior levels.

[Kaff]

Where do you get good youth coaches for that age group, more than likely a parent giving up there spare time to coach the best they can young kids, I done it myself for 6-7 years and it is hard work, 2 nights training game at the weekend, meetings for league and club monthly, dealing with nippy kids and parents and sometimes not even a thanks for it, snidely comments from parents but won't step up themselves to help out, I done a few badges but I know I wasn't a great coach, but I knew I was doing something to help kids do what they loved, play football, don't knock the poor coaches when the SFA do nothing to help youth football.

Wasn't criticising in general as I'm exactly as you describe too, a parent with coaching badges who gets frustrated by the situation too.
That is however what I mean, if kids coaching is in the hands of people like that and the concentration on winning at all costs rather than developing skill is predominant then I can see why clubs are getting involved at a young age.
As the elite level is such a small percentage of the actual kids game then it shouldn't get to run roughshod over whole structure but equally as a nation we do need to develop the skill level of our players

Edit.
I think I agree with most of what you say regards boys clubs and the age some are being rejected. What I said about clubs forming relationships with reputable teams/coaches is possibly what you with the youth teams staying separate?

[Brightside]

I was at the Edinburgh Cup with a team of 9 yr olds, so 7 a side, and the biggest concern for me was the win at all costs attitude of too many coaches, there weren't referees available so was to be done from the sidelines but this was basically disregarded and we found ourselves the only ones calling free kicks etc against ourselves and we fell into the spiral of not calling them either. Dog eat dog.
I do wonder if a lot of the reason for clubs wanting access to young players is getting them before the poor youth coaches have taken the skill element of their game out of them?
Certainly the argument would be partnerships with reputable clubs/coaches being most productive

On the other side of the coin there are plenty excellent youth club coaches out there, and plenty dreadful pro youth coaches. :greengrin

[SanFranHibs]

It's been quite an interesting discussion though so I'm not sure it really matters how it came about.

:agree:

I have, being somewhat ignorant of the whole setup, found it very interesting and can only imagine this is a perrenial thorn for many clubs who exist just outside the event horizon of a financial black hole.

I recently said to someone I longed for the good ol' days at Hibs and he thought I meant Turnbull's Tornadoes, but I was jokingly referring to the time when we were a 'feeder club'. I know all were not products of our youth system, but we certainly were shipping a few good ones along the M8.

I don't even have a clue what the costs of our Academy are and my first thought would be that it would be a pity if it were shut down entirely, but it is all about what we are actually getting from it.

And though not particularly relevant to our position, I had to laugh that on the same day I am reading this thread, on Sky Sports I see the headline 'What now for £72m Pepe?' pertaining to Arsenal's record signing having to force his way into the 'young' team. Upstairs and Downstairs comes to mind.

:flag:

[Scott Allan Key]

Maybe Goodwin was on a wind up? Suggesting we don't need our academy as we just use St Mirren's instead.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

[andudare2]

If, and it’s a very big if, it’s surely a mothballing situation until things stabilise again? Exactly, it's just the same situation as first lockdown. I assume that all age groups will be the same as the 2006,s in being given video for fitness and coaching to help while this lockdown is ongoing.

[andudare2]

We did it at the last lockdown but re opened it when things stabilised, I'd assume due to the academy not being deemed elite athletes it'll be closed until we come out of tier 4.No we didn't, papers media etc were totally wrong.There were cuts in coaching staff but players in all age groups were video coached and had video fitness programs to follow, nothing has changed with regards to present lockdown.

[The dalmeny]

I see u18 matches are due to start back in a couple of weeks

[Onion]

Maybe Goodwin was on a wind up? Suggesting we don't need our academy as we just use St Mirren's instead.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

Of course he is. It's nothing more than a tongue in cheek dig at Hibs recruiting all their players, in much the same way as Aberdeen use Hibs as their official scouting system.

[Billy Whizz]

I see u18 matches are due to start back in a couple of weeks

Unfortunately the details of these games aren’t published, but good for the lads that they are back playing

[The dalmeny]

Unfortunately the details of these games aren’t published, but good for the lads that they are back playing

got some details from a friend. Looks like 9 teams, play each other once then split top 4 bottom 5 for another round of games

[Billy Whizz]

got some details from a friend. Looks like 9 teams, play each other once then split top 4 bottom 5 for another round of games

Are we allowed to watch😀

[The dalmeny]

Are we allowed to watch😀

google earth in the training centre 😂

[The dalmeny]

First game back this Friday against Utd

[04Sauzee]

First game back this Friday against Utd

Fantastic for the boys to start playing again.

[andudare2]

Full contact training restarted on Monday 5/4/21 for 2006 squad so would imagine all age groups will be the same this week.

[Billy Whizz]

Full contact training restarted on Monday 5/4/21 for 2006 squad so would imagine all age groups will be the same this week.

Can the lads out on loan play in these games. Thinking Fairley/Brydon etc
Also must be a few loaned to Lowland league, who aren’t playing any football just now

[The Modfather]

Is there any chance of a youngster coming in next season and having the impact Doig has? I’m thinking the age groups below Murray, Campbell, Dabrowski etc. Or is Gullan, who is still to fully convince IMO, probably the most likely to break through if anyone will.

How old/close are the likes of Josh O’Connor?

[Viva_Palmeiras]

Is there any chance of a youngster coming in next season and having the impact Doig has? I’m thinking the age groups below Murray, Campbell, Dabrowski etc. Or is Gullan, who is still to fully convince IMO, probably the most likely to break through if anyone will.

How old/close are the likes of Josh O’Connor?

Isn’t Josh 16?

[The dalmeny]

4-0 win today

[Tambo]

Hibs youngster Jacob Blaney has taken a big step forward in his development at the Capital club by taking part in first-team training at East Mains ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox to play Rangers in the first post-split match.

[Bridge hibs]

Hibs youngster Jacob Blaney has taken a big step forward in his development at the Capital club by taking part in first-team training at East Mains ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox to play Rangers in the first post-split match.What position does he play mate ?

[w pilton hibby]

What position does he play mate ?

Central mid or CB.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-starlet-handed-boost-as-he-trains-with-first-team-squad-ahead-of-rangers-clash-3194839

[worcesterhibby]

What position does he play mate ?

centre half or centre mid.. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/player/jacob-blaney

[Bridge hibs]

Central mid or CB.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-starlet-handed-boost-as-he-trains-with-first-team-squad-ahead-of-rangers-clash-3194839Thanks mate 👍

[Billy Whizz]

We seem to have a good young crop at under 18 level
Looking forward to hopefully seeing them in the flesh, next season

[Iggy Pope]

Hibs youngster Jacob Blaney has taken a big step forward in his development at the Capital club by taking part in first-team training at East Mains ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox to play Rangers in the first post-split match.

Anyone know if this boy is local? I went to school with good Hibby Blaney’s and I also recall that one of their auld fellah’s was Brian Blaney, a Southern Branch Hibs Club stalwart way back that some might remember.....be nice to think there’s a connection.

[Billy Whizz]

Anyone know if this boy is local? I went to school with good Hibby Blaney’s and I also recall that one of their auld fellah’s was Brian Blaney, a Southern Branch Hibs Club stalwart way back that some might remember.....be nice to think there’s a connection.

IP, link above said he’s a Coatbridge boy

[Iggy Pope]

IP, link above said he’s a Coatbridge boy

Ah well. Unless the net spread a good bit wider than Elgin Terrace it’s looking unlikely Billy.

[Billy Whizz]

Ah well. Unless the net spread a good bit wider than Elgin Terrace it’s looking unlikely Billy.

Wouldn’t say Blaney is a common name, so could be a relative

[Iggy Pope]

Wouldn’t say Blaney is a common name, so could be a relative

My thoughts too, Irish origin I suppose and plenty of those to be found in Coatbridge.
Hopefully though.

[Coach Jon]

Wouldn’t say Blaney is a common name, so could be a relative

There was a John Blaney who ran Edina Hibs back in the day, was a Hibby from Portobello.

[Iggy Pope]

There was a John Blaney who ran Edina Hibs back in the day, was a Hibby from Portobello.

John is a fellah I went to school with. Family came from top of Easter Rd / Montgomery St area and his auld boy was a Hibs Club vice chair (I think).
Might be no connection whatsoever!

[offshorehibby]

Anyone know if this boy is local? I went to school with good Hibby Blaney’s and I also recall that one of their auld fellah’s was Brian Blaney, a Southern Branch Hibs Club stalwart way back that some might remember.....be nice to think there’s a connection.

It was Brian and Roy McLean that stood up for us when all us young whippersnappers tried to join the Southern. He used to play his keyboard up in Ross's bar Eddie Turnbulls old pub.

[Iggy Pope]

It was Brian and Roy McLean that stood up for us when all us young whippersnappers tried to join the Southern. He used to play his keyboard up in Ross's bar Eddie Turnbulls old pub.

The very man. His accompaniment to my take on “From A Jack To A King” was much renowned back then, everywhere from Rossie Place to Bothwell Street folk would shut their windaes.

[w pilton hibby]

4-0 win today

https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6806/YOUNG-TERRORS-SUFFER-OPENING-LEAGUE-DEFEAT-AT-HIBERNIAN.html

[scoopyboy]

https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6806/YOUNG-TERRORS-SUFFER-OPENING-LEAGUE-DEFEAT-AT-HIBERNIAN.html

Completely unbiased report :greengrin

[PatHead]

There was a John Blaney who ran Edina Hibs back in the day, was a Hibby from Portobello.

He is Brian's son. His mother Betty passed away a few weeks ago.
Really nice family.

[Peevemor]

Completely unbiased report :greengrinThat's hilarious. [emoji1787]

[Iggy Pope]

Completely unbiased report :greengrin

Hibernian time wasters run out a 4-0 win, in a nutshell.

[mayo hibee]

https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6806/YOUNG-TERRORS-SUFFER-OPENING-LEAGUE-DEFEAT-AT-HIBERNIAN.html

That's actually hilarious as official club match reports go.

[andudare2]

He is Brian's son. His mother Betty passed away a few weeks ago.
Really nice family.Ive known John for nearly 40 years, Last seen him when he was staying in Baillie Place (Magdalene) guy is a gentleman, Leigh Griffiths very close to him .

[Iggy Pope]

Ive known John for nearly 40 years, Last seen him when he was staying in Baillie Place (Magdalene) guy is a gentleman, Leigh Griffiths very close to him .

Well I hope John Blaney is looking in after this chat progressed as it has and I really hope he and Jacob are related.
I also hope Jacobs a better player than he was :greengrin

[Billy Whizz]

https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6806/YOUNG-TERRORS-SUFFER-OPENING-LEAGUE-DEFEAT-AT-HIBERNIAN.html?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=dundeeunitedfc


Match report on Dundee Utd site, doesn’t mention any Hibs players
Pity Hibs weren’t able to put a report out!

[The dalmeny]

6522307 (tel:6522307)[/URL]]https://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/news/6806/YOUNG-TERRORS-SUFFER-OPENING-LEAGUE-DEFEAT-AT-HIBERNIAN.html?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=dundeeunitedfc


Match report on Dundee Utd site, doesn’t mention any Hibs players
Pity Hibs weren’t able to put a report out!

from our own training ground!

I was also listening to Radio Scotland earlier. Apparently you need to have an academy to be eligible for European football

[Jones28]

from our own training ground!

I was also listening to Radio Scotland earlier. Apparently you need to have an academy to be eligible for European football

Sounds like another way to take the elite clubs further ahead.

[andudare2]

2006,s first game back is V Dundee United on 2/5/21, assume other age groups apart from under 18,s who are already back,will restart on the same weekend 😀

[Billy Whizz]

Saw on SFA website, Hibs under 18’s had a 2-2 draw with Celtic last night. Was a home game for Hibs, so presume it was at the training ground

[Eyrie]

Saw on SFA website, Hibs under 18’s had a 2-2 draw with Celtic last night. Was a home game for Hibs, so presume it was at the training ground

So all three teams were in action last night at pretty much the same time but with mixed fortunes (men won 2-1, women lost 2-1 and u18s drew).

[The dalmeny]

6535530 (tel:6535530)[/URL]]Saw on SFA website, Hibs under 18’s had a 2-2 draw with Celtic last night. Was a home game for Hibs, so presume it was at the training ground

saw the goals on a friends FB feed, routine pen and a cracking Free kick, both by Young

[Iggy Pope]

Saw on SFA website, Hibs under 18’s had a 2-2 draw with Celtic last night. Was a home game for Hibs, so presume it was at the training ground

“U18s continue their unbeaten start to the season” writes Hibs’ Twitter correspondent, some time, maybe before the next game even.

[andudare2]

“U18s continue their unbeaten start to the season” writes Hibs’ Twitter correspondent, some time, maybe before the next game even.
Drew 1 1 with Hamilton last night.

[Billy Whizz]

Drew 1 1 with Hamilton last night.

Under 18 age group?
Did they play Wednesday and Saturday

[The dalmeny]

Under 18 age group?
Did they play Wednesday and Saturday

Tuesday Friday

[bingo70]

Not academy related but didn’t want to start another thread so this seemed the best place to ask it.

Does anybody know where Hibernian in the community play their matches? Is it at East Mains?

My boys teams fixtures have just been released and it looks like we’ll be playing them, just wondering if I’ll get a wee visit down there without having to hide in the bushes for a change.

[Brightside]

Not academy related but didn’t want to start another thread so this seemed the best place to ask it.

Does anybody know where Hibernian in the community play their matches? Is it at East Mains?

My boys teams fixtures have just been released and it looks like we’ll be playing them, just wondering if I’ll get a wee visit down there without having to hide in the bushes for a change.

What age Bingo?

[bingo70]

What age Bingo?

2012

[Brightside]

2012

I'm pretty sure the young ones play at HTC - but it may change due to Covid. Also one adult is now allowed in with each kid. Thats wasnt the case until this week.

[The dalmeny]

I'm pretty sure the young ones play at HTC - but it may change due to Covid. Also one adult is now allowed in with each kid. Thats wasnt the case until this week.

Is this an HTC or general rule ?

[Peevemor]

Is this an HTC or general rule ?

My cousin's laddie is at Oxford United (U13s) and this weekend managed to watch him play for only the 2nd time in over a year.

[04Sauzee]

Is this an HTC or general rule ?

Think it's a General rule, each covid officer at grass roots football should take a register of players, coaches and parents attending a game. The rules are that it's only 1 adult per child allowed to spectate, socialy distanced off course.

[The dalmeny]

Think it's a General rule, each covid officer at grass roots football should take a register of players, coaches and parents attending a game. The rules are that it's only 1 adult per child allowed to spectate, socialy distanced off course.

cheers

[Brightside]

Is this an HTC or general rule ?

General rule... just for kids football though.

[bingo70]

I'm pretty sure the young ones play at HTC - but it may change due to Covid. Also one adult is now allowed in with each kid. Thats wasnt the case until this week.

Cheers for that.

Hopefully he gets a game down there, he’d be buzzing.

[Pagan Hibernia]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/how-hibs-chief-plans-to-fend-off-interest-in-youngsters-as-english-clubs-circle-3214941

decent piece today about Graeme Mathie and the prospects for Hibs kids

[Vault Boy]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/how-hibs-chief-plans-to-fend-off-interest-in-youngsters-as-english-clubs-circle-3214941

decent piece today about Graeme Mathie and the prospects for Hibs kids

Good read that, encouraging that the players having 'trials' wasn't necessarily part of a strategy to sell them.

[bingo70]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/how-hibs-chief-plans-to-fend-off-interest-in-youngsters-as-english-clubs-circle-3214941

decent piece today about Graeme Mathie and the prospects for Hibs kids

Strategic partnership with Manchester United or Leeds maybe?

[ano hibby]

Interesting article. With Brexit an additional factor, there must be a good chance East Mains becomes a real strategic asset for the club. If it wasn’t already obviously. Very encouraging

[delbert]

Think it's a General rule, each covid officer at grass roots football should take a register of players, coaches and parents attending a game. The rules are that it's only 1 adult per child allowed to spectate, socialy distanced off course.

Parents are not allowed to watch these games yet under the current Covid restrictions

[matty_f]

2012

That’s pretty old, how old are you??!!!!

[Billy Whizz]

Interesting article. With Brexit an additional factor, there must be a good chance East Mains becomes a real strategic asset for the club. If it wasn’t already obviously. Very encouraging

It just shows, although they were prudent owners, how well Sir Tom and Rod ran the club
Modern stadium, our own training ground and cash in the bank

Ron has been lucky to inherit all this

[bingo70]

That’s pretty old, how old are you??!!!!

😂

Felt every bit of that age on Sunday morning 😉

[andudare2]

Under 18,s beat Aberdeen tonigh 3 2,came back from 2 1 down at half time.Still top of the league!😁👍

[Pagan Hibernia]

Under 18,s beat Aberdeen tonigh 3 2,came back from 2 1 down at half time.Still top of the league!����

great news!

not bad for an academy that was disbanded a few months ago :greengrin

though the lack of news on the youth team on the clubs official channels is disappointing

[Cammy]

Parents are not allowed to watch these games yet under the current Covid restrictions

As others have rightly said, 1 parent is now allowed to watch the games as of 26th April. This is official guidance from the SFA.

[Brightside]

Parents are not allowed to watch these games yet under the current Covid restrictions

The rule is for grass roots only btw. Not sure what stage the academy kids stop being classed as grass roots. In other news Hibs have signed Kasper Kitchen son of Tom. Hopefully that will sort out the pies!!

[scoopyboy]

The rule is for grass roots only btw. Not sure what stage the academy kids stop being classed as grass roots. In other news Hibs have signed Kasper Kitchen son of Tom. Hopefully that will sort out the pies!!

Hope his middle name isn't Kyle:rolleyes:

[Brightside]

Hope his middle name isn't Kyle:rolleyes:

His nickname is actually KK. :greengrin

[bingo70]

The rule is for grass roots only btw. Not sure what stage the academy kids stop being classed as grass roots. In other news Hibs have signed Kasper Kitchen son of Tom. Hopefully that will sort out the pies!!

What age is his boy?

I saw Tom Kitchen down the links watching his boy playing one weekend.

Probably not the greatest story I’ve ever told but was exciting for me at the time seeing someone I’d seen on the tele.

[Brightside]

What age is his boy?

I saw Tom Kitchen down the links watching his boy playing one weekend.

Probably not the greatest story I’ve ever told but was exciting for me at the time seeing someone I’d seen on the tele.

He's an 2008 Bingo - so 13..... He has signed Pro youth forms. Not something im a fan of but if we can get better pies.....

[bingo70]

He's an 2008 Bingo - so 13..... He has signed Pro youth forms. Not something im a fan of but if we can get better pies.....

Funny, I’ve spent years absolutely slating the pro-youth set up as I just don’t like it. My boy is at an age though that folk around his age group are starting to get invited to train with the pro clubs and if my laddie was lucky enough to get selected I couldn’t get him there quick enough so I’m an absolute hypocrite 😂

I just think whether you like the pro-youth set up or not, that’s the system that’s there so you’ve just got to embrace it.

But yes, if he can get the pies sorted then we should really be looking at a long term contract for his boy.

[Brightside]

Funny, I’ve spent years absolutely slating the pro-youth set up as I just don’t like it. My boy is at an age though that folk around his age group are starting to get invited to train with the pro clubs and if my laddie was lucky enough to get selected I couldn’t get him there quick enough so I’m an absolute hypocrite 😂

I just think whether you like the pro-youth set up or not, that’s the system that’s there so you’ve just got to embrace it.

But yes, if he can get the pies sorted then we should really be looking at a long term contract for his boy.

Thats the same issue with all kids tbh. Very hard for parents to turn down. I'd just rather hibs did a link up with the clubs to get first dibs on them at 15/16 when in my view they are mature enough to deal with it. But fear of missing out stops that happening.

[Billy Whizz]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibs-u18s-top-table-after-downing-dons

Young guns seem to be doing well
Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of them in action next season

[The dalmeny]

Thats the same issue with all kids tbh. Very hard for parents to turn down. I'd just rather hibs did a link up with the clubs to get first dibs on them at 15/16 when in my view they are mature enough to deal with it. But fear of missing out stops that happening.

Parents have to be quite strong willed, there are loads of kids out there who are playing at a pro club then get papped out when they are a little older and are lost to football completely. Especially in Edinburgh there are enough 'community' clubs for kids to play at a decent level then look to get picked up when they are 15/16.

[andudare2]

Hibs 2006,s beat Dundee United 4 1 earlier today.!😁👍

[04Sauzee]

Hibs u18s won 5-3 against Killie on Friday night. Goals from Connor Young (2) Josh Currie, Innes Lawson and Jayden Fairly.

Connor Young now has 9 goals to his name this season.

[The dalmeny]

Hibs u18s won 5-3 against Killie on Friday night. Goals from Connor Young (2) Josh Currie, Innes Lawson and Jayden Fairly.

Connor Young now has 9 goals to his name this season.

playing St Mirren away tonight

[Billy Whizz]

Hibs 2006,s beat Dundee United 4 1 earlier today.!😁👍

Who takes the 2006’s

[andudare2]

Who takes the 2006’sColin Nish and Grant Murray. Paul Hanlon now squads mentor.

[Billy Whizz]

Colin Nish and Grant Murray. Paul Hanlon now squads mentor.

Thanks, a good combination

[bingo70]

Probably not the place for this but my Jambo mate was telling me one of the younger Hearts groups is ridiculously good.

Hammered Man City down south just before the lockdown and also hammered Rangers about the same time. He tells me Rangers tried to snap up their whole team there and then.

Forgetting it’s Hearts for a second probably encouraging for Scottish football that our young teams are making waves down south (if that’s true of course)

[Billy Whizz]

Probably not the place for this but my Jambo mate was telling me one of the younger Hearts groups is ridiculously good.

Hammered Man City down south just before the lockdown and also hammered Rangers about the same time. He tells me Rangers tried to snap up their whole team there and then.

Forgetting it’s Hearts for a second probably encouraging for Scottish football that our young teams are making waves down south (if that’s true of course)

Bingo, in my many years of watching Development football, they have always had ridiculously good players, yet none of them seem to make it
I’m sure if there are 1/2 decent ones, they’ll free them like Doig and come to Hibs
For info, what age group, as my good friend is a Rangers scout, so I can check it out for you😀

[bingo70]

Bingo, in my many years of watching Development football, they have always had ridiculously good players, yet none of them seem to make it
I’m sure if there are 1/2 decent ones, they’ll free them like Doig and come to Hibs
For info, what age group, as my good friend is a Rangers scout, so I can check it out for you😀

I honestly don’t know.

Based on who I was speaking to, I would guess that it would probably be the youngest age group a pro youth club would run with. Would that be the 2009 or 2010 maybe?

[Billy Whizz]

I honestly don’t know.

Based on who I was speaking to, I would guess that it would probably be the youngest age group a pro youth club would run with. Would that be the 2009 or 2010 maybe?

Thanks, but that age is far too young to make any predictions
We lad that comes with me to ER (or did) is at Hearts 2010 born

[Aldo]

The rule is for grass roots only btw. Not sure what stage the academy kids stop being classed as grass roots. In other news Hibs have signed Kasper Kitchen son of Tom. Hopefully that will sort out the pies!!

Get his Uncle Mark involved in the endurance training!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bingo70]

Thanks, but that age is far too young to make any predictions
We lad that comes with me to ER (or did) is at Hearts 2010 born

Yeah, as I say, I’m really not sure.

My boy is a 2013 (plays 2012) and some of the boys a bit older than him that are getting picked up by clubs blow my mind with how good they are. I’ve got no point of reference though so I’m not sure how they compare to previous years or how ability at that age will transfer as they get older.

[The dalmeny]

playing St Mirren away tonight

4-2 loss

[andudare2]

Hibs 2006,s beat Aberdeen 3 -2 today at Cormack Park!

[The dalmeny]

Hammered Man City down south just before the lockdown and also hammered Rangers about the same time. He tells me Rangers tried to snap up their whole team there and then.

e)

it depends what City team they were playing, a Hutchie team went down a couple of years ago and won quite comfortably.

[Iggy Pope]

Colin Nish and Grant Murray. Paul Hanlon now squads mentor.

Didn’t we part company with Colin Nish last season or this? Delighted if the big fellah is still involved.

[Billy Whizz]

Didn’t we part company with Colin Nish last season or this? Delighted if the big fellah is still involved.

I thought he’d gone, but someone on this thread said he’s back at Hibs, if he was ever away

[andudare2]

Didn’t we part company with Colin Nish last season or this? Delighted if the big fellah is still involved.some coaches were made redundant i think,perhaps Nish was one? Grant Murray was one but back helping Nish out,they also have Paul Hanlon mentoring them,grandson gets videcalls from him as does rest of squad. Big Marvin took a session with them last week, so plenty being done at TC for them.

[andudare2]

Under 18,s beat Celtic 4 0 away tonight,superb result!

[CapitalGreen]

Under 18,s beat Celtic 4 0 away tonight,superb result!

Should get a few of them in the squad for tomorrow.

[scoopyboy]

Should get a few of them in the squad for tomorrow.

Can we do that? I'm not sure if the youngsters can be promoted to the first team squad with the bubble arrangement thing.

I would gladly play some tomorrow.

[04Sauzee]

Under 18,s beat Celtic 4 0 away tonight,superb result!

Decent result that, looking forward to knowing the scorers and line ups

[andudare2]

Decent result that, looking forward to knowing the scorers and line ups
Oconnor and Bryden got 2 goals each i believe, no idea of line up though.

[04Sauzee]

Oconnor and Bryden got 2 goals each i believe, no idea of line up though.

Cheers for that ,3rd in the table behind Rangers and St Mirren I think.

[andudare2]

Cheers for that ,3rd in the table behind Rangers and St Mirren I think.
Think so,first game after split.Rangers lost 3 1 to Killie today,St Mirren free week.

[andudare2]

Hibs 2006,s beat Hearts 2006,s, 2 1 this morning!😁👍

[Brightside]

Hibs 2006,s beat Hearts 2006,s, 2 1 this morning!😁👍

Anyone have the lineups for those teams?

[04Sauzee]

Nice finish from O'Connor

https://twitter.com/Josh_Oconnor9/status/1394418221785272325?s=19