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Don't know much about this young man but if clubs like Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea, Leeds and others are tracking him and offering him trials, what are Hibs hopes for him ? Sell now and cash in on an unproven prospect ? Keep and introduce him into the side ? Sell with loan back options ?
Very unusual set of circumstances around him, not many players that age get scouted so soon after signing pro by such big clubs.
Mathie said a few weeks ago, we were allowing him to get experience training with other clubs, but he didn’t want to sell him THQuote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
Haven’t seen the lad play unfortunately
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.n...road-side/amp/
Thanks Billy :aok: very clear he has something or these clubs would not be so keen to take a look, especially so soon after signing pro - they were clearly keen beforehand in my opinion. Sadly don't watch youth football as much these days so know little about him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
I'm also keeping a close eye on Zak Rudden next season - good striker, bit of attitude, Hibs fan, and learning his trade in the lower leagues into the Championship. Developing really well :aok: would never have said that a few years ago when he was a wee tearaway :greengrin great lad though with a good mum supporting him all the way :agree:
My son went to school with Zak and we were just talking about him last night. A good season in the Championship and he could potentially be the next Nisbet.Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
Like many at a young age, when he signed with The Rangers he thought he'd made it and his attitude really let him down (and I told him that). But so chuffed for him, he's a nice lad and has clearly worked hard with the head down - and it's paying dividends. Remember watching him in a youth cup final at Rugby Park years ago and thinking he's head and shoulders above every player on the pitch (mind he told everyone that too) :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by tamig
Very instinctive player.
Is he still with Rangers?Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
Partick Thistle Jim - was at Falkirk on loan from them and Plymouth - signed permanently with Partick and has hit the ground running.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
....and he followed Hibs home and away too when he was a youth player with them which gives him extra kudos in my book :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
Ethan is in my daughters class at school. Nice lad from what I hear and just loves the game. Die hard Hibee even though his twin brother is a Jambo!
Would like to see him play for a couple of seasons at us then move. The teams will wait if he’s that good.
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:aok: I'm just very intrigued due to the fact not many at that age get such invites or interest so soon after signing pro with a parent club. He obviously has something or these clubs would not be so keen to want an extended look at him. He's clearly been on many clubs radar. Like all young player, wish him the best and hope he has good guidance behind him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaffer1875
Yeah I agree, I think it happened more so 20-30 years ago but rare now.Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
He’s down in Liverpool now my daughter tells me.
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Was disappointed he never got a run out down at Stranraer. The game was won with time to spare would have been good to see him get a chance
One of my Liverpool supporting customers emailed me with a piece on a Liverpool social media site about him!
I think it’s a sideways step myself and told him so
A team finishing 3rd in their league with no trophies this year
No different to Hibs
Funny that order hasn’t come through yet🤷*♂️
Watched him play for Falkirk a couple of times. Good technically and an eye for goal. Also, not afraid to mix it 😉Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
I saw an interview with Richard Foster last week in which he was praising Zak.Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
Ok cheersQuote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
Must be an interesting household that :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Gaffer1875
Hear what you are saying though think Stranraer were starting to put in some dodgy challenges so may have been wary of him getting hurt.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cod Boy
Hopefully we keep the young guy and he continues to progress and next season can be part of the first team squad. Would be brilliant if we do start to bring through some real talent as would save money initially then hopefully make money when they mature and move on.
Training for a week with the development squad, a great experience for him.Quote:
Originally Posted by darwenhibby
Ethan scored the winner for Liverpool 17s earlier in the week and was due to play for them again last night. I'm not sure if it was Spurs last night or earlier in the week.
I was told the game he scored in was against Man U and it was a cracking goal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
Must be some experience for the young lad. Hope he embraces it and kicks on
Got me thinking about the next big thing that came through at livi. Boy knox (had to Google to find his first name, Matthew) he went on trial to rangers, man utd but looks as though his career nose dived rapidly and playing in the lower half of NI Premier league
Tranent Juniors now I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenNWhiteArmy
Another reason why although as fans we all want him to stay and have a great year or two before leaving, in reality, if he gets the opportunity he’s got to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenNWhiteArmy
Similarly we can’t be silly about the money we want. A lot can go wrong from being a promising youngster tk actually making it at the top level.
Think he makes a lot of sense. Hope Ethan stays and works on getting into our first team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
If he left to join, say, Liverpool, presume we wouldn't actually make much money on the deal?
Would be frustrating to have a great young talent sign for Hibs as a youngster, only to see him leave for peanuts.
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He’s signed a pro deal so would probably not be bad cash for a lad that might never realistically make itQuote:
Originally Posted by Silversand
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Leeds offered us xxx amount a few weeks ago for him but Hibs turned it down.Quote:
Originally Posted by Silversand
Why can't we? Hibs are not a bloody charity or part of other club's scouting systems, we are a professional football club and if another far far richer club wants to in effect poach a youngster we have nurtured to the point of him being worth a professional contract and a place on the bench then we should squeeze every last bloody penny out of the buggers, who in all likelihood will take this guy and never give him a sniff of first team football, apart from at some league 2 ****hole in round 3 of the Caraboa cup.Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
Yes Hibs have a duty of care, especially to young players, but part of that duty of care is not in my opinion to smooth the way so that another club can snap them up for peanuts as the clubs own fans miss the chance to see a promising young local lad make it in our first team and instead disappear into the black hole of a league where the probable outcome will be him signing for Fleetwood Town or Carlisle United three or four years later.
Ron Gordon has made it clear that Hibs will not stand in the way of any player given a chance to sign for a club in a bigger league with all the riches that go with that for them. But he has also made it clear that doesn't mean Hibs will be a soft touch in transfer negotiations and he's proved that by turning down two big money offers in the last 6 months. If Liverpool or any other club rate Laidlaw that highly we get them to put their money where their mouths are or tell them to sod off.
What's your thoughts on the player and situation Brooster ? It's quite a unique situation (in Scotland) to have as many top clubs chasing a Scottish youngster.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
I've seen him at school level and right through. He is big, strong, technically sound and cocky. He's years ahead development wise than his actual age. It's pure potential which is interesting everyone at the moment, he has a great chance of making it but we've heard and seen that before. I think Hibs will sell him soon for more than we paid for Kevin Nesbit. Put that in to perspective. Just my opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by truehibernian
:aok:Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
Disappointing that we may lose him but that's where we and other clubs are in the pecking order. Sadly (like you) I've seen players go down that route and the potential gets lost in the money and mindset.
I mentioned Zak Rudden because he was the same really. Loads of potential and (for me) his attitude was all wrong, head and attitude turned by money and the size of Rangers. I'm delighted he has got the head down and now actually worked through the leagues and is now perhaps seeing that hard work gets you there. He's a lovely lad.
That sounds very promising, but it makes me wonder why he never made it on to the field this season?Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
I was watching an under 18 juvenile game yesterday. Some decent football being played and some of the laddies were strapping, some weren’t and you could see the difference in the physicality. The likelihood is that some of those smaller guys will catch up. I know I was still quite weak at 17, lanky and just under developed. By the time I was in my early 20’s I was still skinny, but much faster and stronger.
The point I’m making is that Laidlaw will no doubt shine against boys, due to the factors you mention, but playing against men, even if you have the physique of a man, is a different ball game.
Either way, in my view he would be better trying to prove himself at Hibs. A big move will come, if he’s good enough. It’s asking a hell of a lot from a youngster to go to a massive club and succeed.
We will all be disappointed if he goes on to become a PL star and will be thinking what if if he stayed at Hibs. But the reality is if Hibs get offers north of £250k for a kid very few of have seen play then in the present climate it would be crazy to turn that down. Also the kid could easily set himself up for life by getting a 3/4 year contract on £10k a week or there about. The key thing is clubs in the premiership can gamble £250k on young kids we hardly spend any money and if it’s that sort of fee they’ve got to be a first team player.
He scored again on Friday night against Spurs in a heavy defeat. I wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool came in with a bid.
How much have we paid to develop him into the prospect that he is now? I’d be looking for much more than that. There’s no point in having an academy if we sell our players before they get into the first team. It’s not a huge gamble for us to turn that sort of money down and if he develops into a top player we will make much more. There will be a figure that is too good to turn down, but I’d hope it’s higher than £250k.Quote:
Originally Posted by lucky
That's where i am, and a good sell on fee is a must. How sad is it now though, that we may never see these players, and the ones we do keep and nurture through to the first team are those nobody else thinks are good enough for them.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
I know players develop at different stages, but those that are seen as future stars are now deemed too good to be at our club to progress to that level. :boo hoo:
I know it’s a situation we’re not used to. We have an academy to bring players through to the first team, but it may just be we’re developing them for the bigger clubs to scoop up. If he goes it needs to be for a sum that makes a difference to us in terms of bringing in new players.Quote:
Originally Posted by blackpoolhibs
Hellish.Quote:
Originally Posted by blackpoolhibs
Off the top of my head
Probably all the Famous 5 even though we pinched a couple.
Joe Baker
Eric Stevenson (pinched him too)
Jimmy O’Rourke
Paddy ****ing Stanton (Imagine that and shudder!)
Peter Marinello
Peter Cormack
Alex Cropley
John Blackley
John Brownlie
Paul Kane
Mickey Weir
Gordon Rae
Brian Rice
Kevin Thomson
Scott Brown
Stephen Whittaker
Steven Fletcher
Derek Rioran
Garry O’Connor
I don’t think our club would have the fabric it does if we’d lost those boys before witnessing them. Certainly not in my aching old mind anyway and I seen all of them apart from the 5 in the first line.
And Colin, Colin, Colin Stein,... he couldnae kick a Jelly Bean! (Never seen him either, apart fi the Huns)
https://twitter.com/lewisbower2021/s...757010435?s=21
Video of two of his goals here.
Looks a player tbhQuote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
I think we will either sell him this summer or fast track him into the first team next season.Quote:
Originally Posted by 04Sauzee
I was told that’s what happened with Porteous. Celtic were really wanting him when he was young, as part of the deal to keep him we promised to give him first team opportunities quite early in his development.
As always I don’t know how true that is, the theory of it makes sense though.
His first goal in the clip is high classQuote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
I’m not one to get carried away but for me he’s like a young Michael Owen.Quote:
Originally Posted by CMurdoch
£15m please Liverpool.
Has shades of Tony Stokes at HampdenQuote:
Originally Posted by CMurdoch
And now he signs for Rangers.............Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
That is the first time I’ve ever seen him and the first goal I was expecting a cross as thought that was a left winger lolQuote:
Originally Posted by CMurdoch
I’m sure someone said on here we are not looking to sell just but to give him some experience. I hope he makes the breakthrough next season.
Should have been a cut back. 😂Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambo
A prominent poster on here once told me (personally mind, not on here) that Porteous was a waster and wouldn't make the first team. This was 2018. He was wrong, I've chosen not to remind him of it, and I firmly believe that the things people get 'told' about Ryan Porteous don't come close to reflecting what's true about him as a footballer.Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
'
I reckon we could be looking at a fee north of £500,000 if we are unable to hold onto this boy.
It's a pity that we don't have the financial clout in this country to hold on to a youngster before they're ready for the first team. The kid is obviously a talent if he's away training with Liverpool and Man United and those goals were impressive. I think we'd bite their hand off if they offered us £500k.
Just going on the amount of interest shown and what a guy who writes about English youth football told me on twitter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Since452
We shall see.
I wonder if we announced he's staying and we will look to get him playing how many supporters this would have a positive impact on.
It would be exciting to see him. Looks the sort of player who gives you a sense of anticipation and wonder when they get the ball. Obviously he will be very raw but would add to the spectator experience.
Hope he stays - surely it would be worth the risk to see if he becomes a top player and we got x million?
He should only be playing in the first team if he’s good enough.
Spot on. Not like he’s going down south to play he wouldn’t bet a sniff for probably a couple of years at first team level and that depending how he develops. It’s one thing doing it against kids of around his age. These clubs are buying potential that’s allQuote:
Originally Posted by CapitalGreen
Not sure if Ethan is playing or not but Preston Lodge are playing St.Maurice in the final of the Scottish Schools Cup on Tuesday at Airdrie.
He's in the team photo so I assume he's eligible.
I think the best deal for youngsters like Ethan, would be a structured deal. Sell him to whoever for x amount, where be spends two years developing with us. X amount of first team appearances and the fee increases. X amount of goals and it goes up further, same with international caps.
Except that the English club who buys him will not want to see him booted up and down the park by the the same type of hammer throwers that tried to finish Duncan Watmore.....Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitHibs
This type of stuff gets trotted out now and again. The English lower leagues are atleast on a par physically with the Scottish League, infact I'd wager that they are probably worse in a lot of matches.Quote:
Originally Posted by HoboHarry
He's been playing in the games so far.Quote:
Originally Posted by scoopyboy
He looks quick.Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo70
Seems quite odd a professional player can play at schools level.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
That's what I thought?Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
But if he has been playing then fair enough just seems weird.
Maybe depend when his birthday is or more likely when Hibs signed him on professional terms. Would be surprised we were comfortable allowing a player to play at school level when he clearly is an asset for us at the moment.Quote:
Originally Posted by 04Sauzee
My daughter is pals with Ethan and the game is Tuesday and he will be playing.
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Wayne Rooney debuted for Everton at 16 did he not? As did Gordon Smith and Joe Baker for Hibs if I'm not mistaken. It doesn't happen often but it does happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by SMAXXA
Theo Walcott as well IIRC......Quote:
Originally Posted by basehibby
Yep. He is the youngest player to ever play for England too. James Milner, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Lennon and Jack Rodwell also made their PL debut at 16 among others.Quote:
Originally Posted by HoboHarry
So why don’t we give him his debut?Quote:
Originally Posted by basehibby
Is he good enough to play for our first team yet?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones28
It says in the evening news, he will ne playing on Tuesday when his school team contest the final.Quote:
Originally Posted by scoopyboy
I’m going to make a guess here that if he had the ability of either of those players he would be in the Hibs first team which tells me he doesn’t and it’s very much buying the potentialQuote:
Originally Posted by basehibby
Its not a rule from the schools but Clubs teams used to demand that their players didn't play in School football. These days they tend to be less strict. Player power etc. Also for a kids that playing pro youth the chance of playing for Cups etc are non existent. If you look at Scottish Schools teams over the last few years there are loads of pro youth players in there.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
https://scottishschoolsfa.co.uk/boys...al-squad-2020/ Most of this years squad are with pro teams, and thats the same if you go through the previous squads. Oh and the girls side beat England recently. Hopefully we do the same on Friday. :greengrin
Appreciate that but assuming Ethan is now a signed up Hibs professional rather than part of the pro youth structure. Actually think it is a good thing to be playing with his mates unless of course he gets injured :greengrin of course that can happen anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
I know, I know, but sometimes you have to give players opportunities. I feel sometimes we aren't brave enough with our young players who are on the periphery of the squad. Last season would have been the ideal time to give them a few more chances to come on later in games without the pressure of the crowd.Quote:
Originally Posted by blackpoolhibs
A lot of the boys are on pro contracts not pro youth. Most of them move to that at 16. I noticed St Ninians won the Seniors Shield. Thats the Celtic Academy School....so it basically the Celtic youth team.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
You cant be giving players a chance on the off chance they might be good enough, they have to be up to the standard they will be playing at.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones28
The manager obviously thinks he's not there yet, he's a prospect at the moment who hopefully in time will play for us, but we have to trust those at the club who know how good he is now.
We only had 3 really comfortable league wins all season and in each of those games we brought on 1 or 2 of the younger players (Gullan, Elder and Shanley).Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones28
He’s been on the bench of late. He will get opportunities next season.
And Jimmy O’Rourke.Quote:
Originally Posted by basehibby
Is St Ninians a Performance School? (I'm not sure it is). Performance schools are limited to 3 pro youth players plus a goalie I think but non Performance schools can play unlimited pro youth. Academy schools who are non Performance schools obviously take advantage of this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
It's St Ninian's in Kirkintilloch that's the Celtic youth school. But it was St Ninian's in Giffnock (Andy Robertson's former school) that won the senior shield.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
The guy who I drive for his laddie goes there, have to have something about you to be asked to go there, they come from all over Scotland.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
Ok cheers yes had heard Celtic have a school their promising players go to. Hearts have a set up with Balerno I think. Do we have a similar arrangement?Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
I'm not sure we do, I think Broughton is the closest we have to a link up.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
Broughton is the SFA performance school. Nowt to do with Hibs. Hibs talked about having a link up with Porty but nothing happened. It obviously needs staffing investment and that's something we have put on hold for now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
Yeh St Nins is a Celtic academy not an SFA performance school. As i mentioned earlier the young lad from Lochend gets driven there every day by a Celtic employee!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooster
Holyrood is the Glasgow Performance school.
Well spotted. So the Celtic Academy were pish then! :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by mayo hibee
Thanks, I wasn't sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
Did he play tonight for PL then?
Seen thisQuote:
Originally Posted by MagicSwirlingShip
Todays match is postponed due to covid cases at St Maurice
The plan is to play next Wednesday 23 June and the school will update everyone once we know full details.
Sorry https://t.co/UHZ5V1jksb
schools are riddled with Covid right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by 04Sauzee
FT | @PrestonLodgeHS 1-1 @St_Maurice_High (Preston Lodge win 4-3 on pens)
Outstanding performance from our S4 boys in the @sschoolsfa Shield Final. We are all so proud of you! Congratulations to a fantastic Preston Lodge side.
This isn’t the end, this is the beginning. 💚💜 https://t.co/eQDGuhPcoM
Don't think he was playing. Happy to be corrected.Quote:
Originally Posted by 04Sauzee
He wasnt in the team pic from what ive seen.Quote:
Originally Posted by flash
http://https://twitter.com/sschoolsf...770689/photo/3
Must be a chance that Hibs wouldn't let him play under the circumstances.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brightside
I’m personally all for young guys getting to enjoy football with their pals away from the pro-youth teams, winning a tournament like that with all his mates would en something he’d remember forever regardless of what he goes on to achieve in the game.Quote:
Originally Posted by flash
That said though, if that’s me, or my boy, I’m asking the question if it’s really worth it playing. If he’s that good, it’s inevitable he’d be on the receiving end of some rough treatment from the defenders. If he’s on the verge of getting a life changing move to one of the biggest clubs in the world then playing in a game like that would be madness IMO.
As much as I don’t like it, if he has decided to give it a body swerve that’s without doubt the sensible thing for him to do at this stage.
He could be worth half a million to Hibs even now so it would be a big risk to take.Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo70