09 Jul 2024 22:04:26
I never saw him play (he was already into the Chelsea academy and too many age groups above my son when he joined) but I remember the coaches at Lambeth Tigers talking about Rio Ngumoha in hushed tones. There was a definite 'this is the one' vibe. And there have been a LOT of talented kids pass through that group. Shame to lose him.
10 Jul 2024 09:12:28
But I'm afraid not surprised, we are losing a few of our academy players recently, how are they going to get passed young players the club have purchased for the first team.
10 Jul 2024 10:32:42
We have lost academy players for years. This is no different.
He may turn out a world beater he may not.
It is what it is.
10 Jul 2024 12:27:27
Bill, we are signing young talent across all continents. I have no idea if they have more potential than our current academy players.
As I said in an earlier post it seems to becoming a common practice with I think one premiership club projected to sign at least six academy players or players under 20 in this window.
10 Jul 2024 15:56:26
Tbf if these players are going on to be professional footballers then it shows what a success our academy is
We make money out of it sometimes and provide real talent and education and if we can find a gem or two and they can make our first team then that's the icing on the cake for me if we get raw talent and mould them into real footballers then that is amazing we tend to forget that these are young boys and girls and not just a commodity.