The international break is in full swing, which means there’s a little more time to discuss things which can fade into the background when games are coming thick and fast.
On the London is Blue podcast, they took this chance to look at the academy, which saw a host of changes over the summer. Neil Bath and Jim Fraser leave, a new U21s manager, and that’s just the start.
It’s been a bit of a rocky transition for the Development Squad, but things seem to be back on track now. On the podcast, they tried to pick out some of the talents who are breaking through at the moment and could make an impact this season.
Two players they were curious about were Omari Kellyman and Dujuan Richards, two relatively big name players imported later in their development in the last couple of years – but both currently out injured.
You can see them discussing it all in the clip embedded here:
Kellyman faces battle for minutes – even at youth level
With Tyrique George, Harvey Vale, Donnell McNeilly and Shim Mheuka all doing really well as a “front four” the pundits thought that Kellyman is going to face a tough battle for minutes even when he’s recovered.
“I’m not sure Omari gets in the team over any of them,” they mused.
That’s a pretty worrying situation for a player who signed for a reported £19m. He should be getting minutes in the first team, not struggling for youth team starts.
Given the sums invested in him, we’re sure he will get his chance eventually. But a signing that looked odd to begin with is not looking any more logical as time passes. One possible solution is someone like Vale or Mheuka going out on loan – or maybe Kellyman will be farmed out himself.
