What youth players will break through next season?

[Shedboy1971]

In terms of supplementing first team as well as potentially becoming regulars. Some must have a chance? Certainly the direction we are going.

Always difficult to tell but some of my thoughts:

Appere - i rate the guy he is a tank and in my view hope to see him up front on left with Shanks. Big season for him
Chalmers - Again i rate him got speed and a nuisance I think he may become a regular next season (injury really prevented that last season imho)
Meekison - May get opps from bench, think its a growing season for him and may also go on loan
Neilson - Is he a CB or RB? Personally i would like him to pressure Smith a bit and again built like a tank could be sold before he makes a huge impact?
Smith - looked decent at times and clearly has a lot of interest, seems to want to stay and gain experience
Hoti - strange one only seen glimpses of him but he looked decent
Newman - highly rated goalkeeper prob go on loan
Freeman - i would have expected him to be ahead of neilson and smith but isnt - however again highly thought of
Davidson - cant say much about him tbh
Graham - again a defender but havent seen enough of him
Bisland - another defender, what do we feed them as 14 year olds lol
Walker - no idea
Glass - big season for him to break into 1st team but may go on loan again?
Mochrie - prob loan but i like this player hope he has a future

Thats some list and we def need some experience around for this

[Dreamsof83]

There is Fotheringham as well, Hutchison and Watson too.....the list goes on and on!!

Personally would be interested in seeing what happens with Mochrie, Freeman and Glass. Hoti may be more a part of it too.

Chalmers has something different about him. Kerr Smith looks ready to me. Neilson perhaps too. Meekison and Fotheringham both full of potential.

Other defenders are probably still a bit away yet I would assume although arguments for Graham based on a full season of playing.

Unpopular opinion, but I would try cash in on Appere if there are any suitors. Seems like a good lad, full of effort and endeavour but I don't think uses his size well enough, tends to hold onto the ball too long and doesn't seem to have a natural goal scoring instinct about him (would love to be proved wrong about this one!).

[darrenshedtastic]

Appere and Chalmers should be the main stays within the squad with a few others getting involvement dependant on who comes back from pre-season well and who Courts feels is ready to make the step up.

Appere i think was used shockingly bad by Mellon. Energy, work-rate, speed the sort of stuff we lacked at times last season. Hopefully Courts recognises this and gets him up top with Shankland. They both compliment each other very well.
Chalmers showed in some of his performances last season that if he gets a run and pushes on then can be a big player for us.

For me I would be bringing......

Graham- Left footed and solid. Looked decent anytime I've seen Cove (only a few times tbh) Slightly older and more experienced than Neilson and K.Smith.
Freeman- Cover for full back. Impressed at Peterhead and looked decent at the start of last season when in the 1st team. Pushing Smith and Robson.
Mochrie/Glass- One of these 2 can be kept in amongst the squad with the other going on loan. Both highly rated but with Glass coming back from long term injury he maybe best suited for a loan. Mochrie possibly could do with a more challenging loan?

Hoti, Meekison, Neilson, Fotheringham or K.Smith- possibly in the squad aswell but depends on signings etc. I think we should give some guys more experience on loan if we have decent cover in those positions.

[TangerineDream]

No way I would want to see Appere go. I rate the big lad also.

Chalmers and young Smith look ready for big involvement. I am hoping to see a bit more of Glass after his early promise.

We have a lot of good young players ready to start coming through actually, so well done to those involved over the years.

[TerryTheTerror]

I thought Meekison showed up really well in the game time he got at the end of the season. I'd be pretty surprised is he wasn't involved a bit more now. But, new man picking the team so we'll have to see.

[Shedboy1971]

I thought Meekison showed up really well in the game time he got at the end of the season. I'd be pretty surprised is he wasn't involved a bit more now. But, new man picking the team so we'll have to see.

cool and at least Courts should know the low down on all their strengths and weaknesses.

[darrenshedtastic]

The main thing about bringing any younger players into the team is that they are surrounded by experienced players or in a system that helps them. Putting one of the younger centre backs alongside Reynolds for example. Experienced pros to help them through.

Also that we don't rush them in too much and take them out if struggling. I'm all for young players being in the first team, we all love to see it but it needs to be done correctly and not just thrown together and hoping for the best. We've been down that road before and it didn't work out well.

[offshore_arab83]

The main thing about bringing any younger players into the team is that they are surrounded by experienced players or in a system that helps them. Putting one of the younger centre backs alongside Reynolds for example. Experienced pros to help them through.

Also that we don't rush them in too much and take them out if struggling. I'm all for young players being in the first team, we all love to see it but it needs to be done correctly and not just thrown together and hoping for the best. We've been down that road before and it didn't work out well.

post of the week this daz

[stokearab]

It's a promising list but I'm not seeing anyone on it that compares to the likes of Gauld Armstrong GMS or Russell. At least not yet.
I have a feeling Mochrie could be one that might in due course.

[Chick A Saw]

The main thing about bringing any younger players into the team is that they are surrounded by experienced players or in a system that helps them. Putting one of the younger centre backs alongside Reynolds for example. Experienced pros to help them through.

Also that we don't rush them in too much and take them out if struggling. I'm all for young players being in the first team, we all love to see it but it needs to be done correctly and not just thrown together and hoping for the best. We've been down that road before and it didn't work out well.

Nae arguments with that!

I am resigned to loosing Siegrist this summer, as long as we get a nice big fee for him that can be invested to keep Edwards, Fuchs and Shankland and bring in 2 or 3 others. Mulgrew is not one of those 2 or 3, but could be good if he can stay away from injury, but we should not be chopping and changing the defence for the hell of it!

This season has to be Chalmers time to shine. He seems to have been around the fringes of the first team for years, and i hope it is him who is the next Armstrong or GMS. For most of the rest, its their time to see if they can start forcing their way into the team, but if Reynolds is off to Cove, sent Nielson or K Smith up there for a season to learn!

[Teddy Bear]

It's a promising list but I'm not seeing anyone on it that compares to the likes of Gauld Armstrong GMS or Russell. At least not yet.
I have a feeling Mochrie could be one that might in due course.

Would like to see Gauld back in Scotland and working his way into the national team. Didn’t see much of him but was the most exciting player in the build up to the semi final and expected massive things from him. He could make a return to tannidice and be a huge influence in the upcoming players at United

[Arabknight]

post of the week this daz

Agree mate the only issue is our experienced pros cld end up being pawlett Reynolds Connelly mulgrew and butcher. Although of a certain standard non are inspiring.

[Shedboy1971]

There is Fotheringham as well, Hutchison and Watson too.....the list goes on and on!!

Personally would be interested in seeing what happens with Mochrie, Freeman and Glass. Hoti may be more a part of it too.

Chalmers has something different about him. Kerr Smith looks ready to me. Neilson perhaps too. Meekison and Fotheringham both full of potential.

Other defenders are probably still a bit away yet I would assume although arguments for Graham based on a full season of playing.

Unpopular opinion, but I would try cash in on Appere if there are any suitors. Seems like a good lad, full of effort and endeavour but I don't think uses his size well enough, tends to hold onto the ball too long and doesn't seem to have a natural goal scoring instinct about him (would love to be proved wrong about this one!).

forgot fotheringham too - good list get a few good pros in (as a few are going) and we get behind Thomas.

[ARAbCHNID]

The main thing about bringing any younger players into the team is that they are surrounded by experienced players or in a system that helps them. Putting one of the younger centre backs alongside Reynolds for example. Experienced pros to help them through.

Also that we don't rush them in too much and take them out if struggling. I'm all for young players being in the first team, we all love to see it but it needs to be done correctly and not just thrown together and hoping for the best. We've been down that road before and it didn't work out well.

I'm sure our Academy staff are very well versed in knowing who and when and for how long Darren. That's what they do and what they're there for.

[Shedboy1971]

so for me these are our key 4: Smith, Glass, Meekison and Chalmers.

[arab1970]

I think Neilson and Mochrie are 2 players that could end up in the EPL

[BackRowArab]

I'm pretty sure I saw Kai Fotheringham wearing number 7 this week, wonder if that means they have big plans for him in the first team this season?

[Shedboy1971]

I'm pretty sure I saw Kai Fotheringham wearing number 7 this week, wonder if that means they have big plans for him in the first team this season?

he left footed? i know he is a forward but often a good opp for them to play out wide to start with

[BackRowArab]

he left footed? i know he is a forward but often a good opp for them to play out wide to start with

Not too sure, might be right footed. I remember last season v Brechin when he played, that he was wide left but came inside on his right foot a lot

[arab1970]

Not too sure, might be right footed. I remember last season v Brechin when he played, that he was wide left but came inside on his right foot a lot

thats wasnt squad numbers they had on. he's right footed

[BackRowArab]

thats wasnt squad numbers they had on. he's right footed

Are you sure? Because Shanks was wearing 24

[BudMill90]

Squad numbers were scattered about. Neilson had 15 but he is 20. Kai had 7 he is 25. Mochrie had 21 he is 26. Flynn Duffy had 3 but he is 40 something.

[Shedboy1971]

Got to say 3 games 3 wins and we dont seem to have broken stride yet. Things look good from a youth perspective. Yes its still "pre season" but we have exceeded last season in the league cup already. League a different level but players looking happy especially shanks. Also what a free kick from Mulgrew. Hope Mochrie is ok - i fvcking hate that pr!ck campbell

[TerryTheTerror]

Mochrie? It was Meekison that went off injured. ☹️

[Shedboy1971]

Mochrie? It was Meekison that went off injured. ☹️

yup sorry after a lovely touch as well

[JUSTaway]

Although it was a cynical challenge on Meekison, it didn't look particularly hard that you would have expected him to be subbed, hopefully just a precaution, but he does look like he has a frail physique, reminds me of Danny Swanson in that sense, so hopefully he doesn't have glass ankles, but might have to work a bit in the gym.

I can't work out Neilson's best position, he looks purposeful striding out from the back with the ball, and although he looks slow, once he builds up a bit of momentum he is pretty powerful hard to stop (bit like Oloffson). When people run at him though, he looks really slow at turning (bit like Petric), and despite his size, looks like he has a bit to learn in terms of his positional sense and aggression in the air. Not sure where his best position is - sweeper/def mid? Looks a bit off the first team yet.

I thought the Watson sub was a bit of strange one at the time, as we needed to get bit of a foothold back in the game, and Clark would have seemed obvious sub if you were putting a striker on, but guess Courts wants to see these guys in action. I've only seen Watson literally a few minutes on subbie appearances, so can't really determine his style, but didn't look like us going down to 10 suited his game, and looked a bit niave, so might be a bit off the first team, or suit a lower league loan. Kai Fotheringham hasn't featured, I thought he showed some good technique in his few subby appearances, but might be another who would benefit from a lower league loan.

I'd say at this stage Smith, Mochrie Chalmers, freeman, Meekison and maybe Duffy could be making contributions to first team. But I've only seen most these players in snippets, and big step up to premier league standards.

[stokearab]

Although it was a cynical challenge on Meekison, it didn't look particularly hard that you would have expected him to be subbed, hopefully just a precaution, but he does look like he has a frail physique, reminds me of Danny Swanson in that sense, so hopefully he doesn't have glass ankles, but might have to work a bit in the gym.

I can't work out Neilson's best position, he looks purposeful striding out from the back with the ball, and although he looks slow, once he builds up a bit of momentum he is pretty powerful hard to stop (bit like Oloffson). When people run at him though, he looks really slow at turning (bit like Petric), and despite his size, looks like he has a bit to learn in terms of his positional sense and aggression in the air. Not sure where his best position is - sweeper/def mid? Looks a bit off the first team yet.

I thought the Watson sub was a bit of strange one at the time, as we needed to get bit of a foothold back in the game, and Clark would have seemed obvious sub if you were putting a striker on, but guess Courts wants to see these guys in action. I've only seen Watson literally a few minutes on subbie appearances, so can't really determine his style, but didn't look like us going down to 10 suited his game, and looked a bit niave, so might be a bit off the first team, or suit a lower league loan. Kai Fotheringham hasn't featured, I thought he showed some good technique in his few subby appearances, but might be another who would benefit from a lower league loan.

I'd say at this stage Smith, Mochrie Chalmers, freeman, Meekison and maybe Duffy could be making contributions to first team. But I've only seen most these players in snippets, and big step up to premier league standards.

Enjoyed your post. If I had to rely on Neilson OR Smith to step in at CB right now I'd choose Neilson. It'll be interesting to see which one of them goes furthest in the game but right now I'd say Neilson is just ahead. (Older??) Neilson can't play at FB though, not agile and fast enough in the modern game. Sorry if that sounds harsh, just based on what I've seen.

If Chalmers can add certain qualities as he develops he might be the best of the crop.
Then there's Billy Gilmour Mochrie, maybe the most exciting of the crop.
Not seen much of the others.
Hopefully the next Andy Gray or Johny Russell is in the development squad somewhere. (I know Gray wasn't Academy btw) A homegrown striker would be something special.

[tHeArAb]

Billy Gilmour Mochrie 😂😂😂😂

[darrenshedtastic]

K.Smith is certainly a good prospect and we certainly seem to be trying to push him into the first team setup as he clearly has the potential, I personally would have wanted him on loan to gain more experience but doubt that will happen considering the talk coming out of the club regarding the links from a move down south and so on.

L.Neilson- I personally think he is slightly ahead of Smith, I feel he seems quite timid when defending but when he is on the ball he is very composed and can be a big asset if wanting to play out from the back. Does need to use his frame more and add that aggression to his game but certainly would like to see more from him. (At CB not WB/RB)

K.Freeman- Was impressed with "sheep" last season when he got a few games then got some valuable experience on loan at Peterhead. He looks energetic, tenacious and has the ability to match. The more confidence he gains he could be a big asset to us as a WB. Seriously pushing Smith for Wb role.

F.Duffy- Been impressive and certainly works hard. Still feel he is very raw and just lacking that bit of experience to stake more of a claim to LWB. Certainly could be useful though. If Robson goes then would certainly be keeping him in and around the squad but if Robson stays he might benefit more from a loan spell.

C.Mochrie- Very composed and positive player. Looks to play forward and certainly has potential to be a big player in the future for us. This role could depend on who we bring in. If we sign 1/2 attacking or creative players then his gametime could be limited so again a loan to Championship side could be best suited for him. If not, get him involved.

L.Chalmers- Big expectations for LC this season. Seems to have been around for a while but never really properly got a run of games. This could be his season (hopefully) Confident and has that creative spark we lack. If he can work on his end product, he could be massive for us.

A.Meekison- Looks like a talent but still looks raw/small frame so would benefit from a loan similar to what Mochrie done.
D.Watson- Not seen much from him but he is getting some decent exposure to games which is good. Likely a loan for him.
K.Fotheringham- Surprised not to have seen him be involved in these games but likely to get a loan.
D.Glass- Coming back from an injury so will likely be sent on loan again but there is certainly a player in there.

[BudMill90]

Although it was a cynical challenge on Meekison, it didn't look particularly hard that you would have expected him to be subbed, hopefully just a precaution, but he does look like he has a frail physique, reminds me of Danny Swanson in that sense, so hopefully he doesn't have glass ankles, but might have to work a bit in the gym.

I can't work out Neilson's best position, he looks purposeful striding out from the back with the ball, and although he looks slow, once he builds up a bit of momentum he is pretty powerful hard to stop (bit like Oloffson). When people run at him though, he looks really slow at turning (bit like Petric), and despite his size, looks like he has a bit to learn in terms of his positional sense and aggression in the air. Not sure where his best position is - sweeper/def mid? Looks a bit off the first team yet.

I thought the Watson sub was a bit of strange one at the time, as we needed to get bit of a foothold back in the game, and Clark would have seemed obvious sub if you were putting a striker on, but guess Courts wants to see these guys in action. I've only seen Watson literally a few minutes on subbie appearances, so can't really determine his style, but didn't look like us going down to 10 suited his game, and looked a bit niave, so might be a bit off the first team, or suit a lower league loan. Kai Fotheringham hasn't featured, I thought he showed some good technique in his few subby appearances, but might be another who would benefit from a lower league loan.

I'd say at this stage Smith, Mochrie Chalmers, freeman, Meekison and maybe Duffy could be making contributions to first team. But I've only seen most these players in snippets, and big step up to premier league standards.

I agree re Neilson. He will no doubt improve all the time but his biggest weakness is his 1-on-1 defending. He turns his back on the back way too often when guys are twisting and turning. This is largely down to the fact that he spent most of his youth career playing as a centre mid so he maybe hasn't developed fully on that front. His positioning will improve all the time but he really needs to work on facing players up and using his frame to see them off.