Tommy Lowery

[somersetcrewe]

For me, above all else, what these youngsters give us is a succession plan - and continuity - from the bottom (U18s and 1st year pros) to management (look at Lunt, Bell, Morris, etc).
Saves us having to completely rebuild every couple of years like other clubs have had to do - Yeovil since their rapid drop from the Championship, Vale this Summer and so on - so unlike them, we are not filled with a team of nobodies who don't know each other and need time to gel.

Not seen much of Lowery live myself (next chance - Wycombe on 26th) but his composure on the ball is there for all to see. I didn't honestly think we would cope without Jones as well as we have. Beginning to wonder where Jones would fit in to be honest. I guess he would replace Wintle but DA really rates that guy.
Tough call.

[AstonAlex]

Agreed, Somerset, which takes me back to a post on another thread questioning the sense in taking the Everton lad on loan. If we can't get Jones on the park ahead of Walker and Wintle where does he fit in?

Going back to the kids coming through I think Artell is in a similar place to Davis when he took over. He was blessed with Murphy, Westwood and Powell, with Clayton, Ajay, Mellor, Ray his son and others not far behind and, after initial success, blew it by not getting the right players around them and, in at least one case, totally undermining the confidence of the young players. Dave has Cooper, Jones and Ray as experienced first teasers, with and, Wintle, Lowery, Ainley and others coming through. For me he has already recruited better and, with King Kenny's support, looks a better bet to instil these lads with the sort of confidence required to have a good career.

But I guess only time will tell - thank goodness for the Academy all the same.

[out0lunch]

Whilst praising the academy, thoroughly deserved I think a special mention must go to Raynes as he has added much needed steel to the defence. He won’t allow himself to be bullied and gives as good as he gets and more