.... and Bolton Wanderers

[ShropshireAlex]

Deviating a bit. Just noticed that Oli Lancashire scored for Southampton U21's last night against FGR, where he is on the coaching staff. Bizarre competition this. He must have found the elixir of youth.

My understanding is they signed him as player coach for the U21s, with the intention that he play quite a bit (skipper too maybe?). Seems strange for him to play in this competition though.

[MikeSB]

My understanding is they signed him as player coach for the U21s, with the intention that he play quite a bit (skipper too maybe?). Seems strange for him to play in this competition though.

Sorry but its a load of nonsense. Not one player OVER the age of 21 should be playing in any side that is listed as under 21 etc...Ditto all the other groups like under 23...I know lets have these retired footballers playing alongside 5 year olds and getting shown up by natural ability. I wonder how many ex footballers are in these academies across the world and not just the UK...Can anyone please say they are making a difference compared with yesteryear and if you want the proof. Its here on this thread highlighting the quality of Frannie Lee...

I'm not sure about the value of these cup competitions because losing badly could affect the league results and hope it doesn't this season. I mean most of these teams are playing second and third eleven anyway and why not bring back the reserve teams they had for a century....