Jimmy Jay Morgan not to sign a pro contract at club!

[Saint_clark]

On 24/01/2023 at 17:51, Daft Kerplunk said:

If the pathway doesn’t exist for our own, then there’s no point in young players coming through the academy or staying that long. The players will see this and know they need to leave to play. As you rightly point out, the club is not scoring goals but the my might be happy to sign a player for £25m who looks okay at best. Not great, and another example of Semmens and Co cocking it up over the period they’ve been here, and now. That won’t change.

Yep, he left to play, can't argue with that. 

Ungrateful little prick.

[Pilchards]

5 hours ago, kristian said:

Joe Shields tapped him up no doubt.

Enjoy your money as you will never set foot on that first team bench EVER.

Infact I would go as far as saying you will never hear his name again as Chelsea don’t develop players anymore with a ridiculous over spending owner.

Edited 1 February, 2023 by Pilchards

[AlexLaw76]

I see the lad has opted for early retirement. 
 

shame

[SuperSAINT]

All about that pathway.

[FarehamSaintJames]

5 hours ago, ecurnew02 said:

This obviously was never about play time and more about money. He’ll be going on loan to Cardiff City in 4 years at Chelsea 

I’d say even Cardiff is an ambitious level. 😅

Ryan Seager-esque may he go.

I‘m guessing he didn’t consult Tyler Dibling on this move. 👍🏻

Edited 1 February, 2023 by FarehamSaintJames

[Saint86]

A shame to lose him, one of the best young players we've produced in many years by all accounts. I hope for his sake that he hasn't just pissed his career away, would still have played at a good level in our academy, and would certainly have been on line for first team football earlier - especially if we got relegated. 

As an aside, not really convinced SR have any real interest in our academy and developing our own young prospects. 

Edited 2 February, 2023 by Saint86

[LGTL]

Not a surprise. He only left Chelsea in the first place because parents couldn’t continue travelling up to Cobham 3/4 times a week. They’ve kept tabs on him ever since and this was always going to happen if he was in any way successful. He’s about to receive genuinely life changing money at 17 years old, and we’ve got Nathan Jones in charge. Good luck to him.

[Give it to Ron]

36 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

A shame to lose him, one of the best young players we've produced in many years by all accounts. I hope for his sake that he hasn't just pisses his career away, would still have played at a good level in our academy, and would certainly have been on line for first team football earlier - especially if we got relegated. 

As an aside, not really convinced SR have any real interest in our academy and developing our own young prospects. 

They got rid of it at Brentford and just had a B team!

[Chez]

Bloody nightmare seeing genuine talent leave. Not a great advert for the academy. However, I'm not sure what Saints could do other than match Chelsea's offer, but they are paying 'other level' amounts. The fee is huge at least.

[SuperSAINT]

My worry is he won’t be alone in leaving.

[woodsaint1]

Who is advising this kid? If he had've moved to City or United or Arsenal, I could genuinely understand this as there is currently a pathway to the first team if your good enough. But Chelsea? They've spent 600m since Boehly came in and god knows what they'll spent in the next few windows. That pathway has all but disappeared. You just need to look at Broja, broke into the first team squad then gets his injury. When he returns in the summer he'll be behind Nkunku, Madueke, Havertz, Mudryk and Fofana - before they even splash another 200m on forwards.

[Chez]

10 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

Who is advising this kid? If he had've moved to City or United or Arsenal, I could genuinely understand this as there is currently a pathway to the first team if your good enough. But Chelsea? They've spent 600m since Boehly came in and god knows what they'll spent in the next few windows. That pathway has all but disappeared. You just need to look at Broja, broke into the first team squad then gets his injury. When he returns in the summer he'll be behind Nkunku, Madueke, Havertz, Mudryk and Fofana - before they even splash another 200m on forwards.

It's a profession. He will spend three or four years earning vast amounts while learning the game. It's a no brainer. 

[beatlesaint]

All about the large compensation package then. 
 

He had 18 months left didn’t he? How many times does a 17 year old lad change his mind in 18 months? Should have kept him until the summer at least and see how he felt then. 
 

Keep a look out for his name on the Leyton Orient team sheet in a few years.

[Junior Mullet]

Disappointed he didn't get a game when he's been running rings around our defenders in training.  Could have made a real splash for himself if he was given the chance.

[SaintsLoyal]

The agent has done a right number on him and i suppose Joe Shields has been involved as well.

All about the money 

 

[Dusic]

FYI, Chelsea's best XI (and first team squad) contains more academy players in it than ours does.

If he is good enough, and the signs suggest he quite possibly is, then he will make it.

Massive blow to lose top talents and because he isn't on a pro deal the compensation is probably poor.

[S-Clarke]

14 minutes ago, Dusic said:

FYI, Chelsea's best XI (and first team squad) contains more academy players in it than ours does.

If he is good enough, and the signs suggest he quite possibly is, then he will make it.

Massive blow to lose top talents and because he isn't on a pro deal the compensation is probably poor.

Can't see him ever playing a game for Chelsea, certainly not when they're happy to spend £105m to fix any hole they currently have, as they’re no longer in the market to wait for young players to develop.

At least he has a decent bank balance now. Delayed his career by many, many years though.

[Chez]

I know Chelsea offered silly money. Impossible for him to turn down. You can talk about the lack of pathways, but the long and short of it is he's getting paid now and not five years time. The fee is also huge. Saints academy well and truely paid up for a while. He will go out on loan straight away, I think. 

[tunit]

If your motivation at 16 is money then good riddance

Edited 1 February, 2023 by tunit

[tunit]

Was stood next to his dad at a B team game at Totton and he didn't seem like a very nice man, scousers too...

Edited 1 February, 2023 by tunit

[SuperSAINT]

 

[Mr Nimbus]

For those that have seen them, how does he compare to Ballard & Dibling? Am I right in thinking both of those are thought of highly by the powers that be?

I know Ballard has featured in the first team set up. Is JJM thought to be potentially better than those?

[Luke SkyWalker-Peters]

1 minute ago, Mr Nimbus said:

For those that have seen them, how does he compare to Ballard & Dibling? Am I right in thinking both of those are thought of highly by the powers that be?

I know Ballard has featured in the first team set up. Is JJM thought to be potentially better than those?

Better than Ballard, more consistent than Dibling but with a lower ceiling.

In more detail:

Ballard is obviously a year older, but JJM is bigger, faster, has better ability in build-up play (dribbling, movement passing etc) and better finishing. JJM is one of the best players in his age group in the country. He is incredibly consistent as a goalscorer and has played as a CF in a strike partnership for our academy, but also successfully as a lone striker for England.

Ballard is a very good youth player, but doesn't have the physical attributes to create something with his speed or power, so he is at a disadvantage. Morgan has a bit more speed and the frame to bulk up a bit. So, I think (and I'm no authority) Ballard would likely become a starter in the Championship or League One (so a good squad player for us). JJM is a level above, but he isn't on the generational talent level that is usually required to be a starter at a club like Chelsea - but I could have seen him starting for a PL side like Southampton.

Dibling, unlike Ballard and JJM who play as strikers, is a left-footed RW. He, frankly, does stuff that you rarely see youth players do. He has a bit of Bale about him when you see him strike the ball with his left - it can be an absolute rocket. He's big for a winger (must be 6ft+), has excellent ability with the ball. He looks like he could be playing for a CL club in the future. However, he clearly hasn't been consistent enough as he is still with the U18s this season. But, when he is playing well, like he did against Aston Villa U18s in the FA Youth Cup, he looks like a generational talent - with the Villa commentator that day comparing him to Grealish after 20 minutes (he went on to score two goals after that). I saw an England U16 game where he was pretty invisible, but if he can get consistency to his game then he will be the best of the lot. So, with Dibling, its hard to tell - the potential is higher than Morgan, but he doesn't have the consistency.

Should mention that I think Kami Doyle, same year as Ballard, in the B team looks very good. He is a genuinly two-footed player that takes corners and free-kicks with both feet. I'm not sure what position is best for him as he doesn't have electric pace you would like from an attacker or the physicality you'd like from a CM. I guess CM, but will require some development.

Meghoma and Boot are two other players in the U18s worth keeping an eye on. Same age group as Morgan and Dibling, they were pinched from Spurs and Bournemouth respectfully. Meghoma looks far better defensively (whilst being very good going forward) than Thierry Small at LB, who is a couple of years older than him, and Boot looks like a class CB - but that is a difficult position to evaluate at youth level.

[OldNick]

Money may well ruin him. It is a shame, but football is a game of greed and disloyalty

[SambaMaverick]

So he's behind the Itchen North operation!!

[kristian]

25 minutes ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Better than Ballard, more consistent than Dibling but with a lower ceiling.

In more detail:

Ballard is obviously a year older, but JJM is bigger, faster, has better ability in build-up play (dribbling, movement passing etc) and better finishing. JJM is one of the best players in his age group in the country. He is incredibly consistent as a goalscorer and has played as a CF in a strike partnership for our academy, but also successfully as a lone striker for England.

Ballard is a very good youth player, but doesn't have the physical attributes to create something with his speed or power, so he is at a disadvantage. Morgan has a bit more speed and the frame to bulk up a bit. So, I think (and I'm no authority) Ballard would likely become a starter in the Championship or League One (so a good squad player for us). JJM is a level above, but he isn't on the generational talent level that is usually required to be a starter at a club like Chelsea - but I could have seen him starting for a PL side like Southampton.

Dibling, unlike Ballard and JJM who play as strikers, is a left-footed RW. He, frankly, does stuff that you rarely see youth players do. He has a bit of Bale about him when you see him strike the ball with his left - it can be an absolute rocket. He's big for a winger (must be 6ft+), has excellent ability with the ball. He looks like he could be playing for a CL club in the future. However, he clearly hasn't been consistent enough as he is still with the U18s this season. But, when he is playing well, like he did against Aston Villa U18s in the FA Youth Cup, he looks like a generational talent - with the Villa commentator that day comparing him to Grealish after 20 minutes (he went on to score two goals after that). I saw an England U16 game where he was pretty invisible, but if he can get consistency to his game then he will be the best of the lot. So, with Dibling, its hard to tell - the potential is higher than Morgan, but he doesn't have the consistency.

Should mention that I think Kami Doyle, same year as Ballard, in the B team looks very good. He is a genuinly two-footed player that takes corners and free-kicks with both feet. I'm not sure what position is best for him as he doesn't have electric pace you would like from an attacker or the physicality you'd like from a CM. I guess CM, but will require some development.

Meghoma and Boot are two other players in the U18s worth keeping an eye on. Same age group as Morgan and Dibling, they were pinched from Spurs and Bournemouth respectfully. Meghoma looks far better defensively (whilst being very good going forward) than Thierry Small at LB, who is a couple of years older than him, and Boot looks like a class CB - but that is a difficult position to evaluate at youth level.

Was going to drop a reply too but this is absolutely spot on in every way re:JJM, Ballard and Dibling. I'd also include Kami Doyle as well who I believe is the most talented in our 18s or 21s and has been part of a brilliant partnership with Ballard for a few years now, they are always on the same wavelength. Quite surprised we've held onto him for so long already.

[woodsaint1]

6 hours ago, Dusic said:

FYI, Chelsea's best XI (and first team squad) contains more academy players in it than ours does.

If he is good enough, and the signs suggest he quite possibly is, then he will make it.

Massive blow to lose top talents and because he isn't on a pro deal the compensation is probably poor.

It wont come next season. Maybe James will be in the starting lineup, but the likes of Mount, Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek, Broja etc will be phased out to the periphery of the squad (to keep within the homegrown rule). Scary to think what they might spend this summer

[Mr Nimbus]

47 minutes ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Better than Ballard, more consistent than Dibling but with a lower ceiling.

In more detail:

Ballard is obviously a year older, but JJM is bigger, faster, has better ability in build-up play (dribbling, movement passing etc) and better finishing. JJM is one of the best players in his age group in the country. He is incredibly consistent as a goalscorer and has played as a CF in a strike partnership for our academy, but also successfully as a lone striker for England.

Ballard is a very good youth player, but doesn't have the physical attributes to create something with his speed or power, so he is at a disadvantage. Morgan has a bit more speed and the frame to bulk up a bit. So, I think (and I'm no authority) Ballard would likely become a starter in the Championship or League One (so a good squad player for us). JJM is a level above, but he isn't on the generational talent level that is usually required to be a starter at a club like Chelsea - but I could have seen him starting for a PL side like Southampton.

Dibling, unlike Ballard and JJM who play as strikers, is a left-footed RW. He, frankly, does stuff that you rarely see youth players do. He has a bit of Bale about him when you see him strike the ball with his left - it can be an absolute rocket. He's big for a winger (must be 6ft+), has excellent ability with the ball. He looks like he could be playing for a CL club in the future. However, he clearly hasn't been consistent enough as he is still with the U18s this season. But, when he is playing well, like he did against Aston Villa U18s in the FA Youth Cup, he looks like a generational talent - with the Villa commentator that day comparing him to Grealish after 20 minutes (he went on to score two goals after that). I saw an England U16 game where he was pretty invisible, but if he can get consistency to his game then he will be the best of the lot. So, with Dibling, its hard to tell - the potential is higher than Morgan, but he doesn't have the consistency.

Should mention that I think Kami Doyle, same year as Ballard, in the B team looks very good. He is a genuinly two-footed player that takes corners and free-kicks with both feet. I'm not sure what position is best for him as he doesn't have electric pace you would like from an attacker or the physicality you'd like from a CM. I guess CM, but will require some development.

Meghoma and Boot are two other players in the U18s worth keeping an eye on. Same age group as Morgan and Dibling, they were pinched from Spurs and Bournemouth respectfully. Meghoma looks far better defensively (whilst being very good going forward) than Thierry Small at LB, who is a couple of years older than him, and Boot looks like a class CB - but that is a difficult position to evaluate at youth level.

Thank you for that incredibly detailed write up, really appreciate it. Pardon my ignorance, but is there anywhere online etc the youth games get streamed/broadcasted?

[LaptopSaint]

£6m for a 17-year-old who doesn't want to stay in un-turndownable...

 

Gutted to lose part of the Itchen North Massive though

Edited 1 February, 2023 by LaptopSaint

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

2 hours ago, SambaMaverick said:

So he's behind the Itchen North operation!!

As someone said earlier - ungrateful little prick!

[Saint86]

2 hours ago, SambaMaverick said:

So he's behind the Itchen North operation!!

Isn't that aimed at our fans....

[SambaMaverick]

Just now, Saint86 said:

Isn't that aimed at our fans....

Yes in the Everton away end

[FarehamSaintJames]

4 hours ago, SuperSAINT said:

 

He does seem a bit of a bellend.

Possibly £6m for a player that has yet to prove anything going to a club the famously doesn’t give youth a chance? Good luck to him. I think he’ll need it. 😅

[Luke SkyWalker-Peters]

3 hours ago, kristian said:

Was going to drop a reply too but this is absolutely spot on in every way re:JJM, Ballard and Dibling. I'd also include Kami Doyle as well who I believe is the most talented in our 18s or 21s and has been part of a brilliant partnership with Ballard for a few years now, they are always on the same wavelength. Quite surprised we've held onto him for so long already.

Yes, Kami looks very good. I know it became a large wall of text, but I did mention him in the penultimate paragraph. My only concern for Doyle is the position he will play in men's football. He seems incredibly suited as one of Ralph's 10s as he isn't the fastest or the biggest.

Physically and with his two-footedness, in my opinion, he is comparable to Elyounoussi stylistically. I know that isn't a comparison that would get many on here excited, but I'm sure the club would be delighted if some of these youth players turned into useful first team players after so long without any (the belated effects of relegation I assume).

[Luke SkyWalker-Peters]

3 hours ago, Mr Nimbus said:

Thank you for that incredibly detailed write up, really appreciate it. Pardon my ignorance, but is there anywhere online etc the youth games get streamed/broadcasted?

So, when clubs are in PL2 Division 1 I believe all the games have to be livestreamed in some capacity. We used to do ours on youtube and the B team has played away games where the opposition have done that this season (Everton in the PL Cup springs to mind). Some teams will stream U18s games as well, I'll occasionally do a search on youtube and see if any youth team opponents streamed the games.

Other games are scattered around. For instance, I paid £2 for a month of Villa TV to watch the FA Youth Cup match. England youth games are sometimes livestreamed depending on the tournaments.

Obviously you can watch all the highlights on the Saints website. I'd like to go to a B team game at Totton, out of curiosity to see how they compare to other levels, but I am not local enough to justify doing that.

Oddly, instagram is quite useful for seeing what some of these players are about. They mostly seem to be managed by some sort of agent and all have a personal highlight reel for each season and internationals. So you can see their "best bits" that might not be available anywhere else (e.g. an England friendly) - not the best way to judge players, admittedly, but you get a sense of what they are about.

[SaintJackoInHurworth]

1 hour ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Better than Ballard, more consistent than Dibling but with a lower ceiling.

In more detail:

Ballard is obviously a year older, but JJM is bigger, faster, has better ability in build-up play (dribbling, movement passing etc) and better finishing. JJM is one of the best players in his age group in the country. He is incredibly consistent as a goalscorer and has played as a CF in a strike partnership for our academy, but also successfully as a lone striker for England.

Ballard is a very good youth player, but doesn't have the physical attributes to create something with his speed or power, so he is at a disadvantage. Morgan has a bit more speed and the frame to bulk up a bit. So, I think (and I'm no authority) Ballard would likely become a starter in the Championship or League One (so a good squad player for us). JJM is a level above, but he isn't on the generational talent level that is usually required to be a starter at a club like Chelsea - but I could have seen him starting for a PL side like Southampton.

Dibling, unlike Ballard and JJM who play as strikers, is a left-footed RW. He, frankly, does stuff that you rarely see youth players do. He has a bit of Bale about him when you see him strike the ball with his left - it can be an absolute rocket. He's big for a winger (must be 6ft+), has excellent ability with the ball. He looks like he could be playing for a CL club in the future. However, he clearly hasn't been consistent enough as he is still with the U18s this season. But, when he is playing well, like he did against Aston Villa U18s in the FA Youth Cup, he looks like a generational talent - with the Villa commentator that day comparing him to Grealish after 20 minutes (he went on to score two goals after that). I saw an England U16 game where he was pretty invisible, but if he can get consistency to his game then he will be the best of the lot. So, with Dibling, its hard to tell - the potential is higher than Morgan, but he doesn't have the consistency.

Should mention that I think Kami Doyle, same year as Ballard, in the B team looks very good. He is a genuinly two-footed player that takes corners and free-kicks with both feet. I'm not sure what position is best for him as he doesn't have electric pace you would like from an attacker or the physicality you'd like from a CM. I guess CM, but will require some development.

Meghoma and Boot are two other players in the U18s worth keeping an eye on. Same age group as Morgan and Dibling, they were pinched from Spurs and Bournemouth respectfully. Meghoma looks far better defensively (whilst being very good going forward) than Thierry Small at LB, who is a couple of years older than him, and Boot looks like a class CB - but that is a difficult position to evaluate at youth level.

Interesting perspectives there. I am particularly interested in your view of Ballard and Dibling.

As it happens, I went to the Middlesbrough U21 v Saints B fixture last Friday and saw the two of them play. Ballard played from the start and scored two goals; Dibling came on as a sub late in the game. I was also keeping an eye on other players to see who caught my eye.

I would say that I could tell that a lot of the players had bags of potential but were clearly a long way from being ready for the first team just yet. The only player that in any way stood out was in fact Dom Ballard. His touch on the ball, technical ability and awareness seemed much better than other players and while I wouldn't say he was a dominant force in the game (he actually drifted in and out) you could tell he was one who could potentially be getting close to ready to make some appearances for the first team.

Dibling on the other hand didn't have much time to do anything, but sadly didn't really show much in the few minutes that he was on the pitch, apart from one chance where he went close. That is not to judge or criticise or suggest that he doesn't have the ability of course - just that in this particular game he didn't show anything special.

For me other notable players included Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Kamari Doyle; Jack Turner and Luke Pearce did ok too, so it is interesting to see that both have now gone out on loan. I also took note of Leon Pambou - though more for his immense size than for any partticular outstanding play - he is quite a unit!!

[STEVEADAMS]

14 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Isn't that aimed at our fans....

What is this can’t seem any of the pics posted

[Mr Nimbus]

13 hours ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Yes, Kami looks very good. I know it became a large wall of text, but I did mention him in the penultimate paragraph. My only concern for Doyle is the position he will play in men's football. He seems incredibly suited as one of Ralph's 10s as he isn't the fastest or the biggest.

Physically and with his two-footedness, in my opinion, he is comparable to Elyounoussi stylistically. I know that isn't a comparison that would get many on here excited, but I'm sure the club would be delighted if some of these youth players turned into useful first team players after so long without any (the belated effects of relegation I assume).

I think your last part of the post is incredibly important. That should really be what the academy is for. Not everyone is going to be a Bale/Shaw etc. However, if we can get 2/3 squad players from it plus a real gem then it really serves it purpose.

That's the disappointing thing for me recently. I don't feel (perhaps wrongly) enough are making that transition to be in the first team squad.

I wonder if this will be addressed in the summer. We have a quite bloated first team now and I wonder if some of the older players may be moved on to allow the pathway to become a bit clearer. May be a necessity if/when we are relegated of course. 

Edited 2 February, 2023 by Mr Nimbus

[trousers]

38 minutes ago, STEVEADAMS said:

What is this can’t seem any of the pics posted

Think it originated from this video?

Edited 2 February, 2023 by trousers

[Turkish]

10 minutes ago, trousers said:

Think it originated from this video?

Surely that isn't Jimmy-Jay Morgan? What an absolute bellend, pointing to his CP Company badge 

[trousers]

1 minute ago, Turkish said:

Surely that isn't Jimmy-Jay Morgan? What an absolute bellend, pointing to his CP Company badge 

Someone posted that he's the chap next to the buffoon in white. I've no idea if it is or not. 

[S-Clarke]

I think he's the guy in the black t-shirt, he does look pretty much identical.

[Pilchards]

You telling me this Morgan guy is in the Everton/Brighton (confused) fans section giving it to the fans who’s club employed him?

Seriously this guy has a fucking screw loose. I bet he would turn that jacket inside out and put a hat on when leaving the ground the big coward.

Edited 2 February, 2023 by Pilchards

[tunit]

It is him. Like I said further up, his dad had a scouse accent when i overheard him at a B team game. Not the best look to taunt fans of the team you play for, and the players you train with. Good player but even at 16 he has a terrible attitude, good decision to get him gone especially for a few million

[swannymere]

I think the most important aspect of this is that do we really want someone called Jimmy Joe playing for the club (Cue flashbacks to Irish funerals in my teens and fights).

[S-Clarke]

18 hours ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Better than Ballard, more consistent than Dibling but with a lower ceiling.

In more detail:

Ballard is obviously a year older, but JJM is bigger, faster, has better ability in build-up play (dribbling, movement passing etc) and better finishing. JJM is one of the best players in his age group in the country. He is incredibly consistent as a goalscorer and has played as a CF in a strike partnership for our academy, but also successfully as a lone striker for England.

Ballard is a very good youth player, but doesn't have the physical attributes to create something with his speed or power, so he is at a disadvantage. Morgan has a bit more speed and the frame to bulk up a bit. So, I think (and I'm no authority) Ballard would likely become a starter in the Championship or League One (so a good squad player for us). JJM is a level above, but he isn't on the generational talent level that is usually required to be a starter at a club like Chelsea - but I could have seen him starting for a PL side like Southampton.

Dibling, unlike Ballard and JJM who play as strikers, is a left-footed RW. He, frankly, does stuff that you rarely see youth players do. He has a bit of Bale about him when you see him strike the ball with his left - it can be an absolute rocket. He's big for a winger (must be 6ft+), has excellent ability with the ball. He looks like he could be playing for a CL club in the future. However, he clearly hasn't been consistent enough as he is still with the U18s this season. But, when he is playing well, like he did against Aston Villa U18s in the FA Youth Cup, he looks like a generational talent - with the Villa commentator that day comparing him to Grealish after 20 minutes (he went on to score two goals after that). I saw an England U16 game where he was pretty invisible, but if he can get consistency to his game then he will be the best of the lot. So, with Dibling, its hard to tell - the potential is higher than Morgan, but he doesn't have the consistency.

Should mention that I think Kami Doyle, same year as Ballard, in the B team looks very good. He is a genuinly two-footed player that takes corners and free-kicks with both feet. I'm not sure what position is best for him as he doesn't have electric pace you would like from an attacker or the physicality you'd like from a CM. I guess CM, but will require some development.

Meghoma and Boot are two other players in the U18s worth keeping an eye on. Same age group as Morgan and Dibling, they were pinched from Spurs and Bournemouth respectfully. Meghoma looks far better defensively (whilst being very good going forward) than Thierry Small at LB, who is a couple of years older than him, and Boot looks like a class CB - but that is a difficult position to evaluate at youth level.

Thanks for the insight, very interesting to hear. I've always thought Dibling had something more about him, glad we got him back. He seems to have a knack of scoring the identical goal from just outside the box after running from deep.

There is a post from someone very closely connected to the youth setup on one of the Athletic articles and he suggested that Morgan asked for 'at least' 12k per week to sign a pro deal at Saints. Obviously Chelsea gave him what he wanted as they're idiots with money.

Worryingly he suggested that Ballard is now also asking for the same (upwards of 12k p/w) and is so far not interested in signing pro.

[SotonianWill]

50 minutes ago, trousers said:

Think it originated from this video?

I remember this guy and his harry maguire look alike of a mate

[SuperSAINT]

7 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Worryingly he suggested that Ballard is now also asking for the same (upwards of 12k p/w) and is so far not interested in signing pro.

Dom is already a pro. Was it someone else?

[S-Clarke]

Just now, SuperSAINT said:

Dom is already a pro. Was it someone else?

That blows that rumour then, definitely said Ballard so maybe we're trying to renegotiate another deal with him or something?

Could well be someone else. Didn't sound like he was making it up as he was well connected, so his lines may have been crossed.

[SuperSAINT]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

That blows that rumour then, definitely said Ballard so maybe we're trying to renegotiate another deal with him or something?

Could well be someone else. Didn't sound like he was making it up as he was well connected, so his lines may have been crossed.

I’ve heard others are unhappy in the academy. So would match with what he says.