Dave U - you're opinion on Jimmy Ryan in the u-17s ?

[Will M]

..bearing in mind he's only 15 !

(I have a "connection")

Will M

[sammya]

why are our under 17's so young. the coach is always going on about how he picked this or that many 15 or 14 year olds

[Maldini]

don't think they picked up as many scholarship lads this year as they have in the past, possibly with the restructuring of the age groups in mind

Jimmy Ryan seems to be handy enough, not seen him play but he's always mentioned favourably for the Irish youth side

[dave u]

Good player. Strong, hard working and a good footballer. Had an excellent game yesterday, and doesn't look at all out of place in a higher age group.

[Maldini]

Dave is there anyone in the academy who stands out in the way that Stevie G did or even in the way that John Welsh did?

[dave u]

Originally Posted by Maldini Dave is there anyone in the academy who stands out in the way that Stevie G did or even in the way that John Welsh did?

Too early to say, but the early signs are that John Paul Kelly looks a bit special. Danny Guthrie is progressing well too, as is Lee Peltier, but there's no-one I'd say is 100% certain to make it, especially with the way things are at the moment, plus the fact that next year it goes to under 18.

That means its going to be very hard for lads to come through. At least now they can stay til they're 19 before the club has to make a decision. From next season once they turn 18 its either Melwood or they're released. Although I've heard that clubs can field four 19 year olds. Not sure on that though.

[Maldini]

yeah heard that too, makes sense

Also, what's the story with Mannix? is he a lost cause?

And just how good is he? Must have a bit about him if the club are going to extreme lengths to get him back

[dave u]

Doesn't look too good for Mannix, and he is out for the season, which is basically three seasons in a row he's missed now more or less.

The lad is something special though, which is why the club are doing all they can to get him fit. The latest injury is a different one to what he had, but its the same knee so presumably its all related.

Hopefully he's be able to get fit next season and show what he can do.

[Al Campbell]

Coventry will be excited!

[Maldini]

We should send him over here, a guy I know who used to play for Leeds (won the youth cup with Harry, as well as euro u-18's under brian kerr) had similar trouble to Mannix and was all set to give up the game permanently until he went to see a herbalist called Sean Boylan, who also happens to be the manager of the Meath Gaelic Football team, he gave him some crap and a training regime that fixed him up better than ever, back playing League of Ireland now

[Cam]

Unless I misheard, there were 2 Ryans given Player of the Month awards (January) on Wednesday night - are they brothers?

[dave u]

Originally Posted by Cam Unless I misheard, there were 2 Ryans given Player of the Month awards (January) on Wednesday night - are they brothers?

Dunno, maybe Will M can shed some light on that.

[Torby]

Originally Posted by dave u Too early to say, but the early signs are that John Paul Kelly looks a bit special. Danny Guthrie is progressing well too, as is Lee Peltier, but there's no-one I'd say is 100% certain to make it, especially with the way things are at the moment, plus the fact that next year it goes to under 18. That means its going to be very hard for lads to come through. At least now they can stay til they're 19 before the club has to make a decision. From next season once they turn 18 its either Melwood or they're released. Although I've heard that clubs can field four 19 year olds. Not sure on that though.

John Owens has confirmed that you can play one U19 goalkeeper and three U19 outfield players next season, thus Paul Willis being kept on.

[Will M]

I think he did get player of the month but he hasn't got any brothers.

Will M

[reds4ever]

I have seen jimmy ryan many times and think hes a great player, have my eyes on him for years now and the kids got somethink special, I have read up on him playin for ireland and they seem to think hes a cracking player also. keep an eye on this lad

[PaulMcC]

Do you know if Paul Willis has been released Dave? I heard he had but i thought he was highly thought of by the academy staff.