James McConnell

[Turkish Delight]

Thought he deserved his own thread as the other young lads all had one.

 

His performance in extra time on Sunday was exceptional. I'd go as far as to say I thought for that 30 minutes he was the best player on the pitch after a slow-ish start when he first came on.

 

There was a stat floating around about how he touched the ball twice as many times as both Enzo and Caicedo in that time and the things that stood out to me where that he was always available for the ball and that he used it really well. He just brought a calmness that was way beyond what you'd expect of someone that age.

 

Time will tell on his level but there's definitely potential there.

[Total Longo]

I think it's absolutely clear to see that he's going to be some player.

[TheHowieLama]

It's clear that a fair few of them will. 

[AngryOfTuebrook]

Definitely lying about his age.  Some of his touches just outside the penalty area were so composed and mature, you'd think he was in his mid-thirties.

[JohnnyH]

Nope. Don't like him.

[TheHowieLama]

2 minutes ago, JohnnyH said:

Nope. Don't like him.

You need a bit of that.

[AngryOfTuebrook]

He can go in the summer...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... to Pontins Crocodile Club.

[VladimirIlyich]

The interesting thing about McConnell,Clarke,Danns et al is how the new manager treats them. I'd be very confident with Klopp bringing them on but a new manager has a job to follow his style of Youth development.

[Pidge]

McConnell and Bajcetic will be competing for time. Clark will be involved regardless, unless he elects to take the loan route next season - I think he's pretty close to Elliott in talent level. 

 

No idea on Danns. Looks excellent talent, but might need more time to fully develop. Could easily see him fit a niche in our attack though. Going to be a proper centre forward.

[Bobby Hundreds]

Been burnt by too many Ibes, Brewsters... woodburns! 

[Strontium]

Got a ready-made song too, "Jimmy Mack"

[Kevin D]

Is he the one that cynically stopped Chelsea when they were about to break and was rightly booked?

 

I like him.

[beejay]

7 minutes ago, Kevin D said:

Is he the one that cynically stopped Chelsea when they were about to break and was rightly booked?

 

I like him.

Yep. A blue card for sure, nice one James. 

 

We can't get too carried away, I remember thinking our centre midfield duo when we beat Everton in the Cup with the youth team would go onto the big stage but last I heard they were playing in Scottish league. 

 

Is McConnell ahead of Morton in developing to the first team? We will see but let's enjoy the moment for all these lads 

[aws]

I think Morton is a fair way ahead in development as he’s nearly had  a season of proper football and seems to be getting good reviews.  

[Bob]

3 hours ago, Bobby Hundreds said:

Been burnt by too many Ibes, Brewsters... woodburns! 

Your Richie Partridges. Your David Ravens.

[Chris]

32 minutes ago, Bob said:

Your Richie Partridges. Your David Ravens.

 

No-one better say Neil Mellor here...

[joe_fishfish]

1 hour ago, aws said:

I think Morton is a fair way ahead in development as he’s nearly had  a season of proper football and seems to be getting good reviews.  

He'll be nearly 22 before he can even kick a ball for us in a competitive match. Over the hill.

[Bob]

9 minutes ago, Chris said:

 

No-one better say Neil Mellor here...

I started to type it but couldn't bring myself to.

[Ron B]

46 minutes ago, Chris said:

 

No-one better say Neil Mellor here...

Can I say Jay Spearing? 15 years since he broke into the first team and he’s as important to the first team as ever!

[Pidge]

3 hours ago, joe_fishfish said:

He'll be nearly 22 before he can even kick a ball for us in a competitive match. Over the hill.

 

Already played nine games for the first team before going on loan, but sure.