Recent Development Squad Games 2015/16

[HertfordBee]

The last two Development Squad matches - away at Millwall and today against Barnsley - have produced some outstanding football and some performances that promise great things in the future. For the last couple of years there haven't, in all honesty, been too many players to catch the eye in the Development Squad and the better ones have probably been League Two standard at 'very best'.

The same probably applied to the squad at the start of this season, in my opinion, but with some excellent additions this season the wheat has now been sorted from the chaff and the team selections during the last month or so have made it clear which ones won't be here next season and there's been a pretty much settled team.

There are a couple of really great prospects in Aaron Greene and Jermaine Udumaga, along with the new boy Josh Laurent (from QPR) - all of whom I reckon have a better than even chance of making the breakthrough. Add to that list Montell Moore and there's a quartet with massive promise.

We've already seen Herson Rodrigues Alves from the youth team offered a Development Squad contract and, as good as he is, there are four or five others who must surely also be offered terms from the current youth team. The likes of Courtney Senior, Gradi Milenge, James Ferry and Bradley Clayton must be here for the long-term and a more exciting group of youngsters I haven't seen for a long, long time.

The fruits of the huge investment in youth development are starting to ripen, I reckon.

There's a Development Squad game scheduled for Griffin Park on Saturday week and if the last two games are anything to go by, it could be a highly entertaining afternoon. Lee Carsley has certainly created an environment for playing superb, passing and attacking football.

Also, I've not seen it announced anywhere, but it looks like Chris Haslam, who was the highly-rated Head of Conditioning before heading north with Rosler to Wigan, is back again. He (or his identical twin!) has been doing the pre-match/half-time warm-ups in the last two Development Squad games. The give-away clue might have been the CH on the shirt of the mystery-man!!

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Thanks for that Hertford Bee. Can you describe what type of player Josh Laurent is and whether you think he is ready for the first team yet?

 

[mhead bee]

The last two Development Squad matches - away at Millwall and today against Barnsley - have produced some outstanding football and some performances that promise great things in the future. For the last couple of years there haven't, in all honesty, been too many players to catch the eye in the Development Squad and the better ones have probably been League Two standard at 'very best'.

The same probably applied to the squad at the start of this season, in my opinion, but with some excellent additions this season the wheat has now been sorted from the chaff and the team selections during the last month or so have made it clear which ones won't be here next season and there's been a pretty much settled team.

There are a couple of really great prospects in Aaron Greene and Jermaine Udumaga, along with the new boy Josh Laurent (from QPR) - all of whom I reckon have a better than even chance of making the breakthrough. Add to that list Montell Moore and there's a quartet with massive promise.

We've already seen Herson Rodrigues Alves from the youth team offered a Development Squad contract and, as good as he is, there are four or five others who must surely also be offered terms from the current youth team. The likes of Courtney Senior, Gradi Milenge, James Ferry and Bradley Clayton must be here for the long-term and a more exciting group of youngsters I haven't seen for a long, long time.

The fruits of the huge investment in youth development are starting to ripen, I reckon.

There's a Development Squad game scheduled for Griffin Park on Saturday week and if the last two games are anything to go by, it could be a highly entertaining afternoon. Lee Carsley has certainly created an environment for playing superb, passing and attacking football.

Also, I've not seen it announced anywhere, but it looks like Chris Haslam, who was the highly-rated Head of Conditioning before heading north with Rosler to Wigan, is back again. He (or his identical twin!) has been doing the pre-match/half-time warm-ups in the last two Development Squad games. The give-away clue might have been the CH on the shirt of the mystery-man!!

 

[HertfordBee]

Thanks for that Hertford Bee. Can you describe what type of player Josh Laurent is and whether you think he is ready for the first team yet?

Quality player, I'm amazed QPR let him go although I suppose that depends on what sort of money we offered/paid for him. He's been playing, along with Jack Warburton as one of the two central midfielders but he likes to get forward too and has scored a few goals, including two today. Wonderful passing ability - maybe a future contender for Toumani's shirt?

I would imagine he's he type of player who the club would see pushing strongly for a place in the first-team squad by this time next year.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Sounds good. I hope Warburton going doesn't have any impact on his development. You do have to wonder whether Carsley will stay when Weir goes.

 

[wanderer paul]

Chris Haslam is back at Brentford FC. Been back a few weeks I believe. Malky Makay brought in his own people.No idea if it's 'official' or not and in what capacity?! No idea.

 

[tobymaxtonesmith]

Really liked Aaron Greene when I saw him - would like him to become a full-time back-up to Bidwell.

 

[ladbroke]

Been asked to run the line in the U18 match Wednesday afternoon away at Oxford.

If I wasn't working I'd love to have done it.

 

[halifaxbee]

And the Youth team are going brilliantly too!

 

[westernshore]

How about the Finnish Under21 international O'Shaughnessy? How has he settled in as a centre back?

 

[HertfordBee]

How about the Finnish Under21 international O'Shaughnessy? How has he settled in as a centre back?

He's done okay in the games that I've seen but not really much more than that. He's a steady type of player, rather than a stand-out one.

Maybe he needs to get this first year out of the way and then judge him next season.

 

[KingBee]

Warbs kid any good?

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Warbs kid any good?

A bit one dimensional, only passes to players he trusts, good communication on the field though .......

 

[jlove]

... etcetera...

 

[Ken_Hom's_Wok]

The last two Development Squad matches - away at Millwall and today against Barnsley - have produced some outstanding football and some performances that promise great things in the future. For the last couple of years there haven't, in all honesty, been too many players to catch the eye in the Development Squad and the better ones have probably been League Two standard at 'very best'.

The same probably applied to the squad at the start of this season, in my opinion, but with some excellent additions this season the wheat has now been sorted from the chaff and the team selections during the last month or so have made it clear which ones won't be here next season and there's been a pretty much settled team.

There are a couple of really great prospects in Aaron Greene and Jermaine Udumaga, along with the new boy Josh Laurent (from QPR) - all of whom I reckon have a better than even chance of making the breakthrough. Add to that list Montell Moore and there's a quartet with massive promise.

We've already seen Herson Rodrigues Alves from the youth team offered a Development Squad contract and, as good as he is, there are four or five others who must surely also be offered terms from the current youth team. The likes of Courtney Senior, Gradi Milenge, James Ferry and Bradley Clayton must be here for the long-term and a more exciting group of youngsters I haven't seen for a long, long time.

The fruits of the huge investment in youth development are starting to ripen, I reckon.

There's a Development Squad game scheduled for Griffin Park on Saturday week and if the last two games are anything to go by, it could be a highly entertaining afternoon. Lee Carsley has certainly created an environment for playing superb, passing and attacking football.

Also, I've not seen it announced anywhere, but it looks like Chris Haslam, who was the highly-rated Head of Conditioning before heading north with Rosler to Wigan, is back again. He (or his identical twin!) has been doing the pre-match/half-time warm-ups in the last two Development Squad games. The give-away clue might have been the CH on the shirt of the mystery-man!!

Who is likely to be let go do you think?

 

[ladbroke]

Who is likely to be let go do you think?

Warburton

 

[Beat Poet]

Who is likely to be let go do you think?

Assuming the appearance stats are up to date, the future doesn't look great for:

Joe Maloney (his second year with the DS, only one appearance this season)
Lionel Stone (first year, only five appearances)
Tyrell Miller-Rodney (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Kieran Morris (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Louis Hutton (second year and has only just gone out on loan, to the Southern League Div 1 South & West)
Emmanuel Oyeleke (second year and has been loaned as high as League Two, but is already 22 years old)
Alfie Mawson (second year, is a near ever-present on loan at Wycombe and with them looking sure bets for automatic promotion to League One, he'll probably want to remain with them)

 

[HertfordBee]

Warbs kid any good?

I think he's excellent. In the game at Millwall last week he hardly misplaced a pass in the entire 90 minutes. A superb defensive midfielder, neat and tidy although maybe a bit lightweight. It's a shame he's too old for the Development Squad next season as I'd really liked to have seen him kept on. He's definately got a career ahead of him, I reckon.

 

[HertfordBee]

Assuming the appearance stats are up to date, the future doesn't look great for:

Joe Maloney (his second year with the DS, only one appearance this season)
Lionel Stone (first year, only five appearances)
Tyrell Miller-Rodney (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Kieran Morris (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Louis Hutton (second year and has only just gone out on loan, to the Southern League Div 1 South & West)
Emmanuel Oyeleke (second year and has been loaned as high as League Two, but is already 22 years old)
Alfie Mawson (second year, is a near ever-present on loan at Wycombe and with them looking sure bets for automatic promotion to League One, he'll probably want to remain with them)

I think you're spot on with those - they'll all be released, I'd imagine. The one you haven't mentioned is Mark Smith, the keeper who's been on loan at Hampton. I can't believe he'll be let go, he looks very good.

Mawson's a tricky one. He's been getting rave reviews from the Wycombe supporters, but then again, they really like Pierre too. Would Mawson come back here as cover next season after playing 40+ first-team games this year? Perhaps he'll stay at Wycombe, which I think is his local club anyway.

 

[North London Bee]

I hope we offer Mawson another contract to see how he develops and then loan him out

 

[Bigbee]

Warbs kid any good?

Yep and very good at school too, recently got A* for geography of the pitch

 

[banburybee]

Yep and very good at school too, recently got A* for geography of the pitch

And compassionate, always looks after the ball.

 

[Holysmit]

I would imagine centre back places will be up for grabs next season so Mawson and O'Connell will get a chance to stake a claim in pre season.

 

[Beat Poet]

The one you haven't mentioned is Mark Smith, the keeper who's been on loan at Hampton. I can't believe he'll be let go, he looks very good.

Hence why I never mentioned him, yeah I have a suspicion he'll be the number three next season, behind Butts and Bonham.

 

[HertfordBee]

Hence why I never mentioned him, yeah I have a suspicion he'll be the number three next season, behind Butts and Bonham.

Could well be, but I wonder whether a long-term loan where he could be number one would serve him better?

To be honest, I'm a bit surprised he hasn't stayed at Hampton but as he is back, it doesn't really make a lot of sense to play Richard Lee in the remaining Development Squad games.

Perhaps Smith will go out on loan again in the coming weeks?

 

[Ken_Hom's_Wok]

Assuming the appearance stats are up to date, the future doesn't look great for:

Joe Maloney (his second year with the DS, only one appearance this season)
Lionel Stone (first year, only five appearances)
Tyrell Miller-Rodney (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Kieran Morris (second year and hasn't been loaned any higher than the Conference South)
Louis Hutton (second year and has only just gone out on loan, to the Southern League Div 1 South & West)
Emmanuel Oyeleke (second year and has been loaned as high as League Two, but is already 22 years old)
Alfie Mawson (second year, is a near ever-present on loan at Wycombe and with them looking sure bets for automatic promotion to League One, he'll probably want to remain with them)

Thanks - interesting. I was wondering what was happening with oyeleke - clearly not up to it with us

 

[Mr Tree]

really enjoyed watching the barnsley highlights on beesplayer, though some of their defending was appalling. a couple of glorious bits of play, and you can see a lot of similar style to the first team. good on them

 

[I'll Bee Damned]

really enjoyed watching the barnsley highlights on beesplayer, though some of their defending was appalling. a couple of glorious bits of play, and you can see a lot of similar style to the first team. good on them

Some great stuff in there - wish I knew who was who! Is there any way of getting a commentary on these games???

 

[Ace Face]

There is a 16 year old very tall lad a defender who we signed from QPR who looked very solid against Ashford Town. If he continues to develop, he will have a future as a pro. I think his first name was Chris??

I personally don`t think Calvet or O`Shaugnessy will make it at BFC.

Reading, Watford and Fulham have superb academies and it all takes time to build strong squads at all levels, but we have made a start.

 

[Ace Face]

really enjoyed watching the barnsley highlights on beesplayer, though some of their defending was appalling. a couple of glorious bits of play, and you can see a lot of similar style to the first team. good on them

All our teams are taught to play the same way and you can see it straightaway for example when the CBs split when the GK has possession.

 

[HertfordBee]

There is a 16 year old very tall lad a defender who we signed from QPR who looked very solid against Ashford Town. If he continues to develop, he will have a future as a pro. I think his first name was Chris??

Chris Mepham?

 

[Wilton Bee]

Could well be, but I wonder whether a long-term loan where he could be number one would serve him better?

To be honest, I'm a bit surprised he hasn't stayed at Hampton but as he is back, it doesn't really make a lot of sense to play Richard Lee in the remaining Development Squad games.

Perhaps Smith will go out on loan again in the coming weeks?

I read in our local paper, Rich & Twick Times, that he came back because he was worried about the situation with Warbs going at the end of the season and needing a contract going forward. They've really raved about him and said he'll definitely make it as a pro.

 

[Paul O'Brien]

I read in our local paper, Rich & Twick Times, that he came back because he was worried about the situation with Warbs going at the end of the season and needing a contract going forward. They've really raved about him and said he'll definitely make it as a pro.

Accrding to the paper, (http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtim...nd__Dowson_getting_no_love_from_ex_Bee_Smith/) he's been released but will continue to train wth us until the end of the season. Surprising and sad.

 

[Ace Face]

Chris Mepham?

Could be mate.

 

[wanderer paul]

Accrding to the paper, (http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtim...nd__Dowson_getting_no_love_from_ex_Bee_Smith/) he's been released but will continue to train wth us until the end of the season. Surprising and sad.

He's playing for the Dev Squad today.

Brentford DS:
Mark Smith;
Josh Clarke, Gradi Milenge, Daniel O'Shaughnessy, Aaron Greene;
James Ferry, Josh Laurent;
Emmanuel Oyeleke, Zain Westbrooke, Courtney Senior;
Jermaine Udumaga
Subs: Audrius Laucys, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, Tom Field, Herson Rodrigues Alves

 

[Ace Face]

He's playing for the Dev Squad today.

Brentford DS:
Mark Smith;
Josh Clarke, Gradi Milenge, Daniel O'Shaughnessy, Aaron Greene;
James Ferry, Josh Laurent;
Emmanuel Oyeleke, Zain Westbrooke, Courtney Senior;
Jermaine Udumaga
Subs: Audrius Laucys, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, Tom Field, Herson Rodrigues Alves

Maybe giving him a chance to impress scouts or BFC.

 

[wanderer paul]

Near the end of the game, 4-1 to Brentford, Udumaga 2, Westbrook and Alves.

 

[HertfordBee]

Accrding to the paper, (http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtim...nd__Dowson_getting_no_love_from_ex_Bee_Smith/) he's been released but will continue to train wth us until the end of the season. Surprising and sad.

I have to say I am very, very surprised at this decision. I watched the Development Squad again today and he's incredibly mature (goalkeeping-wise) for a teenager. He dominates his box and is loud - something we haven't seen in a goalkeeper at this club for many years. Astonishing decision to let him go.

 

[I'll Bee Damned]

If I get back in time on Monday might go down to Elland Rd to watch the DS. Do you just rock up and buy a ticket do you think? There is nothing on their website and phoning their ticket office had the automated "in order to direct your call..." bollx cut me off twice :mad1:

 

[New Road Boy]

I have to say I am very, very surprised at this decision. I watched the Development Squad again today and he's incredibly mature (goalkeeping-wise) for a teenager. He dominates his box and is loud - something we haven't seen in a goalkeeper at this club for many years. Astonishing decision to let him go.

U-turn by the club, I believe, according to someone in contact with Matthew Benham on Facebook!
Royce, was livid, with the decision!!

 

[unBEEliveable]

U-turn by the club, I believe, according to someone in contact with Matthew Benham on Facebook!
Royce, was livid, with the decision!!

As in u-turn he is now staying or u-turn they were going to offer a contract and didn't?

 

[New Road Boy]

U-turn as in they've, now, offered him a contract. I believe he has a few trials set up, so may go and see if the grass is greener elsewhere!
But he is Brentford, thro and thro! He'll sign!! (Fingers crossed!)

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

U-turn as in they've, now, offered him a contract. I believe he has a few trials set up, so may go and see if the grass is greener elsewhere!
But he is Brentford, thro and thro! He'll sign!! (Fingers crossed!)

good hope he signs.

 

[Beat Poet]

May as well keep a log of the trialists, I don't know if these facts are 100% correct:

Theo Newton, full back (Bromley)
Amadou Tangara, goalkeeper (ex-Oxford United, Waltham Forest)
Luke Tingey, centre back (MK Dons)

 

[HertfordBee]

Interesting match at Hampton last night. I thought the first-half was excellent with a few decent performances. Holldack is very good – box-to-box, strong and very confident. He seemed a bit over-eager initially but he certainly likes to hit a long pass, no ‘tip-tap’ stuff from him. He scored a lovely goal and hit a superb strike which would also have been in, but for a good save from Seb Brown in goal for Hampton.

Although there were different teams for both halves, what was intriguing was the formation for both teams. I would have called it a 4-2-3-1, but in a slightly different style to that which Warburton used last season. In the first-half it was Holldack and Ryan Williams in the middle, with Bradley Clayton playing just behind Jatta up front and with Montell Moore and Courtney Senior out wide.

Second half was the same set-up, with James Ferry and Herson Alves Rodrigues in the middle and Westbrooke playing what I suppose Dijkhuizen calls his ‘number 10’ role. But in both cases, Clayton and Westbrooke were almost playing as a second striker - in the box at every opportunity.

I don’t really see too many natural candidates in the squad at present who can play that role. Jota? Possibly, although I’m not really convinced about that. Judge? They'd be fit-ins rather than natural choices, though.

Also, if he’s intending to go with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box runner and a ‘number 10’, I’m not sure where Macleod fits in? Although I've only seen him once and I still don’t really know what type of player he is!

Ryan Williams was another interesting one. Technically superb, quick-thinking and some nice short passing. He’s not a runner though and his role last night quite suited him, but maybe not at league level I suspect.

Aaron Greene scored a brilliant second goal. I know that Clarke, Laurent and Udumaga have gone to Portugal with the first-team but I’m a bit surprised Greene didn’t go as well. He should be in contention to be Bidwell’s future back-up.

The other stand-out players were Montell Moore – if he can get himself sorted out, he’s a fantastic prospect – and trainee Tom Field, another left-back.

There was also an interesting second-half appearance from a very competent central defender called Luke Tingey, who is a young player from Milton Keynes who has, according to a google search, been given a trial by Manchester United. I don’t know if he’s been released by MK Dons or whether he was playing on a trial basis, but he was very composed.

There's certainly no shortage of talent in the under-21 squad.

 

[South Acton Bee]

The future looks bright

 

[Sultan]

Who's going to Biggleswade on the Saturday 18 July to see the Devs?

 

[South Acton Bee]

What the development friendly dates ?

 

[wanderer paul]

What the development friendly dates ?

https://griffinpark.org/forums/showthread.php?t=116547&p=2644790#post2644790

Brentford U-21/Brentford XI friendlies.

V Hampton 8th July 7:45pm

V Staines Town 21st July 7:45pm

At St Andrews University, V Dundee United U20 28th July - open to public

At St Andrews University, V Hibernian U20 31st July - behind closed doors

V Ashford 4th August 7:45pm

 

[Sultan]

Add in Biggleswade on 18 July

http://mobile.brentfordfc.co.uk/new...velopment-squad-biggleswade-town-2524823.aspx