THE CONCRETE ROUNDABOUT (TCR)

Picking up on Jackos press interview, he mentioned that we don’t have a 21/23, Reserve team, or whatever you want to call it, this was after he was asked about Burns not getting game time.

So what’s the reason we don’t have one, is it purely financial? Surely it would benefit players not in the squad, those coming back from injury and even a stepping stone for academy players, to be playing in a competitive match

I can even remember Lewie doing his penance in such a team, after being banished from the first team by Nielson

It's bound to be money

I’d put money on it being money too.

I hadn’t realised we didn’t have one until the presser today.

I seem to think we did, but we canned it because of a) the cost, b) the restrictive nature of playing these games in a structured setting and c) we felt the same benefits could be achieved by playing regular behind closed doors training games.

I think we’ve had a development side two or three times. Have a feeling the last one was during the Tisdale era (might be wrong!) and I recall being frustrated that every home game was played behind closed doors, contrary to what the club said would happen.

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It's Pete's train set, and we should all feel honoured to be granted the privilege of paying to play with it.

Also what's the point when big clubs can poach the players with minimum compo, better to have a B team like Brentford.

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Disclaimer: All my comments are my opinions unless stated otherwise. I'm just a fan following my club.

Most of our first team are under 23 (I am being facetious) but I can't see the benefit of running three teams u18s u23s and first team. Cost yes but also having the depth to run three teams. We seem to manage ok without one.

Not saying that its linked necessarily, but its a bit worrying that the pipeline of homegrown talent seems to be running dry. Since the likes of Nombe, Kasumu, Brittain, Sorinola etc made the step-up, no-one else looks close. Even in a season where we've struggled, who are the homegrown youngsters being transitioned into first team?

Could be down to no U21/U23 step on the ladder. Could be a deliberate focus on buying young talent rather than growing it. Could be down to the leadership gaps / transition in the academy. Could just be a cyclical thing - or a combo of the above. Just something I've noticed of late.

Also a shame we don't loan players to the Icelandic league any more, like we did for George Baldock. It would do Burns some good.

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Disclaimer: All my comments are my opinions unless stated otherwise. I'm just a fan following my club.