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Post by knowingeye on Feb 16, 2008 8:52:33 GMT
11am kick-off.
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Post by Northy on Feb 16, 2008 9:03:49 GMT
hope the 11.00 am helps the frost go. I've just been and checked our pitches and they are rock solid, called some of the 10.30 games off that are in shadows for the morning. One's in the sun, checking again at 10.00.
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Post by MarkWolstanton on Feb 16, 2008 9:04:27 GMT
Yes as Eye says the urchins and pick pockets of Stoke under 18s & 16s take on the barefooted geniuses off Rio De Smethwick beach in Academy games down at the Michelin Training Center this morning.
;D
Seriously though....
West Brazil are into their second year of Academy status and have spent heavily through their Premiership windfall on new state of the art training facilities just outside of Walsall.
They have also tried to bridge the gap from School of Excellence level to Academy by spending quite a bit of dosh buying in lads previously at other clubs Academies.
Should be an interesting test for the young Stokies today.
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Post by JoeinOz on Feb 16, 2008 9:05:18 GMT
Gwarn Stoke kids!
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Post by ted1965 on Feb 16, 2008 9:08:13 GMT
maybe we will be seen in the mould of Uruguay from now on, seeing as we are so physical.
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Post by knowingeye on Feb 16, 2008 9:23:34 GMT
The rhythmic, pulsating beat of the samba drums, the beautiful barely dressed dark skinned female supporters and those incredible, dazzling football genuises are bringing their magic to the flood plains of the Trent.
Mark's observation is absolutely spot on though in terms of Academy development and one that compares two relatively new establishments in this league.
If you've got time get down there. Should be interesting.
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Post by ted1965 on Feb 16, 2008 9:35:11 GMT
The girls of the oldbury copa cabana tanning salon are not quite as appealing as those who come from their south american twin town of Rio.
It should though be interesting to see how the tow sides match up.
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Jimbo
Youth Player
Work 'aaard!
Posts: 338
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Post by Jimbo on Feb 16, 2008 10:39:04 GMT
On a more serious note, Mark and Eye, how's the youth set-up doing under the new management?
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Post by knowingeye on Feb 16, 2008 17:40:42 GMT
Jimbo. West Brom won the u18s 2-1 game but in fairness it could of gone either way. I can see a lot of investment in facilities and could see the dome moving there in summer.
From a playing point of view I think it's early days for the new Stoke Academy management. West Brom youth keeper (not my lad) been called up for Ireland next week for a couple of games.
No stars on either side today just good solid performance from both teams.
Eye
MarkW, What say you?
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Post by york stokie on Feb 16, 2008 17:43:50 GMT
I thought that we were robbed at the end of the game with the west brom second goal. From where I was standing, which was almost in line with the goal line, I was sure the "whole of the ball didnt cross the whole of the line".
thought it was quite a lively game, with a few tasty tackles put in.
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Post by knowingeye on Feb 16, 2008 18:01:31 GMT
Also poor ref and linesmen today when they needed to be strong in light of such physical play. Clear pen for West Brom in first half but as Jimbo said doubtful second goal. Both teams played well. Some promise but no heros on either side.
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Jimbo
Youth Player
Work 'aaard!
Posts: 338
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Post by Jimbo on Feb 16, 2008 18:52:52 GMT
Cheers KE!
Great to hear that there's investment going in, especially compared to a couple of years ago when the previous board was considering scrapping it.
I'm curious about the dome moving to the Mich? Would make sense to have everything on one site, and the Mich is large enough. With the right investment ir could become a great facility, handily located close to the Brit.
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Post by MarkWolstanton on Feb 16, 2008 19:04:26 GMT
The under 16s finished one all and as per the 18s could have gone either way.
As fasr as the Academy as a whole is concerned there is a whole new momentum picking up as per the rest of the football club.
The temporary facilities are now partly up and running and will be completely operational by the end of the month. The permenent facilities are on the drawing board and will be started within two years maximum and there is talk of advancing that up to within twelve months.
There are no immediate plans to move the dome down to the Michelin site but this is achanging picture.
One thing is for sure; promotion would certainly help speed everything up.
Regardless of this I would say there have been tangible improvements in the last few months and an injection of enthusiasm and direction where there was dark clouds and doubt. Financial input is obvious both in terms of facilities and extra staff coming in.
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