FROM FULHAM
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2011/08/31/how-cardiff-city-snatched-starlet-joe-ralls-away-from-fulham-91466-29332601/JOE Ralls, Cardiff City’s exciting young midfield prospect, almost went to Fulham before the Bluebirds flew in to snatch him.
Teenager Ralls had said yes to playing in a trial match for Fulham, but that was postponed and his next stop was City.
The 17-year-old made his first-team debut against Oxford United in a Carling Cup win – and then started in the second round, a 5-3 victory against League One Huddersfield.
Bluebirds manager Malky Mackay admitted he knew little about Ralls before calling him into the first-team squad at Oxford United.
When City had eight players away on international duty, Mackay asked youth Academy manager Neal Ardley which of his trainees could step up for the evening.
There were three – Oshilaja Odedeji, Mamadou Diallo and Ralls and two – Adedeji and Ralls – made the bench.
Ralls went on for Andrew Taylor after 67 minutes and settled into a midfield role with great composure and that earned him a full debut against Huddersfield in the next round.
Aldershot-born Ralls played for Aldershot Town junior teams as a schoolboy before joining Farnborough Town at under-16.
That’s where he was spotted by City scouts – and the Bluebirds signed both Ralls and team-mate Jordan Carter. Both are in City’s under-18 Academy squad this season.
City paid Farnborough a small compensation fee for the two young players, but there is no other cash due if either or both make the grade.
Aiden Whelan, the coach who worked with Ralls at Farnborough Town, is delighted to see him progress.
“Everybody at Farnborough has massive faith that Joe will do well for Cardiff City,” says Whelan. “We realised from when he first joined us that he has a real talent.
“He was head and shoulders above players at the same age level – and Cardiff City have a player with rich promise for the future.
“Joe has everything needed to be a real hit with Cardiff City. And, dare I say it, I believe he will catch the eye of England under-21 selectors. We rate him that highly. He’s also a terrific lad who has a desire to succeed.”
Ralls made his Aldershot Town first-team debut at 15 years old, albeit in an Aldershot Senior Cup tie against Bagshot when a lot of senior players were rested.
Now he has made two appearances for Cardiff City’s first team at 17 years old, but don’t expect Ralls to make the Championship squad just yet.
“Joe isn’t ready for that just yet,” says Mackay. “We will nurture our young players and ensure they get the right football education.”