' AT LAST THEY ARE GOING TO GET A CHANCE '

' AT LAST THEY ARE GOING TO GET A CHANCE '

Youth may finally get a chance

By Scott Johnson

Thursday 4th August 2016

One of the more frustrating aspects of Russell Slade’s time in charge was his reluctance to entrust his faith in Cardiff’s talented youngsters.

He’s not the first to show resistance in this regard, as Dave Jones largely wasted Chris Gunter and Adam Matthews when he had them at his disposal. Slade was not disregarding prospects of that calibre, but it was hard to understand the continued absence of certain individuals.

Lots has been written about Declan John recently, mainly because people are desperate to see ‘one of their own’ progress through the ranks.

The jury remains out with regards to whether he has the requisite ability, but Malky Mackay and Solskjaer were both fans. Slade was not.


The fact that the really rather average Scott Malone, Slade’s first signing, was favoured added to the frustration.

His progress may have stalled in recent years, but having only just turned 21, time is certainly on his side.

With Trollope’s remit including promoting youth and incorporating more Welsh players, John is likely to be the main beneficiary.

Matthew Kennedy was a Slade signing and made 14 appearances in the final three months of his first season with Cardiff, impressing with his craft and close control.

Yet last season he hardly got a look in, emerging from the bench only twice, despite paltry options on the wings.

His lack of involvement was as surprising as it was confusing. Fingers crossed that Trollope has more faith and the Kennedy responds in kind.

Young centre back Semi Ajayi and versatile full back David Tutonda both impressed during pre-season and Tommy O’Sullivan has been on the verge of a first-team breakthrough for a few years now.

O’Sullivan in particular is the kind of creative midfielder that Cardiff have been sorely lacking at times in recent years.

For whatever reason, the road to the first-team has become blocked, with Joe Ralls as the only notable exception in progressing through the ranks.

Trollope will be expected to ease the pathway, whether due to financial necessity or to justify the continued existence of the academy.

If they’re good enough, they’re old enough is the old adage and despite the high stakes, it is time for Cardiff to see if the cream of the crop sink or swim.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

I don't normally bother reading articles by Scott Johnson as most of what he says is crap. However this article is spot on. Slade had 2 downfalls in my opinion. Firstly it was the dire football. Secondly it was his refusal to play the youngsters.

Over the years I've followed city I remember the likes of Perry, Searle, Blake and Roberts making their debuts. Fans always seem to Take to them wanting them to be the next Toshack (John not Cameron!) or Earnshaw. Let's hope that a few kids are given their chance over the season.

lets wait and see if they actually get any game time first.

i doubt they will

Totally agree. I think we should have been having at least two of those young players listed in the match day squad all of last season. Both John and O'Sullivan are of an ability where they would only grow from being involved in the match day squads. Tutonda and Ajayi are also looking like they could be knocking on the door.

I think when you've got a team that is battling for automatic promotion and every player is performing then by all means youth comes second but it was inexplicable last season that certain individuals were so average and even poor yet the youth were continually shunned.

I don't normally bother reading articles by Scott Johnson as most of what he says is crap. However this article is spot on. Slade had 2 downfalls in my opinion. Firstly it was the dire football. Secondly it was his refusal to play the youngsters.

Over the years I've followed city I remember the likes of Perry, Searle, Blake and Roberts making their debuts. Fans always seem to Take to them wanting them to be the next Toshack (John not Cameron!) or Earnshaw. Let's hope that a few kids are given their chance over the season.

Gareth, with you all the way, we need to see our kids coming through and it sends a buzz through South Wales,if they do well for City

If they good enough they old enough got to be good enough first

lets wait and see if they actually get any game time first.

i doubt they will

I HOPE YOU ARE WRONG

lets wait and see if they actually get any game time first.

i doubt they will

I HOPE YOU ARE WRONG

well so do i, but the season hasnt started yet, so commending the manager for playing the youth is a little premature.

For what its worth I will give you my honest oppinion
as stated in another thread myself and my mate the doc , went to all the under 21 away friendlies this pre season at forrest green , havent and waterlooville and exeter
sadly no one showed any kind of form that would have made a case to be included in the first team squad
and regretably tommy o sullivan was as poor as the rest

I believe sayi , tutonda and declan john , who has been with the first team all pre season are the only young ones who have any chance of getting a start or even a role in the first team this season not sure if Kennedy is classed as a young one but he also has a slim chance with the first team
sorry I forgot ben wilson ,but he has been third choice already now for a year or so ,he is defo going to make it with us or else where preferably with us