AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 Thought we should have a thread for the new season considering that there a few people that take an interest in Academy football. Rather than have an U18 thread, I thought it might be better to encompass the whole academy as it is not unusual for players from younger age groups to be discussed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOF Posted July 24, 2012 Moderator Share Posted July 24, 2012 Yup. No harm making it seasonal too (as you've done). That way we can more easily track the comers and goers from season to season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 I've done a bit of research and I think the lads below are the latest scholars. I'm sure more names will come out in the next few weeks. Jerell Sellars - Forward - Signed from Lincoln City last season. Courtney Wildin - Left Back - Signed from Highfield Rangers last season. Danny O'Brien - Right Winger - Signed from Everton last season. Ben Hodges - Left Back/Left Wing - Come through the Academy. Robin Dempsey - Centre Back - Signed from North End United (Ireland). Jordan Lyden - Right Back - Young Australian who was travelling to train with Villa during school holidays. Played for U18s last season but will still be part of the U16s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 As mentioned in last seasons thread, I have some circumstantial evidence that suggests we may have signed highly rated 13 year old Foday Nabay from Birmingham City. The evidence that I gathered is below, hopefully it is not a massive coincidence as it sounds like he is going to be one to watch for the future. 1) He's started talking to Jordan Graham 2) He tweeted on 20th "An other nyt that I Cnt sleep ffs match for 18's tomoro as well :(". According to his location, this tweet was from Birmingham. 3) On 21st he tweeted "On the coach first game of the season18's :)". According to his location he was literally just around the corner from Bodymoor Heath. 4) Villa U18s played Burton Albion U18s on 21st in Burton and won 3-1. 5) He tweeted "Good game won 3 - 1 #poppinghell! Under 18s" his location was showing as halfway down the A38 between Burton and Birmingham. 6) He later tweeted "@DimmyNo7 Hard u scored a banger fam well done bro Very Happy" to a lad who plays for Birmingham City U18s, they won 3-0. So he wasn't playing for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omariqy Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 He was def having talks with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 The Under 18s kicked off preseason with a game away at Burton Albion (played at the FA's new facility). Villa running out 3-1 winners with goals from Umit Eminoglu, Bradley Lewis and an OG. I gather that a youth side is taking on Blackburn today, not sure on the age group of this team, but I will report the result in later if I can get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOF Posted July 24, 2012 Moderator Share Posted July 24, 2012 Good work Inspector Clarke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 EDIT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadlyDirk Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 Noticed that the official site aren't referring to them as the U-18 squad or Academy anymore, it's now the "Development Squad" - interesting little touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaAlex Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 Nabay is also following Jerell Sellars on twitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogso Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 The REAL question about Foday Nabay on everyone's lips; does SGC rate him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 The REAL question about Foday Nabay on everyone's lips; does SGC rate him? The answer is yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 U16 lost 3-2 to Blackburn today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir_gary_cahill Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I do rate nabay! Do you know the team or scorers andy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 25, 2012 Author Share Posted July 25, 2012 I've tried to find out but given up. Dean Waldron and Elliot Hogan played, probably Ben Hodges as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir_gary_cahill Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Thanks andy, good work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uvillaboys Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Great work Andy. I had never heard of the player until a couple of weeks ago but I do have contacts in the academy. I didn't want to ask if he had played at Burton so I just asked how is he doing. The reply came back "He is training well. He is class" You are definately on to something. He is 100% training with us anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyClarke Posted July 25, 2012 Author Share Posted July 25, 2012 Wesley Harding also played against Blackburn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudevillaisnice Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 Anyone know anything about Thomas Zazrivec? according to the OS he is a midfielder but not sure what type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 Never heard of him.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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