From Ben Hibbs' twitter:
As I only catch the occasional reserve game, thoughts from any of the regulars?
As I only catch the occasional reserve game, thoughts from any of the regulars?
Reserve player of the year nominations
- Thread starter SecondFig
- Start date
Fair play to Oliver Gill.
Not a name you would have imagined being on the shortlist this time last year.
No doubt this will be grist to the mill for the conspiracy theorists.
Not a name you would have imagined being on the shortlist this time last year.
No doubt this will be grist to the mill for the conspiracy theorists.
I think you're onto something there Pogue.
De Laet's inclusion also contains more than a whiff of nepotism as I know for a fact that SAF is a frequent shopper at Ronald De Laet's chocolate shop.
De Laet's inclusion also contains more than a whiff of nepotism as I know for a fact that SAF is a frequent shopper at Ronald De Laet's chocolate shop.
From what I have seen, and more importantly from his first team appearances, I'd guess De Laet would be the favourite (and most deserving) for the award. He's certainly done well whenever he's been called up to the first team squad.
On a slight tangent, it's a bit disappointing to see neither Macheda or Welbeck on that list - was really hoping they'd both push on this year and begin to really knock on the doors of the first team squad, sadly injuries and form have stopped both from really kicking on as much as I'd hoped.
Not having a go at them, just had really high hopes for both at the start of the season.
On a slight tangent, it's a bit disappointing to see neither Macheda or Welbeck on that list - was really hoping they'd both push on this year and begin to really knock on the doors of the first team squad, sadly injuries and form have stopped both from really kicking on as much as I'd hoped.
Not having a go at them, just had really high hopes for both at the start of the season.
I think the list is fair, the only notable absentee would be Corry Evans who has also been pretty much an ever present all year and been very consistent. The number of injuries and loans have meant there is a fairly small list of players that could realistically be selected.
Gill has earned it by being by far the most improved player at any level of the club this year. I think he has been the real surprise of the season, and been consistently good all season at both centre back and left back in the absence of Dudgeon.
My personal vote would go to Eikrem who has filled out and looks stronger and fitter this season and reaped the rewards in the first half of the season when he was scoring frequently and also providing a number of assists. He was struck down by injury unfortunately, but is starting to return now, hopefully to spearhead a run at the reserves league title.
Gill has earned it by being by far the most improved player at any level of the club this year. I think he has been the real surprise of the season, and been consistently good all season at both centre back and left back in the absence of Dudgeon.
My personal vote would go to Eikrem who has filled out and looks stronger and fitter this season and reaped the rewards in the first half of the season when he was scoring frequently and also providing a number of assists. He was struck down by injury unfortunately, but is starting to return now, hopefully to spearhead a run at the reserves league title.
Id nearly have had Evans instead of Da Laet on that list. Id go with Eikrem personally.
Mentioned it somewhere else I reckon Michael Keane should get the jimmy murphy award
Mentioned it somewhere else I reckon Michael Keane should get the jimmy murphy award
Yeah, Eikrem would get my vote.
Norwood wouldn't be far behind him, to be fair, although Eikrem clearly has the greater potential of the two.
No other obvious candidates, with James and Welbeck heading off on loan half way through the season and Macheda/Petrucci having shite luck with injuries We've not had a particularly exciting reserve team this season as a result.
Would it be fair to say that the young players having really stand-out seasons are more likely to have played for our academy, than our reserves?
Agree with Fig's comments about Welbeck/Macheda. It's a real shame that they've both had such rotten luck with injuries (and Welbeck struggled to make an impression in his limited first team appearances)
Norwood wouldn't be far behind him, to be fair, although Eikrem clearly has the greater potential of the two.
No other obvious candidates, with James and Welbeck heading off on loan half way through the season and Macheda/Petrucci having shite luck with injuries We've not had a particularly exciting reserve team this season as a result.
Would it be fair to say that the young players having really stand-out seasons are more likely to have played for our academy, than our reserves?
Agree with Fig's comments about Welbeck/Macheda. It's a real shame that they've both had such rotten luck with injuries (and Welbeck struggled to make an impression in his limited first team appearances)
Thought the same thing myself, especially in the case of Pogba, King and Keane
Mags was different class before Xmas. Growing pains have prevented him from hitting those heights subsequently but whenever he has played in 2010 his ability and intelligence have been firmly evident. We've got a little gem on our hands here. Well, not so little anymore.
Btw; any news on De Laet's injury?
Btw; any news on De Laet's injury?
Oops, you did it again. But I agree, Will deserves that award.
I don't think Norwood has been particularly impressive, mainly because he's had to play out of position on the right for a lot of the season. Him and Stewart have struggled for consistency after stepping up from the Academy. I'm sure we'll see the best of them next season.
Re Fig, my 3 for the Academy player of the year would be King, Keane and Tunnicliffe, and I'd expect it to be very tight between the latter two who have been outstanding all year.
I'd give it to Eikrem as well, although De Laet deserves credit for his performances and Gill credit for his improvement - but the award rewards ability, not development, no?
As for the Jimmy Murphy award, it's really tight between Tunnicliffe and Will Keane, personally. The former is in his element at his level while the latter looks (whisper it) a new Sheringham.
As for the Jimmy Murphy award, it's really tight between Tunnicliffe and Will Keane, personally. The former is in his element at his level while the latter looks (whisper it) a new Sheringham.
Aye, my opinion on Norwood has probably been inflated by memories of some amazing goals he scored for Norn Iron U-21 (which don't count, obviously!)
Funny old season for the reserves. All the snow interruptions makes the early games seem like a different season and the last few games have come in a bit of a hurry. Really hard to judge individuals over the season as a whole.
Funny old season for the reserves. All the snow interruptions makes the early games seem like a different season and the last few games have come in a bit of a hurry. Really hard to judge individuals over the season as a whole.
Would agree with Datura, without thinking about it a great deal previously I'd have probably assumed Corry Evans would have been in the mix, but hard to say any of the three nominees don't deserve to be included. Eikrem was brilliant for the first few months of the season and would probably be a shoo-in to win the award if he hadn't picked up injuries. de Laet and Gill have just been exceptionally solid at the back, the latter in particular improving a hell of a lot.
Only other person I'd really pick out as deserving recognition is Matt James, who shouldn't be discounted just because of his loan (Cleverley was nominated last year remember), but he probably missed enough games with his England commitments to miss out.
Would probably agree with Datura's three for the young player award too - Tunnicliffe and Keane will be nominees without question for their academy displays, and while King hasn't played too many u18 games, he's done well for the reserves and made a first team debut. That award doesn't get publicly voted on though iirc so plenty of time for things to change.
Only other person I'd really pick out as deserving recognition is Matt James, who shouldn't be discounted just because of his loan (Cleverley was nominated last year remember), but he probably missed enough games with his England commitments to miss out.
Would probably agree with Datura's three for the young player award too - Tunnicliffe and Keane will be nominees without question for their academy displays, and while King hasn't played too many u18 games, he's done well for the reserves and made a first team debut. That award doesn't get publicly voted on though iirc so plenty of time for things to change.
no Pogba?
The reserve ones tough. I agree with Pogue and others about Magnus. It's a pity he got that injury, but the last game he fitted in like he'd not been away and he's produced real moments of quality
The young player is quite fierce. I've high hopes for Tunnicliffe, Keanes really done well and various others. So Keane it is for me though Pogba is been very VERY promising too.
The reserve ones tough. I agree with Pogue and others about Magnus. It's a pity he got that injury, but the last game he fitted in like he'd not been away and he's produced real moments of quality
The young player is quite fierce. I've high hopes for Tunnicliffe, Keanes really done well and various others. So Keane it is for me though Pogba is been very VERY promising too.
I've been quite impressed with Wooton this season, looked very tidy whenever i've seen him play.
Pogba's been impressive but not as influential as either Tunnicliffe or Keane and King deserves recognition for his progress this season too. It's unfortunate to be talking of injuries again, but Brady was having an excellent season as well up until his injury and would have been in contention also.
Hmm. Pogba has been influencial nearly every game he's played though I could say similar with Tunnicliffe which is why I went for keane
King does deserve recognition, I agree. I think he's a tremendously exciting prospect and cross fingers he can keep fit. Good call on Brady. Prior to his injury, he was looking a really good winger. Good to see him back though and hopefully he'll feature tomorrow
Solskjaer salutes nominees
09/04/2010 10:29, Report by Steve Bartram
Reserves manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes a case for all three contenders for the 2009/10 Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Season award...
Ritchie de Laet: "Ritchie has been a revelation since signing from Stoke and he deservedly gained some first team appearances this term. He is a very versatile defender who also has an eye for a goal, and he's a real leader in the team."
Oliver Gill: "In his first year as a full-time professional, Oliver has been solid as a rock in defence. I just cannot remember him having a game below par or making a single mistake, and he's done very well."
Magnus Eikrem: "Magnus started off the season in great form and has taken massive strides since last year. He scored some stunning goals but he has also learned about the other sides of being a midfielder. He's had bad luck with injuries but can still reflect on a good campaign."
The nominees for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Season award have featured heavily in the Reds' push for silverware, and have all been rewarded with call-ups to the first team squad...
Ritchie De Laet
Reserves: 13 appearances, 2 goals
Senior: 5 appearances, 13 unused subs
Magnus Eikrem
Reserves: 8 (5) appearances, 4 goals
Senior: 0 appearances, 2 unused subs
Oliver Gill
Reserves: 16 (2) appearances, 1 goal
Senior: 0 appearances, 2 unused subs
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6647351
09/04/2010 10:29, Report by Steve Bartram
Reserves manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes a case for all three contenders for the 2009/10 Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Season award...
Ritchie de Laet: "Ritchie has been a revelation since signing from Stoke and he deservedly gained some first team appearances this term. He is a very versatile defender who also has an eye for a goal, and he's a real leader in the team."
Oliver Gill: "In his first year as a full-time professional, Oliver has been solid as a rock in defence. I just cannot remember him having a game below par or making a single mistake, and he's done very well."
Magnus Eikrem: "Magnus started off the season in great form and has taken massive strides since last year. He scored some stunning goals but he has also learned about the other sides of being a midfielder. He's had bad luck with injuries but can still reflect on a good campaign."
The nominees for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Season award have featured heavily in the Reds' push for silverware, and have all been rewarded with call-ups to the first team squad...
Ritchie De Laet
Reserves: 13 appearances, 2 goals
Senior: 5 appearances, 13 unused subs
Magnus Eikrem
Reserves: 8 (5) appearances, 4 goals
Senior: 0 appearances, 2 unused subs
Oliver Gill
Reserves: 16 (2) appearances, 1 goal
Senior: 0 appearances, 2 unused subs
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6647351