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2025/26 Ins & Outs Discussion


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1 hour ago, Kmcalpin said:

Zander McAllister or Luca Ross? 

McAllister did well on his short run out today. Delighted for him. So hopeful. But to come in right away and impact games is asking a lot. 

Luca Ross. I'm not so sure. Given the time he has been around the first team squad and the experience gained whilst on loan I would have hoped he would be further ahead than he seems to be. In truth I was surprised we extended his contract. I actually thought he might move on after his loan spell was over. I know he is still only 18 but I think he is a wee bit lightweight. Connolly was another I thought might move on given he is a lot older and has not really featured as a first team player. Maybe there are less opportunities for goalies to impress.

And we were discussing youngsters able to take the step up right now and impact games being sidelined by Loanees. I don't see any that are ready.  Next season possibly after building up more game time and experience over the course of this season. But not now.

But hey, I'm not a coach and  I'm probably being a bit harsh. I wish them all well but I don't think any of the youngsters I have seen this season or last are first team ready. It's a tough, physical League. I felt differently when I first saw Miller and Turnbull although I accept that is a high bar. But , for me, even below that level the likes of Scott, Campbell and Hastie had more about them. I had high hopes for Sam Campbell but sadly his knee injury did for him. 

I really wish Scotland had something like an under 21 League which I believe was critical in the development of so many players over the years. And the matches were a good watch. I feel for kids who reach the age of 17/18 and often have nowhere to go if they cannot step up to the first team squad. Only very few can be loaned out. Late developers have little chance and many youngsters just disappear from the game. It's a harsh world. 

Cancelling the Reserve League also badly affected youngsters looking to make their way in the game.  At least we have the Challenge Cup I guess  but games are limited. Ross, McAllister etc playing in a reserve league with a mix of seasoned pros and other youngsters would better prepare them for the step up. But finances dictate as always. 

Only my view of course. Many will disagree and hopefully I am proved totally wrong. I'd be delighted if that proves to be the case and Luca Ross and Zander McAllister turn out to be the next Turnbull and Miller. You can say ' I told you so' if that happens. 

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3 hours ago, SteelmaninOZ said:

No, just training with us helping them stay fit..As they have no coaches and no access to training facilities 

Heard in the pub tonight that Scott Leitch was appointed head of their academy about a month ago, started staff to get it going only for the owner to change his mind and shut it down this week, not sure how much of that is true but the Accies fan was totally pissed off with the club and said he won’t be back. 

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7 hours ago, Stuwell2 said:

Heard in the pub tonight that Scott Leitch was appointed head of their academy about a month ago, started staff to get it going only for the owner to change his mind and shut it down this week, not sure how much of that is true but the Accies fan was totally pissed off with the club and said he won’t be back. 

All true. The boycott is hitting them where it hurts in the pocket.

362 at their first game v Montrose when it was 1400 at the corresponding game the previous season.

My uncle a season ticket holder of over 40 years isn't going back until the charlatan who owns the club is gone.

It's a bit of a mess and good to see we're helping out their young players( and tapping up their better ones hopefully)

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Foundations built on sand which were laid under both previous ownerships too come crumbling down.

Losing their ‘elite’ academy status (which many like the Dundee clubs believed to be ill gotten) meant major loss of funding stream to operate. Don’t think the club envisaged that action.

They’re not the first club in recent years to close or pause their academies. Queens Park who are every bit as renowned as Accies ceased their operation this year. Sign of the times?

Unfair on ‘charlatan’ owner who’s no doubt made mistakes in those he’s employed to oversee operations when the known rogue who owns the ground gets a relatively free ride from those boycotting.

Little sympathy for a support who hate us more than they love their own club.

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1 hour ago, Onthefringes said:

Foundations built on sand which were laid under both previous ownerships too come crumbling down.

Losing their ‘elite’ academy status (which many like the Dundee clubs believed to be ill gotten) meant major loss of funding stream to operate. Don’t think the club envisaged that action.

They’re not the first club in recent years to close or pause their academies. Queens Park who are every bit as renowned as Accies ceased their operation this year. Sign of the times?

Unfair on ‘charlatan’ owner who’s no doubt made mistakes in those he’s employed to oversee operations when the known rogue who owns the ground gets a relatively free ride from those boycotting.

Little sympathy for a support who hate us more than they love their own club.

A really interesting piece on YouTube about it by a guy called Callum Blyth if you're interested.

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Well we’ve signed someone but I can’t make out who it is with the Twitter page. I wished they’d just fkn tell us!! I find that signing in darkness annoying 

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