15 Oct 2014 07:00:42
Is there any danger the under 21's and and Academy in winning a match. The under 21's get stuffed every game. I have said this before on this site, Gilligan is not the right person, he has no proper managerial experience which is needed to manage the Forest stars of the future. Being in charge of he Nike Academy does not count.
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1.) 15 Oct 2014
Surely it doesn't matter about results in these age groups? The only thing that really matters is if it produces players good enough for the first team or not, isn't it? Lascelles and Darlow would suggest that it is doing ok, though it does take a long time to tell if changes are having a positive or negative effect in academies.

2.) 15 Oct 2014
You need to have a winning mentality at what ever level you play. You have to have this hate to loose mentality not the taking part is all that matters, You have to remember these are young lads with aspirations to play at the highest levels and the only way is to teach them to be the best they can be and to win everything in sight

{Ed001's Note - I understand what you are saying, and do agree with that to an extent that you want them trying to win. What I am saying is that you can't judge them by results. At that age it can sometimes be beneficial to be part of a struggling team, it can drive them on to improve. When results are easy, players often don't feel the need to put the effort in.}

3.) 15 Oct 2014
I still think you need the right men to be in charge of the players of the future. To my knowledge Gilligan does not have the necessary experience. We need to get category 1 status for the Academy, which will enable us to play against better teams, and therefore we need the players who will be able to perform at this level.

4.) 15 Oct 2014
If you can't be bothered to give 100% every time you play you should not be a professional footballer because that's what you are paid for.

5.) 15 Oct 2014
1978 - that's one of the main ideas of academy and u21 football!!?? to see if the players are good enough and have the right attitude to have a full professional career.

6.) 15 Oct 2014
I'm well-paid to do my job but know full well I don't always give 100%, for one reason or another.

What makes footballers any different? Are they supposed to be super-human?

7.) 15 Oct 2014
Players don't have to put 100% in every day perhaps one or two days a week and if you can't do that then they won't make the grade.
Football is not like any other Job and can't be compared to any other.
They are being paid to enjoy a sport we all love.

8.) 15 Oct 2014
When you become a pro it is no longer the hobby you once loved, it is your job like any other.

I'm sure some count their blessings every day but others don't enjoy it, just like many normal folks don't enjoy going to work every morning. Just ask Chris Riggott for starters.

Being a pro-Footballer is an exceptional career but, for some, once you're used to it it can become a chore like any other day-job.

9.) 15 Oct 2014
But if they are in the academy or under 21s they are either still being groomed to make an impact in the first team, coming back from injuries or trying to force a way back into the first team set up - in my eyes results don't mean a thing at this level its all about getting the most out of certain players and progression for the players and the club.