16 Feb 2020 17:43:01
Ed001, was wondering what you make of the full time promotion of Gilmour to the senior squad.

I'm assuming it means he'll play no more development team matches or youth matches. But I'm not sure that would be the wisest course of action. I can't see him getting many matches in our midfield this year, especially based on the little opportunities Lampard has given him. So wouldn't it be best then to let him continue play youth matches?

Was just wondering how you view this situation :) In any case, hope life is treating you well.

{Ed001's Note - it just means he trains full time with the first team. He can still play for the under-23s etc. That is a good thing for him as he needs to get used to the physical side of adult football.}

1.) 16 Feb 2020
16 Feb 2020 20:58:25
Ah gotcha, I thought it implied he wouldn't be playing U23 football anymore, with the way they officially announced it.

But in that case it's good to know. He should indeed play adult football. Kid is several classes above youth football at this point.

{Ed001's Note - no, first teamers still play in the under-23s. It is a way of keeping match fitness up for fringe players or regaining it for recuperating players.}

2.) 16 Feb 2020
16 Feb 2020 21:36:48
Cheers, Ed. Will be interesting to see how his development gets managed.

{Ed001's Note - the hardest bit will be managing him as he grows physically into a man over the next couple of years. It will affect his coordination etc, as his body changes, so he will be extremely inconsistent with his touch. Depending on how late he matures physically as well. Some people can grow late, some mature early. When he hits that period, which is the one we often see with youngsters who suddenly seem to lose their way after a breakthrough, he will need to be carefully managed to ensure the fans don't turn against him etc. It can affect their confidence and that is the time when they are in most danger of throwing it all away. They have so many distractions, are already wealthy by 22, so they can be tempted by those around them.

In that respect it is a good thing to get him in the first team, where the right influences are around him. People like Kante would be an incredible influence, the kind of player he will no doubt look up to and hopefully want to be like in terms of professionalism, effort on the training pitch and clean lifestyle.}

3.) 16 Feb 2020
16 Feb 2020 22:07:11
That's actually one of the things I've not really given any thought before, Ed and you make a really good point. In other words, really interesting read as always, thanks for the effort!

4.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 07:20:10
McEachran comes to mind with that description by Ed.