2 youth players offered deals

Do the coaching staff when successful receive any accolade's at the annual POY awards, if so I think Woods should get a special mention for his and his teams efforts

Seems like Woods is getting the plaudits here and maybe rightly so but dont forget its MJ that approves these. Whether or not these lads make it through is another thing but its nice that a manager has faith in the system and wont just discard players at the end of their YT days.

MJ's experience is more working with this level of player and he knows that the next step in their development is crucial and is prepared to sign the most promising talent up and give them a couple of years to develop them on.  Bignot had stated a similar philosophy but obviously we never saw if he would put that into action as he was gone before he could set it up.

Hurst just wasnt interested in the youth...i seem to think there were a couple of seasons under him were none of the youth were offered a deal and all released.

The knock on from this is that we might start seeing local youth stay local, for quite a few years Scunny & Hull have been drawing local talent as it was clear a) - we were non league and the youth system was butchered b) managers were just chopping lads at 16/17 yrs ....with MJ showing faith in youth then the draw of professional contracts and a clear career progression route might build some momentum.

Makes complete sense to have youth in the squad to bolster numbers as opposed to journeymen. Hopefully the remaining money is spent on players who are going to have a real impact on the chosen first eleven, starting with some striking options and more flair in midfield.

Great news for the lads getting deals!

By process of elimination does can anybody work out the names of the 2nd Year YTs who will be released? I'm sure somewhere has a list of 2nd years and 1st years but I can't recall where I've seen this.

Quoted from moosey_club

Hurst just wasnt interested in the youth...i seem to think there were a couple of seasons under him were none of the youth were offered a deal and all released.

I think Hurst took the view that he simply couldn't afford to risk young lads.  Be that the wrong or the right approach, that was what he felt his mandate was.  He wasn't here to build something for the future, his job relied on getting the club back in the Football League.  There was no long-term thinking, not even thinking beyond that season.  Everything was geared up for one season.  If he had remained at the club longer he may well have given young lads a chance here.  We'll never know.

Quoted from diehardmariner

I think Hurst took the view that he simply couldn't afford to risk young lads.  Be that the wrong or the right approach, that was what he felt his mandate was.  He wasn't here to build something for the future, his job relied on getting the club back in the Football League.  There was no long-term thinking, not even thinking beyond that season.  Everything was geared up for one season.  If he had remained at the club longer he may well have given young lads a chance here.  We'll never know.

He had 5 years and never demonstrated any faith in younger players. Neil Woods is excellent in his role developing these younger players I don`t know him but have been told by people who do he is excellent with the parents of the youngsters and this has managed to stop the exodus of talent going to Scunny and Hull in recent year`s. This may well be why suddenly we have more youngsters coming through? For a League 2 Club it`s probably the only way to survive providing your own talent.

You're absolutely right, he never had any faith in the young players.  Off the top of my head I can only think of Dayle Southwell who got anything remotely resembling a run in the first team.  To a far lesser extent Caine Winnfarah.  

He much preferred to sign lads (maybe a year or two older or more developed) on loan from more established clubs to fill our squad out with.  

It was disappointing to see.   But his job card was dead simple, get us out this league.  Had we finished 7th in the Conference but blooded a few youngsters in the process, he would probably have still lost his job.  I don't remember many fans calling for us to build a legacy when we were in the Conference.  It was all geared up towards getting back in the league.  

Absolutely agree about producing youngsters our best bet for surviving and also progressing.  By all accounts the young lads coming through aren't without admirers either.  We're definitely doing something right!

Quoted from mariner chopper

Great news for the lads getting deals!

By process of elimination does can anybody work out the names of the 2nd Year YTs who will be released? I'm sure somewhere has a list of 2nd years and 1st years but I can't recall where I've seen this.

I know Emil Powles is taking up a scholarship at a University somewhere in the States.

The dynasty continues with Brandon Buckley been awarded a contact as well.
https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2019/april/trio-of-scholars-offered-professional-contracts/

I'm sure Hurst played a few youth players during his time.   Trying to remember who....there was thanoj and the left winger / LB.