Thursday, 20 May 2021

Youth Team review (2020/21)

With details of the Doncaster Rovers academy retained list now in the public domain, these are some reflections on what has been the most challenging and unpredictable season for any crop of scholars since the club's academy was reformed in the mid-2000s.

It was a campaign of vast change and sometimes frustration, though it was completely overshadowed by everyone having to adapt to various challenges - the majority of which came about as direct consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In action against Notts County in October.




A SEASON OF CHANGE

New surroundings, forced to play behind-closed-doors and with new ideas on the training ground to get used to, this campaign will forever be remembered as one like no other.

Separated from the first team squad and forced into their own 'bubble' at the Keepmoat Stadium due to stringent EFL protocols, the 2020/21 scholars weren't afforded the opportunity to train alongside the club's senior pros or even be in the same environment on a daily basis - something which would have been unimaginable in the pre-pandemic world! Furthermore, the lads weren't able to stay in digs with local families (as would usually be the case) thus resulting in mammoth journeys for those who lived outside the local area just to get into training sessions.

The majority of fixtures were also played on synthetic 4G surfaces - representing another small but hugely significant change from what was the usual when almost every game was on grass.

When long-serving boss Paul Stancliffe retired at Christmas, it paved the way for Gary McSheffrey (previously assistant) to take charge and implement his ideas/philosophies on the team. Several players who have since penned scholarships for the next two years gained invaluable early experience as they were included more frequently in matchday squads as the campaign grew old.

At one point it even seemed as if the season as a whole might be suspended (as it happened, just the FA Youth Cup was delayed for a two-month period). When the various trials, tribulations and changes of this extraordinarily difficult period are accumulated and considered at length, the lads deserve a significant degree of respect just for being able to plough through with so much energy and enthusiasm.




SUCCESS IN THE CUP

The season's best highlight occurred in the FA Youth Cup when Hull City (perceived to be stronger opponents owing to their Category Two status) were beaten 3-2 at the Kcom Stadium with Luca Nelson (2) and Owan Derrett grabbing the goals and Ben Bottomley saving a penalty.

That meeting was different in just about every way imaginable to the previous round where the lads were required to show guts and guile in order to overcome Coventry Sphinx - winning 2-1 in damp, tough and horrible foggy conditions in Warwickshire.

Despite taking the lead in the long-delayed Third Round tie at Peterborough through Liam Ravenhill's spot-kick, the Youth Cup journey continued no further as Posh (including several players who have since either been rewarded with professional contracts), battled back to emerge as 2-1 victors.

Nevertheless, the lads put up a valiant effort that day on what was an absolutely shocking playing surface and they can take pride in the fact that it's the furthest a Rovers team has progressed in the competition since the 2014/15 season.

The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end at Peterborough (Photo: Peterborough United).






STRUGGLES IN THE LEAGUE

Despite being title winners in 2019/20, it soon became apparent that a successful defence of the EFL Youth Alliance crown (eventually won by Notts County) would be unlikely.

Indifferent performances coupled with some long-term injuries in some key areas ultimately resulted in a 9th position finish out of 10 teams in the division. The season's first clean-sheet wasn't kept until a goalless encounter at Lincoln City in April whilst at the other end of the pitch too many opportunities went begging in too many games - the team failing to score on no fewer than seven separate occasions!

Although goals were spread out quite well across the team, no player registered double figures in competitive action - something which was in stark contrast to the previous year when both Junior Smith and Jack Watson were highly prolific. Defensively, the lack of stability at centre-back (mainly caused as a result injuries) meant over a dozen different partnerships or trio's were tried - something which again contrasts greatly compared to the title-winning team where Ben Blythe and Nathan Dimou were almost ever-present and formed a formidable partnership.

In spite of the frustrations, the season did have some notable high points.

A last-gasp comeback win away to Notts County on Halloween provided one happy moment and four goals were put past Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United and Bradford City in comfortable victories on home soil. The most eye-catching and impressive result of the campaign occurred in February when Burton Albion (who later knocked Southampton out of the FA Youth Cup) were hammered 5-1 at St George's Park.

For the rare good moments, however, there were simply too many low points and although results aren't everything when it comes to youth football, the next crop of scholars will be hoping they're on the right end of scorelines a lot more frequently.




INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

As was widely publicised at the time, Ethan Bojang became one of a small batch of Doncaster Rovers players to feature in an international tournament when he represented Gambia at the U20 African Nations Cup in Mauritania earlier this year.

Ethan Bojang (left) in action for Gambia (Photo: Unknown).

The midfielder, who was the eldest member in the squad, helped the Scorpions reach the Semi-Final stage where they were eliminated by eventual champions Gambia.

Other players in the squad also caught the eye of international selectors too during the season. Fellow second-year scholar Liam Ravenhill featured in a couple of Northern Ireland U21 squads and also a training camp whilst the Welsh selectors were present at a handful of fixtures to keep tabs on the progress of first-year right-back/wide man Tom Henson.

Soon to be new scholar Alex Fletcher is also eligible to represent Scotland and has previously attended a training camp in Largs for his respective age group.




OFFERED CONTRACTS

As reported by the club yesterday, Ben Bottomley and Liam Ravenhill are the two players who've been offered professional contracts for next season.

Ravenhill's name will already be known to most supporters having made his professional debut live on television in the FA Cup clash at FC United of Manchester, before following that up with a start against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Goalkeeper Bottomley has yet to make his senior bow but was included on the substitute's bench for the first team towards the tail end of the campaign.

Both players flickered between the first and youth 'bubbles' at different times with the lions share of Bottomley's appearances in youth action occuring before Christmas, whereas Ravenhill was a prominent figure from February onwards.




SAYING GOODBYE

Seven players have been released following completion of their two-year scholarships. In no particular order, they are Owan Derrett, Charlie Bell, Ethan Bojang, Luca Nelson, Max Jemson, Josh Clemitson and Lewis Cunningham.

All seven played varying roles and the likelihood is that some lads would have earned contracts had it not been for the absence of an Under 23s set-up at the club.

Charlie Bell and Ethan Bojang are amongst two players leaving the club this summer.

Amongst the released players, the two stand-out performers over the past 12 months were Lewis Cunningham and Charlie Bell.

Cunningham - a calm, composed and vocal left-back who is good on the ball and stood in as captain on a handful of occasions, weighed in with various assists and at one stage was in a rich vein of form whereby he was both scoring and setting up goals with ease.

Bell was energy, commitment, heart and passion personified - not afraid to tackle when it was necessary and demonstrating countless times his many positive attributes. Determined, level-headed, popular and highly-regarded amongst his peers, a switch to right-back from midfield in the New Year coincided with some solid individual displays and he remained a near ever-present in the team thereafter.




THE FIRST-YEAR CROP

In no particular order, the eight scholars who have reached the midway point of their scholarships are Tavonga Kuleya, Tom Henson, Luke Chadwick, Corie Cole, Alex Wolny, Dan Wilds, Will Hollings and Michael Nesbitt.

Undoubtedly the best performer amongst them was Tom Henson.

The right-sided player possesses an abundance of energy and began the campaign at right-back before being pushed on into a more attacking role early in the New Year. Very comfortable in possession, he impressed many with his performances and although he didn't get on the score-sheet, his driving runs caused opponents several problems - none more so than deep into injury-time at Notts County when his gliding, quick and direct footwork led to Alex Wolny heading home a dramatic late winner.

Wolny, an extremely powerful forward whose hold up play is excellent, finished as joint-top goalscorer and is a handful for even the meanest of defences at Youth Alliance level. A born leader who strives to achieve high standards, the forward will now be hoping to add more goals to his game next year.

A special mention also has to be given to Bobby Faulkner, previously with Rossington Main, who performed admirably at centre-back when he came on what turned out to be an extended trial in the latter stages of the season. An old-fashioned type of defender who thrives on responsibilities, the 16-year-old slotted in with effortless ease - starting in the FA Youth Cup game at Peterborough United and then scoring his only goal to date in the red and white hoops against Mansfield Town a week later.




THE PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Securing seven votes from his team-mates, Tom Henson was the clear and deserved winner when the scholars were polled for the 'Players' Player Of The Season' vote.

Charlie Bell and Lewis Cunningham were joint runners-up in the same vote - receiving four votes apiece, with Liam Ravenhill and Ben Bottomley also receiving a vote each.

Players' Player Of The Season Tom Henson wins a header against Lincoln City.





FIXTURES & RESULTS

12 Sep: Scunthorpe (a) L 0-1
18 Nov: Hull City (a) W 3-2 (FAYC)
24 Nov: Grimsby (a) D 1-1
02 Dec: Bolton (a) L 0-1 (YAC)
06 Feb: Lincoln (a) W 2-1
12 Feb: Burton (a) W 5-1
20 Mar: Bradford (a) L 2-3



TOP SCORERS
League/Cup games only are included.

7 - Luca NELSON
7 - Alex WOLNY
6 - Owan DERRETT
4 - Lewis CUNNINGHAM
3 - Charlie BELL
3 - Corie COLE
2 - Tavonga KULEYA
2 - A.TRIALIST
2 - Dan WILDS
1 - Ethan BOJANG
1 - Josh CLEMITSON
1 - Bobby FAULKNER
1 - Alex FLETCHER
1 - Will HOLLINGS
1 - Faris KHAN
1 - Charlie PETCH
1 - Liam RAVENHILL
1 - Own Goals




THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

As confirmed yesterday, 10 youngsters have penned two-year scholarships with the club and will be part of the youth team for the next two seasons.

The new intake have varied backgrounds - some lads having progressed through the academy system with others being relative newcomers who were recently on the books at higher category clubs.

The intake for 2021/22 (Photo: Doncaster Rovers).


Below is a few words on each of the new players:

Tom Chambers - Previously with Middlesbrough. The vocal and bubbly 'keeper registered a clean-sheet on his Youth Alliance debut against Lincoln City and possesses a tall and agile frame.
Alex Fletcher - A product of the A1 Football Factory where he's been tutored by former midfielder Paul Green and a player who has progressed through the club's academy. The enthusiastic right-back featured prominently in the closing weeks of the season and was on the score-sheet in a win over Bradford City.
Jack Goodman - Another who featured quite a bit in the latter part of the campaign. A direct and troublesome forward who also had interest from Notts County.
Ethan Harrison - A hard-working and clinical striker who has progressed through the academy. Possesses good strength, is relentless with his effort and takes up good positions in key areas which makes him a threat to opposition defences.
Faris Khan - Previously with Sheffield Wednesday. A fleet-footed attacking midfielder who can also play in attack. Grabbed a goal against Lincoln during the regular season and has since impressed in his other appearances.
Josh Lindley - A deep-lying midfielder who has been with the club for the past few years and excels at breaking up play. His style - playing simple passes, work-rate and presence can be very effective. A pleasure to watch and another who has worked with Paul Green in recent times.
Tom Parkinson - A versatile left-sided player, often found in attacking areas who featured as a substitute in the FA Youth Cup clash at Peterborough United and looks to be a decent addition. Hasn't yet scored in the Youth Alliance but possesses a tenacious streak within his game. Also coached by the A1 Football Factory previously.
Charlie Petch - One of the first to be offered scholarship terms having previously been at Leeds United. The imposing centre-back has already featured on a handful of occasions and was on the score-sheet in the thumping win over Burton Albion in February.
Jack Raper - Arguably the most technically-gifted amongst the new recruits. Capable of influencing games to a great extent, the midfielder has underlined his potential with some excellent passes. Hails from the North-East and has many similarities with ex-scholar Will McGowan. Previously at Leeds.
Jak Whiting - Another player who arrived from Leeds. Operating at left-back, his form improved over the handful of games in which he appeared culminating with a decent showing against Mansfield Town on the final day of the season.


HOPES FOR NEXT SEASON

There is no doubt some very talented players have been recruited amongst the new scholars and if they're able to integrate effectively with the soon-to-be second-year players, there is every probability that a more successful campaign will materialise.

A return to Cantley Park (should it come to fruition), where the youngsters would be surrounded by the senior professionals on a daily basis, would also help to raise standards and responsibilities and can only be considered as a positive and significant step back towards normality.

Over the past decade, the club's youth teams have generally competed in the top half of the Youth Alliance so that would be my own target and expectations of where this team should be aiming to finish.

There will be new opponents in the shape of EFL newcomers Harrogate Town who are launching an Under 18s team based at West Riding FA in Leeds. However, the future continues to remain uncertain for Notts County as they must win promotion to League Two in order to stay in the division.


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