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Youth On Our Side
It would be easy to use the well documented adage that 'You win nothing with kids'. But remember, that was an accusation levelled at a certain team from the North West which consequently went on to lift the Premiership trophy year after year. Okay, that is an extreme example, but nevertheless it shows investment in youth can pay dividends if backed up with belief, good management and additions to the squad in one or two key areas. Our squad may be young, but is by no means inexperienced - and many of the younger players have a season or more under their belts on which they can build. Aaron Brown has been playing first team football for nearly four years now, including First Division experience. Matty Hill made his debut in 1998 and has been a first team regular for two and a half seasons. Joe Burnell, Kevin Amankwaah (when he returns) and to a lesser extent, in terms of age, Tommy Doherty also fit this category. Add to these names the likes of Marvin Brown, Craig Woodman, Darren Jones and Liam Rosenior and I honestly believe we have a team more capable of competing in this division than many give them credit for. Doubtless there are others who can put pressure on the first team squad and create competition for places, which can only be a good thing. We still have Scott Murray, who has become one of the best midfielders in the division, and Lee Peacock whose goal-scoring record was promising last season. I believe his final tally could be exceptional next season if he can remain injury free. In goal, I'm sure we would all welcome the return of the Mercer we saw prior to his injury, and his reinstatement between the posts would be like a new signing in itself. Christian Roberts has had four games, and those in a side whose confidence was plummeting at the end of last season. Put in a team that believes in itself - and with a crowd that give him a chance - I think Roberts showed enough promise to suggest he can bring something extra to the team from a couple of positions on the pitch. I still hope for a couple of additions. I think most people accept a commanding centre-half and a midfielder capable of scoring goals would enhance our chances of promotion. But I temper this wish with an understanding that football finances have finally been given the reality check they needed. I'm not talking purely in terms of the Football League, but Europe-wide. It is difficult for us, but then again this is compensated for by the fact that it is difficult for everyone. The most important factors to be considered when we sign anyone are surely that they are (a) affordable, and (b) significantly better than anything we currently have at the club. Not many players fit this bill, and getting this right will not be easy and may take time. But it is what Danny is paid to do, so let's all hope it's something of which he's capable. With the Brighton distraction firmly behind us, I am sure Danny can now focus on bringing together a squad which I already consider better than most in the second division and help the players realise their obvious potential. 'Potential' is a word that I'm sure many of us are tired of hearing at Ashton Gate. But while I desperately hope that this is the season where we finally come of age, I think we should all appreciate what a massive achievement promotion is, not just for us but for any club. No matter how good any team is, to gain a promotion spot at the end of the season requires many elements, not least luck and the constant encouragement of the supporters. There will be dark days and awful performances, we
all know that. But we have a role to play too in getting our club
where it needs to be. Whatever else happens next season let's not
be sitting here next summer feeling we could have done more to lift
the lads' performances. We're supporters. We're the ones who have
the club in our hearts. Everyone else will come and go, but we will
always be there. So let's do what we're there to do and support.
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