Well I keep out of the general Martinez fume , but must admit he baffles me re philosophy on youngsters. First season, Stones & Ross came through, 2nd Galloway & Browning given a chance. This season nothing .....so far. You could divide this into a number of aspects re next season,I'll try two , Martinez and Players .
Martinez. You have to conclude that he's just too conservative in progressing youngsters as opposed to his tried and trusted "oldies" . Best example was Hibbert at left back instead of Garbutt last year, whatever you think of Garbutt , at the time he deserved that chance. Hopefully we will move the likes of Gibson, McGeady , Hibbert on at season end , Osman will probably go into our coaching set up. So a glimmer of hope that more spaces are potentially available for younger players next season if he changes his philosophy and promotes them.
The Players. Well we've done individuals on here many many times so no point in repeating. Let's be really harsh. It's generally accepted that good as some are we don't have any in the 19 plus age group who look ready to push for a starting spot, and many will be moved on this summer. ( Holgate &Williams are two exceptions still in the mix at 19) . So let's give Martinez a benefit of the doubt with a general statement that 19+ not good enough, 18 year olds is where the talent is but maybe some not ready yet.
Next season this changes, they'll all have had another year of growing , development and in many cases loan experience. It would be inconceivable for me that at least 3 or 4 don't get a chance from preseason and then the season itself. I've no idea just how good they can be at PL level , but weve got at least 9 players showing tenacity, maturity, athleticism , deft skills right across the board. You name it one of them has got it. You can't call them "The Golden Generation" and sit and watch them age , like me, into the Silver Generation
If he doesn't give them a chance next season it will, in my eyes, define him as a manager who's not appropriate for our club. Actually I'd include any manager of our club in that statement .