Ramsey, Suckling, Ireland, Hall & Furlong

[James1979]

Saying on official that he's pleased with Manning's progression to first team and hopefully first of many. I couldn't agree more....but weren't we going to move him on (release him) before he got (and took) a chance to show what he can do by Ollie? I don't mean to moan but I want us to improve. To do that we need to not only be a good judge of a player but also develop him. Do we have the right coaches and people to do that? I mean does Paul Hall have any experience or track record of developing players? People will say, moan moan moan but I'm not knocking Ollie or what club is trying to do but we must have right coaches in if we are to develop this strategy.

[Ginger Ninja]

Time will tell. Personally think in the 3 games Manning has played for the first team he has been one of our best players.

[Awin]

Chris Ramsay is the specialist

[James1979]

I've seen 2 of his games and also thought he was excellent

[Bigdave]

Sometimes players get thrown in and they thrive and that's what seems to of happened with Manning.

He must not of stood out amongst the u21s or 23s or whatever they are but maybe Holloway had a look at the kids and saw something he liked in Manning.

As for the coaches I know a lot of people were/are unhappy with LFs recruitment but seeing a few of the younger lads getting a chance and taking it makes me think that maybe things aren't as bad as we thought with the youth set up.

I was absolutely buzzing after Reading and not just because we won but seeing those younger lads, Manning and Furlong in particular play so well made me proud.

[James1979]

But isn't that up to a good coach? Some players train well (first to arrive, last to leave, love their mum etc.) but don't cut it in games. Others are the opposite and rise to the occasion. If manning falls into second category, shouldn't our coaches spot this? Sounds like Ollie (or Birch) must have seen something and then took a chance.

[Shania]

Marc Bircham has questioned many of our youngsters attitude. Manning seems to have the right attitude , but based on Bircham`s comments no wonder we these days seem to bulid a new youth-squad.