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Three More Academy Starlets Sign Up
Blues confirmed the formal signing of three more Academy graduates to professional contracts yesterday, taking the total to six this summer.
Nick Townsend, Charlee Adams both signed one year deals with a one year option whilst Liam Truslove signed a two-year deal with a one year option. Townsend and Adams are both second year scholars who had been offered a deal in April whilst Truslove, a first year has evidently done enough in the meantime to also be offered a deal.
Liam Truslove is a midfielder who can be played in an advanced role behind the striker. He has played well for both the reserves in the Birmingham Senior Cup and the Professional Development League this season and I think he will be expected to kick on this year as a regular in the reserve side at the very least.
These three join Reece Hales, James Fry and Ryan Higgins on the professional books and will no doubt be an important part of the squad depth as the financial situation really starts to bite at St Andrews.
Meanwhile, young Scottish defender Fraser Kerr who was released at the end of last season has been offered a contract by Motherwell, where he spent last season on loan.
Tags: Charlee Adams, Fraser Kerr, Liam Truslove, Nick Townsend
80 Responses to “Three More Academy Starlets Sign Up”
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It’s good to see so many youngsters progressing. The future is bright… the future is BLUE!
The future is cheap, the future is Una Liga
I remember Alan Hansen talking about Manchester United in 1995 when he came out with his infamous comment of “You can’t win anything with kids”, well, maybe this is the start of a Birmingham City side built with youth and a longer vision in mind. We know what highly-paid age and experience got us, might as well try something completely different.
lee,s lad,s are getting younger and younger and younger.
ther need to build a creche at the training ground now,
and have regular parents evenings, but i love it.KRO.
Dan this will work for blues as long as the foundations at right inclarkwetrust
My next question…….. young, hungry and blue! Kro
Talented players will be sold to finance the clubs survival so how on earth can the future be bright?
.
Chin up Art. Looks at the experienced heads in Zigic, King, Spector, Burke, Robbo and Wade that will be playing around then. It’s about getting the right blend.
I’m not saying it’s going to be a championship winning team but it’s going to be exciting watching (mainly) young Brummie lads pull on the shirt and see what they can do. I am positive about the season and will enjoy watch Lee try to mold his lads into a side that play attractive football – as we did in the second half of the season and especially the last 8 or 9 games (Ipswich aside)
KRO!
Well said – it is the only way forward until we get new owners.
It depends on your opinion/expectations. My expectations are mid-table to Top 10. I prefer to be optimistic, rather than pessimistic.
How old are you Matt out of interest? do you remember a similar era with dean peer, sturridge, clarkson, frain, tait although nice to have homegrown we were inferior to a lot of teams and it was nervy times
Boozy, I think it is fair to say our academy is a lot better now than it was then. Im sure we wont see the half the lads who have signed pro contracts in the first team, but the ones that do make it will, im sure be of a good standard. If they can play along side our seasoned pros, then there may be the makings of a good mid-table side.
Also, I think Frain, Sturridge and Clarkson were good products of the academy… unfortunately, they were more the exception than the rule.
KRO
Alex – I agree. If you look at players like Frain, Tait, Simon Sturridge and Clarkson they went on to have long decent careers in the second tier so the pedigree was clearly there. Not world beaters but good solid pros. Fast forward to now and we have arguably better talents in Hancox, Packwood and Reilly. Thjow them in with our experiemced pros and the mix could be just right.
I also concur that many of these lads we’ll only see play late cameos in cup games.
Lets be positive people.
KRO!
It’s not so much the players it’s the lack of experience when placed collectively in a team, we will be in a bottom half scrap for sure as they will not produce performances twice a week for the whole season,,
We will see but the balance is swinging too far towards youth without knowhow
Boozy, did anyone erll you that it is only May21 ? The Season doesnt start till the begining of August, by which time we will have more expewriencerd Payers in, trust me.
‘TELL’ not, ‘erll’
Francis, Burns,Bob Latchford, Gallagher,Dave Latchford. These guys were on a different Planet to the current crop light years ahead of them. God help us
I’m struggling to see how that is relevant Tony. I can’t see where the stars of the 70s are mentioned in Dan’s blog or any of our comments.
Art people seem to think these kids are our savious they are not, maybe one two will make a modest living in a lower division they are the same standard as Peers and he was errrrrr average at best.
tony, those legends from the 70s were all young once and
made good of themselves and we were a top flight club
then.were a second tier team now with no money so forgod
sake give them a chance and maybe god will help us.
keep the faith though it might be difficult.
KRO.
And if there had been ‘The Internet’ in those days, those players would have been slagged off..Latchford got moaned about for missing a goal against Chelsea …
Yes he was. I well remember reading an article when it was said he needed bulking up physically and toughening up mentally. I also remember seeing a photo of him training with a ball suspended from the ceiling teaching him how to jump and head properly. He didn’t turn out too bad did he?
Yep, he turned out well, but I had a hand in that..;-)
This is good news, and if LC can get the new team playing well, then he will not only be in the papers for all the right reasons, but probably given a mention or two from other managers as well. Results obviously matter, but if we see a full on performance by lads who are putting in a shift, then the respect will definitely follow …and hopefully some atmosphere too.
Hope they do well, and I hope there are local kids out there watching, and realising football isn’t an exclusive concept.
i remember fondly 60/til present times please all fans get behind team /lc kro
blues have produced good young talentfor many years call me a dinasaur but i remember trevor smith hennesy etc . stood behind goal when t francis scored 4 he was 16.talent is forever so even if todays kids struggle dont moan justcheer them on remember they want this club to succed as much as we do
Dave most of then were younger than this crop but the class shone through, Im sorry but I cant get excited by them. Clark used them because he had no choice there was no one else, Its no good saying give them a chance, the players I have mentioned were class acts attracting bids from big club at 16,17 , 18 I dont see much interest in this lot apart from Redmond and that is reported interest.
It is very difficult for the likes of me I have seen some exceptional players down at stans I will say now none of these lads will ever be fit to lace the boots of the players I have mentioned. Yes times are hard and we are in a right mess but please dont rely on these boys they just do not have it.
Tony….I think time has played tricks with your memory. Yes, Francis was incredibly young when a regular player but I think you will find that the others were slightly older when establishing themselves and were in their early 20’s before becoming true stars. Kenny Burns for example was nearly 18yrs when he came to us from Glasgow Rangers. He got occasional games at Centre Half in the next couple of years before becoming established in that position before replacing Bob Latchford at Centre Forward in 1974 when 21-22yrs. Latchford himself must’ve been close to 20yrs before establishing himself in the Team. Therefore comparison with our present young crop of 17-18yr olds at the moment is not very fair. I realise that I have left myself open to attack by people with better memories or better facts…..but those are MY memories.
Correct, Mr.Oldbury..Bob was actually 19 when he made his debut, but took a bit of time to settle in, and I can recall some fans moaning about him..
Tony,
It’s official you are a pillock.
The only person comparing them to the 70s greats is you !!!
I don’t recall anyone saying these kids are going to be our saviour
How can you say there nit going to make it, most haven’t got to that stage yet !
I think you need to go wash your brain Tony its full of cobwebs, stop living in the past old boy
According to Sky News…
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/8726358/Transfer-News-Lee-Novak-leaves-Huddersfield-Town-for-Birmingham-City
The official Blues website says we will sign Lee Novack, [ Huddersfield town ] for 3,yrs on the 1st of July, !!. kro.
Got to be a bit faster with your Finger , OBN,,,Have a bit more from The HTFC Website,,and note the bit about the Terrms.
Latest Huddersfield Town News
Novak Leaves Town
Striker Lee Novak will leave Huddersfield Town, after contract talks came to a halt.
Discussions with the former Gateshead man have been ongoing all season, but Novak decided to reject the new terms.
Town chief Exectuve told the Examiner.”Lee has been a tremendous player for the club and we are sorry to see him leave. He is a great guy and became a real fans’ favourite, always giving 100% and scoring a number of very memorable and crucial goals.
“He has been part of our journey from League I to retaining our status in the Championship. We wanted to extend Lee’s contract and offered him a new deal. Sadly, we were unwilling to bridge a sizeable gap in the terms. With the advent of Financial Fair Play and pressure on commercial revenue and ticket income, all clubs will be faced with more and more challenges on player contracts.”
Novak made 172 appearance for Town over four seasons, scoring 42 goals in the process.
HA-HA, chas;, Put it down to my ancient creaking body [ fingers ].!!.
That you pointed out makes one wonder if Huddersfields wage structre is rather low, ?. or because Novack is a ” free “, perhaps WE pushed the boat out, Eh, !!.
Chas dont mock him……last time he reported a signing was the “Peace Treaty” from W.W 2 ….this is a major improvement for him
Prrof if ever you needed it, you don’t need money to bring in decent players, well done LC another great bit of business
Now wondering if any more of “Clark,s Children” are heading our way… … …Had enough of his “Chum,s !
Now wondering if any more of “Clark,s Children” are heading our way… … …Had enough of his “Chum,s !
Is that repeat message, — What they call a ” double-tap “,?.
You daft ole fart, lol,!!.
Nope……being an “Old Fart !…..followed through…….no lumps thank heaven
In that horrible modern speak….lol.
I remember a few years back wondering why we had a reserve side when nobody would come through the ranks or be backup to the first team when we had injuries. The thought of seeing some homegrown talent is probably the only silver lining of this ugly black BIHL cloud. Clarky’s babes is the only way forward.
Well is that our 7 signings Pannu was on about?
He is the third, I think, since Pannu ‘s remark..And it shows that we DO have a Future..
I mean these 3- Doyle, Shinnie, Higgins and Hancox….
There’s more signings to come by Friday
You know? You have heard? Or you suspect?
I’m even more excited now. Lee Novak is a great signing. That’s even more goals from midfield, along with Shinnie. I means we won’t have to rely on those goal machines, Zigic and Lovenkrands!
Marky Mark think you have been droped on your head if you think this lot has a hope in hell for gods sake get a life, as regards Latchford, Burns Francis he scored 4 when he was 16 Latchford was a man at 17 these boys look as they are little boys.
In my life Tony everybody had hope and everyone deserves a chance, and maybe they won’t be the next Francis or Latchford, but then your the only saddo who keeps comparing them.
Francis was a one off, there’s never been another and never will most of us have got over it and a man of your years should have by now.
Those of us who are not deluded and live in the real world have the intelligence to appreciate our situation. Thats what real fans do Tony.It’s 2013 not 1978
NO Tony….Latchford was NOT a man at 17yrs. See my comment timed at 2.57pm in reply to Chas’s comment at 1.59pm. I loved him to bits, but he he had to work very hard on his physique in his late teens as he was not the tallest of centre forwards, so had to “muscle up”.
Kovak signs oh my god all our prayers are answered
Prewar you have been told before about useing the coma,,,, naughty boy
Deary me. Some Blues fans can’t live without negativity. Right bundle o’ laffs.
staffs -Thats why blues need young commited, passionate,desire, humour, tell better jokes, otherwise no-one would read op lol kro
All we need now is a jonny Rhodes brilliant inclarkwetrust
oldbury Actually Latchford was 18 Burns 17 and Trevor 16 Can you put your hand on your heart and say truthfully you think any of these game triers will ever come close to those boys.
Remind me Tony just how well we did with that crop of players in the 70’s? History books say we didn’t do a fat lot. We made absolutely no impact on Division 1 from promotion in 1972 until we got relegated in 1979. Old boys go on about the 70’s like we were some trophy laden dream team. We did nothing!
I’m willing to get behind a young manager playing young lads some of whom grew up in my home town. And yes im excited and can’t wait to get back down there.
Actually, Sir Harry, we were going no-where fast in our Promotion Season ,until we signed Stan Harland (An Oldie)to take control over our Defence and used his experience to get us up..
Sorry Tony….I still disagree. Read my comment again. I am NOT talking about debuts but when they became star fixtures in the Team. As for hand-on-heart, hindsight is a wonderful thing. When Burns & Latchford were 18yrs old, the same as the kids you are pre-judging, no way did I think they would go on to be as good as they became. It should be noted that they became BETTER with age and away from Blues. I will be controversial now but as good as TF was at Blues in his youth I don’t think he ever “kicked on” as he should’ve done to become the Messi of his day. He was THAT good.
Can I ask Tony…have you ever seen any of the kids coming through and who you are comparing to Legends of 40yrs ago? Have you seen Koby Arthur for more than the 10mins he played at the end of the Season? Do you know anything about Foday Nabay? Did you know anything about Hancox, Reilley and Packwood this time last year?
I seen tf play…….unlike tony who simply can move himself out of the 70’s……players you mentioned can be stars of our future, they got to take with both hands. We as fans need to shake off this toxic negativity, and begin our journey in supporting these future stars instead of constantly moaning and comparing with players 40 bloody years ago……
To be honest, I don’t think Trevor Francis was the same player once he had that knee injury (rupture?) in.. was it 1980? I watched him from 16 years old and he was brilliant. I remember his little speciality of taking a full back into the corner, then spinning on a sixpence and crossing acurately into the box. No other player at the time could do that. I also remember him putting John Gidman in his pocket and dragging him around both legs in the FA Youth Cup. Ahh, memories.
In clark we trustNOT
Tony- what is your problem? You need medical help!
In Clark We Trust!
Must be honest would have prefered Kim Novak.
I’m finding it very hard to disagree with you *drool* but I must lol. I’m happy with Lee Novak.
Latchford was 1.83 6ft
Sorry, I should’ve pointed out that I was 6’3″ at the age of 17yrs….so 6’00” was “not the tallest” to me…especially when brought up in the era of tall No9’s and No5’s.
errrrrrrr Lee Novak scored three goals last season dont think thats gonna set the world alight
a word from huddersfield fan site You will need a ,lot of patience with him he will give 100 per cent evrytime but lacks the quality for the championship. (ouch) here we go again Where is Kim?
staffs do you remember him scoring four against the vile? it was for Q P R but was a great day
Tony
Novak scored 4 last season, don’t underestimate our new striker
Lee Novak career:
Newcastle Blue Star: 47 games… 29 goals
Gateshead: 18 games… 16 goals
Huddersfield: 144 games… 34 goals
Gateshead (loan) 14 games… 10 goals.
Yeah, what a failure!!
lolol Marky what can I say
In a side fighting relegation f his 4 goals also set up James Vaughan for the tons he scored I will settle for that if we might have a good loan signing playing alongside him who he will be supplying. How about you be a proper supporter Tony and GET BEHIND the player before he has even kicked a ball in anger…!
Sorry again Tony, but I have tried to answer all your questions and observations…..can you answer MY 8.32pm questions as it would be very interesting to know exactly on what you base your numerous anti-youth views today.
Think Tony must be an O.A.P,,,,,,,,Therefore Its “Bleedin Kids…..we were much better behaved…..more respect for our elders…..thats the trouble with kids today……no respect…..they know it all……cant tell em nowt…….not a patch on the players of my youth…..they were good then…..played in proper boots …..and a proper ball….not a cowin plastic beach ball…..they was real men then !
P.s sounds just like me on a rant, your wrong ,I,m right, blacks white cos I say it is
Think some people are missing the point. These kids have signed their first pro contracts. Doesnt mean they will cut the grade in the first team necessarily. They have the incentive tho to kick on.
Shinnie, Randolph, Novak – good bosmans signings. LC cant do any better than this under these circumstances. Just disappointed with the Caddis situation.
Pity we couldnt move on the likes of Mullins, Loverkrands, Ambrose. It is worth pointing out the financial fair play rules to come in soon?
Old I have seen all of them apart from Arthur its possible to tell if they have class at 18 these do not
as for your other point i remember very few players over 6ft 50-years ago people are better fed these days so they get bigger simples
If your comments are based on personal experience I have no problem with your opinions, however sour they most often are. If you are old enough to have seen Burns & Latchford when they were 18yrs old and KNEW they were destined for greatness at that age I take my hat off to you….but if your opinion is based on hindsight, that frankly is not being very clever. The difference between you and most other contributors on this site is that we do not profess to be expert enough to write any kid off before they have had a chance….preferring to give them the benefit of the doubt and keeping our fingers crossed.
As for your comment about about height having anything to do with diet….your choice of the word “simples” is very appropriate!