Age of squad

[bytholwyn]

Sheehan talked recently of the need for experienced players to add balance to the squad. He may well have had O'Brien in mind. Our squad this season has had an average age of 26.3, mid table. Interesting that three of the 4 youngest squads occupy 3 of the top four positions: Sunderland (youngest 24.2 average age), Sheffield United and Burnley. So youth is not a barrier to success. With Naughton, Allen and Pedersen leaving, the squad average age will inevitably drop a lot. Is Sheehan right about bringing in experienced pros? I don't know. Trouble is they won't be cheap in terms of fees or wages, and have no resale value. Could this be a point of tension between Montague and Sheehan?

 

[Itchysphincter]

Cor, nothing like good old fashioned positivity.

 

[ARQS]

McLaughlan and Christie leaving too no doubt. Who knows what involvement Ginnelly (28) will have.

It means that we'd only have one outfielder over 30 (Fulton) and the next oldest player would be Cullen at 26

 

[cmajack]

Sheehan talked recently of the need for experienced players to add balance to the squad. He may well have had O'Brien in mind. Our squad this season has had an average age of 26.3, mid table. Interesting that three of the 4 youngest squads occupy 3 of the top four positions: Sunderland (youngest 24.2 average age), Sheffield United and Burnley. So youth is not a barrier to success. With Naughton, Allen and Pedersen leaving, the squad average age will inevitably drop a lot. Is Sheehan right about bringing in experienced pros? I don't know. Trouble is they won't be cheap in terms of fees or wages, and have no resale value. Could this be a point of tension between Montague and Sheehan?

"You can't win anything with kids" LOL

 

[3swan]

The enthusiasm of younger players is a benefit unless it’s been coached out of them.
I do agree though it is all a balance, and it has to be the right one with the players available