Quote: The Eagle "The lads we've had in over the last few seasons are the ones who generally get more stick than anyone. Sutcliffe, Handley, oledski and Smith took a fair amount of criticism over that last year or so, despite being much vaunted as greatest player ever by the bring in the kids brigade'"
Sutcliffe and Handley were nothing more than average youngsters, never had any big claims about them. It was a surprise they got opportunity over others.
Smith was held back by the stupidity of our previous coach, who had an obsession in making everyone a prop. This despite all coaches in game at all levels believing that Smith should have started development at stand off to develop his handling skills further first.
This is where proper development takes a priority and seems missed by people obsessed with defending a club move. There is an “inbetween” in development, and is something continually stated by those “bring in the kid brigade” you speak of. Key is the right coach, belief, and the ability to lead.