BP1960

If they were young men today they would have been playing for Grays Athletic in the Conference... and Gillingham would sign them all.

No matter how many signings are made there's no guarantee of success, bringing in quality rather than quantity is the best option IMO.

I don't know about Latics, but a lot of clubs now sign players on agents recommendations. That's not a scouting policy IMO.

It would be interesting to know how many make it after coming from non league to the football league in ratio to football league clubs youth team players drifting into non league ?

Unfortunately many of the better non league players are in the South...mainly due to the number of Southern based teams dominating the Conference. However, they can still be found in the North West, they need to be given a chance, even if it's only on a trial basis. I remember recommending Simon Hackney to one of the clubs I scouted for when he was playing for Woodley Sports, but they said no. He's now shining for Carlisle United and could be a Championship player next season. Ironically, Latics could now do with a left winger just like him.

It's current on the field displays now that count for me, many players have underachieved with previous clubs only to come good later (Fitz Hall for example). Oli is not an out and out goalscorer, but very mobile and dangerous....certainly not a southern softie. Denis Oli

Has anyone noticed how promising young players from Manchester United and Manchester City move either on loan or permanently far and wide throughout the country ? The latest is Febian Brandy of Man U to Swansea..what's wrong with Latics, Brandy won't be on big wages surely ? Brandy

I see Gillingham have signed on a permanent basis another from non League..striker Denis Oli from Grays Athletic. I've seen him this season, he's big and quick, a real handful for defences - so watch out on Tuesday Latics. A very good capture IMO..and he won't be on £7,000 a week.

Although Latics are my first love I have never actually scouted for them. The reason is I have connections in the Midlands and worked for clubs which required scouts outside their local areas for player and match assessments. The current crop of youngsters are fine and next season should see a marked improvement as long as they are willing to improve their skills and show a determination to succeed. That is the key.

It just might dazzle the opposition into mistakes, like rabbits caught in headlights

Re Stuart Fleetwood, The real problem was he contracted a virus while at Hereford, which caused him to lose nearly a stone in weight. It took a long for him too recover and resulted in a dramatic loss of form. Now he has fully recovered his form is back. There is no doubt in my mind he can be successful at Division One level.

If Titus Bramble can make it the Premiership so can Trotman.

Time will tell.

Sacrilege.

I am impressed by how Mark Crossley analise's games and handled the media in interviews...he looks a natural like big Joe and I see a future in management for him.

Add the 16yo Latics midfielder Nathan Kilcourse to the list of ones to watch. (see my report on main forum).

I have seen Eardley comfortably use his left foot many times, so why not move him to left back ?

Some players develop late and that's why so many come back out of non league after being initially discarded by league clubs who cannot see their true potential. I would imagine David Eyres for example was very lightweight as a kid and it took him until he was 25 years of age to make his breakthrough in to the professional game. It is quite possible he would have remained in non league had not Blackpool took a chance on him. Unimaginable isn't it ?

I am amazed Latics are not at least giving trials to some very good players from non league. Look at Gillingham for example, who have actually signed several in recent months and all are doing well. And you only have to look at the goalscorers in the football league in week out to realise many came from that level. I don't see as many matches now as I used to but a couple spring to mind. Rhys Griffiths, Llanelli. 40 goals already this season for the 6f 3ins striker, including 2 against Wrexham last week. He's in the style of Ian Rush,very quick and lethal finisher. Paul Taylor, Vauxhall Motors. The 20yo ex Manchester City striker is highly talented and I can see many league clubs will soon be queueing up to secure his services.

The problem with Davies and Hughes is that they don't link up as a partnership and play too far apart . A big target man alongside Hughes is the answer. I suspect Davies is carrying an injury, he certainly isn't the player he was early season.

How about Ian Wood, who cost nothing and went on to serve the club well for many years.

Bobby Johnstone for me, he put 12,000 on Latics average gate in his first match such was his charisma and made a great striker out of Bert Lister. Others I'd mention include Andy Ritchie, Ricky Holden and Alan Groves.

Sebastian Leto, Liverpool. I have watched the 6 ft plus Argentinian midfielder a few times for Liverpool reserves and have been impressed his skill, pace, and eye for a killer pass. For some reason hasn't had a game yet for the first team, and I am amazed no club as been in for him on loan. Probably out of Latics reach, but you never know if you don't ask Mr Sheridan. Leto Tommy Fraser, Brighton I was impressed with Brighton's 20 year old red haired midfielder Tommy Fraser, plenty of skill, plenty of determination, he's definitely one to watch for the future.

I believe the Brighton centre back Tommy Elphick is very good in the air and a real threat on set pieces. So it's Trotman in for me.

Wonder if Sven has seen him ?