UK clubs 2019/20 preseason

[liamoo11]

Gavin Bazunu named in Man City's touring squad, but surprisingly no place for Tyreke Wilson
1150075267592986625

Great stuff hopefully grimshaw will go on loan he is 21 and leave bazuna with 23 football. Great to see he is ahead of the 2 England under 17 keepers on city's books .

[tommy_c12000]

Jason Knight starts Cocu’s first game in charge of Derby, vs Bristol City in Florida. Keogh also starts

[tommy_c12000]

Aaron Bolger came on with 20 minutes to go for Cardiff in their 1-0 win vs San Antonio tonight, Cunningham played 45 minutes.

[Eirambler]

Dara O'Shea got 90 minutes for WBA in their first pre- season game, apparently played well. Good reports as well from Knight at Derby who should break through there this year and also Connell's first start for Celtic. Probably not enough to get him into the champions league squad for now, though I suppose he may get a run at home to the Bosnians as the tie is effectively over.

Conor Coventry sent back to West Ham's under 23s, doesnt go on their tour to China. So really no justification for them pulling him from the under 19 squad for the Euros. Poor form from them.

[tommy_c12000]

Idah made his senior debut coming on after 75 minutes in 2-2 vs Bielefeld. A few photos of him failing to force a ball home by the looks of it. Not much else reported on his performance https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/canaries-arminia-bielefeld-match-report-1-6159242

[samhaydenjr]

Okay, here we go:

David McGoldrick scored the only goal for Sheffield United against Real Betis. Egan and Stevens played a half each: https://www.sufc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/betis-friendly-20190712/

Shane Long played the first half for Southampton (and I think gets credited with an assist) while Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone both played the second half (is Smallbone one to watch for next season) https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2019-07-14/match-report-scr-altach-vs-southampton-pre-season-friendly-1920

Josh Cullen played the second half for West Ham recently - would be great if he still has a future there: https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/july/11-july/west-ham-make-winning-start-preseason-austria

Adam Idah got 15 minutes action at the end of Norwich's draw with Arminia Bielefeld: https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-for-dsc-arminia-bielefeld--vs-norwich-city-on-14-jul-19/

Kian Flanagan an unused sub for Palace against BSC Young Boys: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/july/report-bsc-young-boys-v-crystal-palace/

In The Championship:

A hat-trick for Sean Maguire in Preston's game against AFC Fylde. Browne and Rafferty played an hour; Adam O'Reilly was an unused sub:https://www.pnefc.net/news/2019/july/afc-fylde-vs-preston-north-end-match-report/

Two goals for James Collins in Luton's victory over Welwyn Garden City: https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2019/july/match-report-for-welywn-garden-city-vs-luton-town-on-06-jul-19/

Ryan Manning and Olamide Shodipo both played the full 90 for QPR against Austria Vienna, Masterson came on for the last quarter hour: https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2019/austria-vienna-friendly/

[Diggs246]

Okay, here we go:

David McGoldrick scored the only goal for Sheffield United against Real Betis. Egan and Stevens played a half each: https://www.sufc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/betis-friendly-20190712/

Shane Long played the first half for Southampton (and I think gets credited with an assist) while Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone both played the second half (is Smallbone one to watch for next season) https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2019-07-14/match-report-scr-altach-vs-southampton-pre-season-friendly-1920

Josh Cullen played the second half for West Ham recently - would be great if he still has a future there: https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/july/11-july/west-ham-make-winning-start-preseason-austria

Adam Idah got 15 minutes action at the end of Norwich's draw with Arminia Bielefeld: https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-for-dsc-arminia-bielefeld--vs-norwich-city-on-14-jul-19/

Kian Flanagan an unused sub for Palace against BSC Young Boys: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/july/report-bsc-young-boys-v-crystal-palace/

In The Championship:

A hat-trick for Sean Maguire in Preston's game against AFC Fylde. Browne and Rafferty played an hour; Adam O'Reilly was an unused sub:https://www.pnefc.net/news/2019/july/afc-fylde-vs-preston-north-end-match-report/

Two goals for James Collins in Luton's victory over Welwyn Garden City: https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2019/july/match-report-for-welywn-garden-city-vs-luton-town-on-06-jul-19/

Ryan Manning and Olamide Shodipo both played the full 90 for QPR against Austria Vienna, Masterson came on for the last quarter hour: https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2019/austria-vienna-friendly/

That's a great review. Thanks.
Some good news in there. Particularly for Southampton

[Eirambler]

Smallbone seems to have been given the 18 jersey for the new season - would suggest he's in the manager's plans. Obafemi is 20 - obviously squad numbers don't mean an awful lot but they suggest they should both be getting some game time at least.

[Yard of Pace]

Big thanks to Sammy for his work up above. Great to see Didsy get a goal against Betis, especially with their Irish connection in Patrick O'Connell winning La Liga with them.

I've never, ever bought the "we don't have the players" argument, but right now I feel giddily optimistic about the future of Irish football. It's great.

[Olé Olé]

So I thought I'd make a list of players to be watched out for in pre-season. Almost all are young players on the fringes of their respective first team squads but I'm also oprn to more established players looking to make an impact:

Premier League:

- Aston Villa: Scott Hogan - has struggled for game time but Mick seems to have indicated that he's an option if he can play more
- Bournemouth: Mark Travers - two late games last season hopefully indicates he has a chance of being back-up keeper, at least. Perhaps he may get a shot at proving himself in the domestic cups
- Brighton: Aaron Connolly and Jayson Molumby - both have seen EFL Cup and EFL Trophy action in the last couple of seasons and impressed in the Toulon tournament so should be knocking on the door of the first team
- Burnley: Jimmy Dunne - two seasons of loans at progressively higher levels, amassing over 70 first-team appearances - let's see if he's ready to step up a level
- Crystal Palace: Kian Flanagan - U23 player of the season at the club
- Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher - if Mignolet goes, could become main back-up 'keeper, like Travers
- Norwich City: Adam Idah - 12 goals in 19 appearances for the U23s (only turned 18 in February) - top scorer in his division. Also Conor Masterson, if the rumours of Norwich's interest pans out
- Southampton: Michael Obafemi - can he build on last season's breakthrough. A few others in their academy but Will Smallbone seems to be the one making most progress
- Spurs: rumours abound that Troy Parrott will start to see first-team action in the upcoming season
- West Ham: Can Josh Cullen build on his success at Charlton to break through or will it be another loan spell or a transfer out? Maybe Conor Coventry, but might still be too early
- Wolves: Connor Ronan - decent loan spell in Slovakia and good Toulon tournament will hopefully boost his stock and confidence

The Championship

- Derby: Jason Knight - on the bench for the play-off final last season
- Millwall: Jonathan Afolabi - if he impressed enough on trial
- QPR: Olamide Shodipo - after falling out of favour, an unsuccessful loan and some injuries, returned to first-team action late in the season
- Reading: Josh Barrett - as with Shodipo, got back in the first team late in the season
- Stoke: Nathan Collins - Also a late season breakthrough, and now on Man Utd's radar, although another season at Stoke is probably a better option
- West Brom: Dara O'Shea - good loan spell at Exeter may put him in the frame at his home club

SPL

- Celtic: Armstrong Okoflex - if he chooses us; Luca Connell - if he ends up with them
- Hearts: Aidan Keena - scoring regularly on loan, in reserves, with a Scottish Cup goal also

Serie A

- Inter: Ryan Nolan - a couple of years in their youth set-up (making captain in their recent Cup Final) has hopefully prepared him to be a high-level defender

So that's 22 players, essentially a full squad. If even five or six break through in this pre-season, it will bode well for the short-term future. Is there anybody you lads think should be added?
This pre-season cheat sheet is proving helpful given your update yesterday. Cheers Sam.

[liamoo11]

Doesnt look good for cotter and drinan at Ipswich who seem to still be eith their 23s while ndaba is in the first team in presesson

[Eirambler]

I think both of them will be back in Ireland this time next year.

[tommy_c12000]

Our boy Ryan not forgotten yet at Bayern. Added to US tour squad:
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/platform/amp/2019/7/15/20694755/bayern-munich-international-champions-cup-niko-kovac-chris-richards-lars-lukas-mai-christian-fruchtl (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bavarianfootballworks.com/platform/amp/2019/7/15/20694755/bayern-munich-international-champions-cup-niko-kovac-chris-richards-lars-lukas-mai-christian-fruchtl)

[tommy_c12000]

Okay, here we go:

David McGoldrick scored the only goal for Sheffield United against Real Betis. Egan and Stevens played a half each: https://www.sufc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/betis-friendly-20190712/

Shane Long played the first half for Southampton (and I think gets credited with an assist) while Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone both played the second half (is Smallbone one to watch for next season) https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2019-07-14/match-report-scr-altach-vs-southampton-pre-season-friendly-1920

Josh Cullen played the second half for West Ham recently - would be great if he still has a future there: https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/july/11-july/west-ham-make-winning-start-preseason-austria

Adam Idah got 15 minutes action at the end of Norwich's draw with Arminia Bielefeld: https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-for-dsc-arminia-bielefeld--vs-norwich-city-on-14-jul-19/

Kian Flanagan an unused sub for Palace against BSC Young Boys: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/july/report-bsc-young-boys-v-crystal-palace/

In The Championship:

A hat-trick for Sean Maguire in Preston's game against AFC Fylde. Browne and Rafferty played an hour; Adam O'Reilly was an unused sub:https://www.pnefc.net/news/2019/july/afc-fylde-vs-preston-north-end-match-report/

Two goals for James Collins in Luton's victory over Welwyn Garden City: https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2019/july/match-report-for-welywn-garden-city-vs-luton-town-on-06-jul-19/

Ryan Manning and Olamide Shodipo both played the full 90 for QPR against Austria Vienna, Masterson came on for the last quarter hour: https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2019/austria-vienna-friendly/

Note: Dunne and Long played a half each last week for Burnley vs Fulham. With some transfer speculation on Burnleys first choice center halves it’s worth monitoring. Long is no spring chicken, and Dunne didn’t cover himself in glory at the Stadium of Light, but let’s see what happens https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2019/july/burnley-1-fulham-0/

[Olé Olé]

Dunne was linked with a loan to Hull: https://the72.co.uk/137842/hull-city-set-sights-on-premier-league-centre-back/

I'm really not sure where Long goes next. Does he ride out his contract or move along to, say, a Championship side?

[DeLorean]

Few days ago but McGoldrick scored Sheffield United's goal in a 1-0 win away to Real Betis. Himself, Egan & Stevens all played 45 minutes.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csFccPUvYDo

[tommy_c12000]

Travers not in squad for Bournemouth today vs Wimbledon (unless a different team starts second half, but they’ve named 12 subs so assume their second half team will come from here). Ramsdale starts in goal with Begovic on bench. Arter starts, while Kilkenny is on bench. Hopefully not a sign of things to come for Travers especially having just signed a long term contract

[elatedscum]

Has travers healed from the injury he picked up during international duty?

[tommy_c12000]

Yes he has. www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/irish-teenager-added-to-to-bournemouth-firstteam-squad-for-preseason-training-camp-in-spain-38303007.html (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/irish-teenager-added-to-to-bournemouth-firstteam-squad-for-preseason-training-camp-in-spain-38303007.html)

They do have a busy preseason with Girona up next Saturday. Hopefully just a rest.... But a bit disconcerting all the same given he’s not at all established and they’ve 4 keepers, 2 experienced ones in Begovic and Boruc

[Olé Olé]

Saw this reported on YBIG. Not great opposition but plenty first teamers in the side: https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-sc-bonner-norwich-city-pre-season/

[Olé Olé]

Yes he has. www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/irish-teenager-added-to-to-bournemouth-firstteam-squad-for-preseason-training-camp-in-spain-38303007.html (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/irish-teenager-added-to-to-bournemouth-firstteam-squad-for-preseason-training-camp-in-spain-38303007.html)

They do have a busy preseason with Girona up next Saturday. Hopefully just a rest.... But a bit disconcerting all the same given he’s not at all established and they’ve 4 keepers, 2 experienced ones in Begovic and Boruc
Ah, it's a bit early to be disconcerted. I would note that Ramsdale spent time on loan at Wimbledon last season so it presented the perfect chance to give him a run out.

Travers might be best served by a loan, anyway. He's very young to be staking a claim for the number 1 spot. Although it has to be a good environment to be training alongside two seasoned pros in Begovic and Boruc.

[samhaydenjr]

That's a great review. Thanks.
Some good news in there. Particularly for Southampton


Big thanks to Sammy for his work up above. Great to see Didsy get a goal against Betis, especially with their Irish connection in Patrick O'Connell winning La Liga with them.

I've never, ever bought the "we don't have the players" argument, but right now I feel giddily optimistic about the future of Irish football. It's great.


This pre-season cheat sheet is proving helpful given your update yesterday. Cheers Sam.

Thanks lads for the kind words.

Browne and Burke got the goals for Preston against Chorley:https://www.pnefc.net/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/-vs-preston-north-end-on-16-jul-19/

Callum Robinson got his first run-out for Sheffield United, coming on the the 75-minute mark, as they lost to Burton: https://www.sufc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/burton-friendly-20190716/

[liamoo11]

Nice to see o hara in goals for burton hopefully nails that position

[CraftyToePoke]

Idah got two for the first team earlier in Germany v lower league opposition

- https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-sc-bonner-norwich-city-pre-season/

[samhaydenjr]

Saw this reported on YBIG. Not great opposition but plenty first teamers in the side: https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-sc-bonner-norwich-city-pre-season/


Idah got two for the first team earlier in Germany v lower league opposition

- https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2019/july/match-report-sc-bonner-norwich-city-pre-season/

He just scores - whatever level he plays at, give him some reasonable time on the park and he just scores - international U17s, U18s, U19s, U21s; Club U18s, U23s and now senior team pre-season friendlies... and still only 18. Here's hoping he can make the step-up to senior competitive level for club and country soon

[tommy_c12000]

Norwich manager, Farke, quote after the game, lots of positives, but re-iterates what we already learned about him at Toulon. He has a lot of room for improvement with key attributes of his game: "Adam has a gift for finishing," he said. "His instinct to be in the right position and get across his defenders. There are several other topics maybe in his game we have to improve and he knows this. You know my attitude with the young lads,
"I don't like to praise them too much, but it is great for a striker's confidence.”

[tetsujin1979]

Kian Flanagan played 79 minutes for Crystal palace as they lost 6-2 to Barnet: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/july/report-barnet-v-crystal-palace/
Flanagan had an assist on the first goal from a corner

[tetsujin1979]

Parrott included in Spurs' squad for the International Champions Cup
1151443265431973888

[liamoo11]

Parrott included in Spurs' squad for the International Champions Cup
1151443265431973888

Jamie bowden a centre mid who is in that squad is Irish eligible according to spurs forum and is eligible for under 19s for the coming season

[Eirambler]

Interesting one. Looks to be quite a prospect and appears to be Irish qualified alright. Surprising that we've never called him into an underage squad.

[Olé Olé]

Found this on Bowden: https://superhotspur.com/2018/09/10/jamie-bowden-the-local-lad-who-im-hoping-will-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-harry-winks/

[samhaydenjr]

Josh Cullen on the bench for West Ham against Man city - didn't come on though: https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/1151453996596510720/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwte rm%5E1151453996596510720&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fsport%2Flive%2 Ffootball%2F49010516

Joshua Kayode came on as a second-half sub for Rotherham: https://www.themillers.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/-vs-rotherham-united-on-10-jul-19/

[tommy_c12000]

Ryan Johansson started tonight vs Arsenal. Missed him in the initial team sheet, as I was only focused on the subs, so didn’t watch the first half. Now he has been substituted. Anyone watch it?

[Olé Olé]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jul/17/premier-league-clubs-youngsters-shine-pre-season

The Guardian name the young player to watch on each pre-season tour.

Jack Clarke of Aston Villa is named. He's down as having Irish citizenship on transfermarkt, and a middle name of Aidan. They also mention how he calls out our own Jake Doyle-Hayes as his best mate at the club. Can't find anything him on him playing for us though. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jack-clarke/profil/spieler/357663

Very positive to see Mark Travers, Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah being named as the one to watch at each of their respective clubs. Molumby could well be breathing down Aaron Connolly's neck for recognition as the one to watch at Brighton.

[Closed Account]

Can't find anything him on him playing for us though. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jack-clarke/profil/spieler/357663
It's right there in your link!
https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55505/2017/999943219

[Olé Olé]

Ahhhh- thanks! Will be interesting to see if he can propel himself into the 21s setup.

[gastric]

Ben Wilmot is mentioned in the article too and I am sure I read that he is Irish qualified.

[Diggs246]

Ryan Johansson started tonight vs Arsenal. Missed him in the initial team sheet, as I was only focused on the subs, so didn’t watch the first half. Now he has been substituted. Anyone watch it?

He should look at a loan move himeslf, if he starts playing regularly in a lower Bundesliga team it will do wonders for him and the Rep of ireland

[tommy_c12000]

https://www.punditarena.com/football/oisinmcqueirns2758/irish-prospect-ryan-johansson-starts-for-bayern-in-defeat-to-arsenal/amp/ (https://www.google.com/amp/s/punditarena.com/football/oisinmcqueirns2758/irish-prospect-ryan-johansson-starts-for-bayern-in-defeat-to-arsenal/amp/)

Appears to have “held his own” middle of the Park. Agree needs loan move, like many of our youngsters

[tommy_c12000]

Just watched replay of the first half Bayern vs Arsenal.

Johansson was pretty impressive. Played in an advanced midfield role. Technically sound with good first touch and close control, crisp passer, creative with a couple of nice through balls, good positioning, always looking for the ball showing confidence, and can beat a man as well. Fluffed a couple of shots on goal so his shooting ability remains to be determined. He’s young and was brushed off the ball a couple of times, but expect to improve as he gets stronger. Defensive aspect to his game probably not his strongest, but obviously has plenty of time to develop this. Would need a more defensive minded midfielder alongside him.

Certainly didn't do his credentials any harm. Fingers crossed he will see more game time vs Madrid and Milan, 7/20 and 6/23, in order to put himself in the shop window for a solid loan move which he now needs to take himself to the next level. He will be 19 this season in February. Overall pretty promising and hope Ireland engage him properly in our set up in coming months.

[liamoo11]

Just watched replay of the first half Bayern vs Arsenal.

Johansson was pretty impressive. Played in an advanced midfield role. Technically sound with good first touch and close control, crisp passer, creative with a couple of nice through balls, good positioning, always looking for the ball showing confidence, and can beat a man as well. Fluffed a couple of shots on goal so his shooting ability remains to be determined. He’s young and was brushed off the ball a couple of times, but expect to improve as he gets stronger. Defensive aspect to his game probably not his strongest, but obviously has plenty of time to develop this. Would need a more defensive minded midfielder alongside him.

Certainly didn't do his credentials any harm. Fingers crossed he will see more game time vs Madrid and Milan, 7/20 and 6/23, in order to put himself in the shop window for a solid loan move which he now needs to take himself to the next level. He will be 19 this season in February. Overall pretty promising and hope Ireland engage him properly in our set up in coming months.

Thank you. He will be under 19 for us for the season coming hopefully he can be a regular in Bayern's b team who play in the equivalent of league 1 he wasn't involved at that level I dont think last season just their 19s

[youngirish]

Dara O'Shea having a good pre-season thus far at West Brom:

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/07/19/dara-oshea-ready-to-knock-on-the-door-at-west-brom/

[Diggs246]

Thank you. He will be under 19 for us for the season coming hopefully he can be a regular in Bayern's b team who play in the equivalent of league 1 he wasn't involved at that level I dont think last season just their 19s

Is he ours for defo or can you still switch country?

[elatedscum]

Once he makes an appearance at U19s 21s or senior, his change is set in stone.

[youngirish]

Connolly starting up front for Brighton against Crawley Town. No sign of Molumby. I'm guessing he's either injured or being held back for the game against Fulham this weekend with the first teamers.

https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/-vs-brighton-and-hove-albion-on-19-jul-19/

[Eirambler]

Connolly starting up front for Brighton against Crawley Town. No sign of Molumby. I'm guessing he's either injured or being held back for the game against Fulham this weekend with the first teamers.

https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/matches/fixtures/first-team/201920/july/-vs-brighton-and-hove-albion-on-19-jul-19/

It was basically their Under 23 team and it doesn't look like he stood out at all. He was very good in Toulon but looking like he will need a loan move down the divisions if he wants first team football this season. Not sure if Molumby is still injured or if he might be involved in their first team friendly tomorrow.

[liamoo11]

Tom o connor was sub today for Southampton with smallbone obafemi and long starting

[Eirambler]

Very positive reports on Will Smallbone today.

[youngirish]

Very positive reports on Will Smallbone today.

Apparently Obafemi played well also.

[liamoo11]

It was basically their Under 23 team and it doesn't look like he stood out at all. He was very good in Toulon but looking like he will need a loan move down the divisions if he wants first team football this season. Not sure if Molumby is still injured or if he might be involved in their first team friendly tomorrow.

Molumby was not involved anyone know what the injury is? O hora was on bench needs a loan u would think