Wednesday 6 July 2016

Mikael Ndjoli is a huge boost for AFCB's U21s

There had been much talk about Millwall's young striker ripping up the stats book for that club's U18s and U21s but their decision not to offer him a professional contract allowed Premier League clubs to take a keener interest in him with 20 goals in 24 games. AFCB beat off competition from Arsenal and Crystal Palace and you wonder how soon he can make an impact at the Cherries.

Eddie Howe is certainly confident about the goal scoring power of this wonder kid and it is heartening to see that the Cherries are building up their U21 squad. Whether we see a progression of players moving their way through to the first team is still questionable but I think I am like many fans who would prefer to see the system working like that and young players brought though the Bournemouth way. 

While Ndjoli has already been training with the first team as well as others who are with the U21s you do wonder how many competitive games they will get. AFCB have said they are not in the FA Trophy competition and while the U21 league gave players a chance to come up against some recovering full time professionals as well as U21 players, I get the feeling that those are the days that the U21 squad really look forward to as they don't happen every day. Still the Third Development Southern league is supplemented with quite a few U21 friendly matches as well. Of course, the U21 won that league last season.

Goalkeeper Mark Travers also signed for AFCB's U21s and it is quite some crop of young keepers that AFCB is coaching now - Jordan Holmes and Patrick O'Flaherty.

1 comment:

  1. Does anyone know what it takes to upgrade the academy...and are the club doing anything about it....

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