Post by Macmoish on Sept 8, 2010 10:10:03 GMT
www.theda.co.uk/2010/09/leave-it-to-the-professionals-2.html
Keith Ryan
The Former Wycombe Wanderers captain and QPR coach talks football
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Rhino on: The youth policy in England
I don’t think the youth situation is as bad as everyone says but there’s no question that the culture has changed quite dramatically in the last 20 years. It’s way broader than just football; life has changed a lot and every era is different. I used to be petrified of the police for example, but now days you can’t even tell kids off and I think it’s noticeable. Whilst the ability is probably better than it ever was we’re maybe struggling to bring through tough, disciplined kids.
That’s no slight on the lads coming through, as I say ability wise they are fantastic. But there’s a big grounding exercise that has to take place these days. They walk through the doors thinking ‘we’ve made it’ when actually there is a huge step up just to play in the reserves, let alone the first team! I guess it’s always been that way to a certain extent. I remember when I was quite young, 20 or so I think, we had a pre-season game against QPR and I was marking Ray Wilkins, who was getting to the later stages of his career. I was as fit as I’ll ever be and remember thinking to myself ‘I’m going to run this old g** all over the place today.’ He was at least four steps ahead of me every time that day and players need to realise just how big a step it really is. It’s hard enough to produce a Championship player, let alone a Premier League one. QPR had quite a few coming through when I was there but a lot of them were being sold before they’d even played for the first team, which isn’t really a good thing. They have a bit more stability about them now though so hopefully that should end that trend.
It’s interesting though, all these youth academies picking up players at younger and younger ages. Going back to my school days most of the half decent lads were involved with a football club, be it Watford, Luton or Chelsea. I never had that. I was just playing park football and loving it. I was never one who had to be a player and was always happy just having a kick around. Obviously when I made the step up I was glad someone was taking it more seriously but I don’t know how I would’ve coped if I was spotted at an earlier age. Technically I’m sure I would have been a better player but a lot of the fun is taken out of the game getting into it too early. Perhaps we are maybe stifling these players by trying to teach them too much too prematurely. Ability is important but you have to be able to cope with a whole lot more to make it.
Rhino on: This season’s Premier League
I predicted Chelsea quite early on last year (promise) and I think I’ll have to go same again this year. Man Utd will never be far away but Chelsea really will take some beating; they’ve got a fantastic squad of players. I think Arsenal needed a goalkeeper to stand a chance and in my opinion they are hugely reliant on Robin Van Persie staying fit. There are some quality sides that should also be there or there abouts though. Villa, Liverpool, Man City. It is going to be a real interesting one this year. I think an English team will win the Champions League too. Spurs will go well now they’ve qualified and although Barcelona are exceptional the real challengers will be Real Madrid. I can’t see the Italian sides doing much and it’ll be Jose Mourinho’s side that will be the team to beat if you ask me.
Got a question for Keith? Go to our Facebook page and post your question to be answered in the next article DA Facebook page.
Check out Rhino’s new business. If you want your flooring done by an FA Cup legend, here’s the place to go
Keith Ryan
The Former Wycombe Wanderers captain and QPR coach talks football
————–
Rhino on: The youth policy in England
I don’t think the youth situation is as bad as everyone says but there’s no question that the culture has changed quite dramatically in the last 20 years. It’s way broader than just football; life has changed a lot and every era is different. I used to be petrified of the police for example, but now days you can’t even tell kids off and I think it’s noticeable. Whilst the ability is probably better than it ever was we’re maybe struggling to bring through tough, disciplined kids.
That’s no slight on the lads coming through, as I say ability wise they are fantastic. But there’s a big grounding exercise that has to take place these days. They walk through the doors thinking ‘we’ve made it’ when actually there is a huge step up just to play in the reserves, let alone the first team! I guess it’s always been that way to a certain extent. I remember when I was quite young, 20 or so I think, we had a pre-season game against QPR and I was marking Ray Wilkins, who was getting to the later stages of his career. I was as fit as I’ll ever be and remember thinking to myself ‘I’m going to run this old g** all over the place today.’ He was at least four steps ahead of me every time that day and players need to realise just how big a step it really is. It’s hard enough to produce a Championship player, let alone a Premier League one. QPR had quite a few coming through when I was there but a lot of them were being sold before they’d even played for the first team, which isn’t really a good thing. They have a bit more stability about them now though so hopefully that should end that trend.
It’s interesting though, all these youth academies picking up players at younger and younger ages. Going back to my school days most of the half decent lads were involved with a football club, be it Watford, Luton or Chelsea. I never had that. I was just playing park football and loving it. I was never one who had to be a player and was always happy just having a kick around. Obviously when I made the step up I was glad someone was taking it more seriously but I don’t know how I would’ve coped if I was spotted at an earlier age. Technically I’m sure I would have been a better player but a lot of the fun is taken out of the game getting into it too early. Perhaps we are maybe stifling these players by trying to teach them too much too prematurely. Ability is important but you have to be able to cope with a whole lot more to make it.
Rhino on: This season’s Premier League
I predicted Chelsea quite early on last year (promise) and I think I’ll have to go same again this year. Man Utd will never be far away but Chelsea really will take some beating; they’ve got a fantastic squad of players. I think Arsenal needed a goalkeeper to stand a chance and in my opinion they are hugely reliant on Robin Van Persie staying fit. There are some quality sides that should also be there or there abouts though. Villa, Liverpool, Man City. It is going to be a real interesting one this year. I think an English team will win the Champions League too. Spurs will go well now they’ve qualified and although Barcelona are exceptional the real challengers will be Real Madrid. I can’t see the Italian sides doing much and it’ll be Jose Mourinho’s side that will be the team to beat if you ask me.
Got a question for Keith? Go to our Facebook page and post your question to be answered in the next article DA Facebook page.
Check out Rhino’s new business. If you want your flooring done by an FA Cup legend, here’s the place to go