Patrick Roberts

[Neville Kneville]

Ultimately, they get into the squad, playing a heap, earning shitloads and winning lots of trophies.

If not, they play a few years out on loan, at a higher and higher level each step. It's not the worst development for a young player even if they don't end up making it with us.

With Roberts I just don't think he would have benefited spending the last two years with us, playing the odd game here or there as opposed to getting serious minutes at Celtic.

I still don't think he's good enough to play more than a few minutes here and there for us. A premier league loan where he does play will be much better for his development.

After that if he can't break into the squad then it will be time for him to move on I think. I agree with a lot of what you say about our kids and opportunities. But in this case I think a year as a fringe squad member with us (and I think thats all he would be) would be as wasted as another year at Celtic.

Soneone like Foden that sort if role for a season will be great. But for Roberts I reckon he needs as much football at a high level as he can get.

But if he'd never signed for us in the first place, he might now be playing in the Prem at West Ham or somewhere for example & never have been to Celtic.

I honestly don't see why a kid in his position would ever sign for us as it stands

 

[Neville Kneville]

Inferior mentality if he really wants to go back to Celtic, the easier option.

Worked out shit for Van Dijk.

 

[not my fault!]

But if he'd never signed for us in the first place, he might now be playing in the Prem at West Ham or somewhere for example & never have been to Celtic.

I honestly don't see why a kid in his position would ever sign for us as it stands

Spot on & I agree. He would of preferred to stay & develop at Fulham but City came with a load of promises that were never kept.

 

[Easy]

Worked out shit for Van Dijk.

The point is, he did really well at Celtic and won everything there. After 18 months, he should look to continue progressing and back himself to make it in the PL, not another year with Celtic winning the league by a landside, and playing a few CL group stage matches.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Spot on & I agree. He would of preferred to stay & develop at Fulham but City came with a load of promises that were never kept.

I only have your word on this but am assuming you are straight about it & it is documented that this happened with Denayer, both within a short timeframe.

I hope that now Pep has arrived this dishonest practice will stop.

 

[Neville Kneville]

The point is, he did really well at Celtic and won everything there. After 18 months, he should look to continue progressing and back himself to make it in the PL, not another year with Celtic winning the league by a landside, and playing a few CL group stage matches.

Maybe he should.

But can he trust City ?

 

[blue b4 the moon]

As I've posted before, agree a take it or leave it double loan Roberts to Celtic and that full back Tierney to us with a view to both sell for £15m at the end of the season.

Otherwise tell Brenda to fuck off.

 

[Pubteam Lomas]

I think it's a tricky one for the lad.
If he goes back to Celtic he'll get game time with a club and a manager he trusts and likes.
But if he goes to Southampton he could find himself in and out of the team.
Not sure he backs himself really.

 

[Easy]

Maybe he should.

But can he trust City ?

Whats there to trust? If he goes to SOTON, its better for his career, he does well, he might have a chance with us or City could sell him to SOTON or another club in the PL. His value increases a lot if he has a good season in the PL.

The only reason I could see him preferring Celtic is he lacks ambition, is low on confidence, or doesn't yet feel hes ready for the PL.

 

[moomba]

But if he'd never signed for us in the first place, he might now be playing in the Prem at West Ham or somewhere for example & never have been to Celtic.

I honestly don't see why a kid in his position would ever sign for us as it stands

Maybe. Personally doubt he was ready for premier league football when he joined. I don't think the last two years have been bad for his development at all.

FWIW I think we've got a lot of inprovement in how we work with the loan system. Too many poor choices of club, and sometimes it seems like theres no real direction or long term plan.

I just see with Roberts that this is a pretty good path through to our senior team. Development at Celtic, premier league test, prove yourself.