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Old 12-06-2014, 10:12 AM   #26
Greyfriars Bobby
College Prospect
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
17 March 2014

After seeing off relegation candidates Clyde, 3-1, on 3 March, Rochdale next faced Stoke City in the Sixth Round of the British Cup. The Dale had already managed results against bigger clubs in this tournament, but the Potters were different. Sixth in the British Championship table, Stoke were among the most storied clubs in British football.

Almost 7,000 people came out to Spotland on a cool, drizzly evening, and they saw Paul Sanderson's side put up a good fight. Stoke won the match, 0-2, both their goals coming off set pieces.

Unfortunately, the reversal of form didn't undo itself when Oxford United came to Spotland on the 15th. The Us scored within three minutes and went on from there, spanking Rochdale 0-3 and moving top of the table. "It was an embarrassing result," said Sanderson after the match."

On a more positive note, a new crop of youth candidates joined the club. Among them were several about whom the staff were already raving. Head of Youth Development Ben Ferguson had a shrewd eye for talent, so his evaluations carried a lot of weight with the manager.

Among the most promising youngsters:

GK Paul Flitcroft (age 16). His quick reflexes, sure hands, and ability to control the air make him a prime prospect. Potential: 4.5 stars.

D(C) Francis Green (age 16). Plenty of pace; the toughness of a first-rate stopper and the ability to pass the ball out of danger. Potential: 4.0 stars.

D(R, L, C) Ollie Mallinson (age 15). A set of very strong mental attributes should enable him to make the most of his considerable talent. Is there a captain's arm band in his future? Potential: 4.5 stars.

AM(L)/M(L)/D(L) John Hollyoak (age 16). Dynamite in a small (5'4", 116 lbs) package. A slick passer with speed to burn. Potential: 4.5 stars.

ST John Sumner (age 16). Already a deadly finisher, he's good with both feet and, like several of the other youngsters profiled above, he has great wheels. Potential: 4.5 stars.


Add these youngsters to a group of 18-year-olds like MC/DM Andy Funnell (4.0 star potential), ST Robert Shillito (4.0 star potential), and AM(C) Robert Jordan (4.5 star potential), and Rochdale supporters have reason to believe the next few years will be good ones.

"I believe a team should develop its young players," said Sanderson. "The bond that forms between a team and its supporters is that much stronger when the players have come up through the youth program."

He smiled when it was pointed out that he'd been very active in the transfer and loan markets since he arrived at Spotland Stadium. "If I want to be around in several years to watch the young players develop, I have to put together a team that can win right now."
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