Connor Thompson..

[AlexGulls]

According to this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19907407

Weve signed Connor Thompson a 17 Year Old 'Keeper who was released by Swindon last season currently playing for Chippenham..

[Dave]

A development player I should imagine Alex, we had an 18 year old keeper from the U.S.A on trial however he was not offered a contract( spoke to his parents who come from this area before moving to the States, 2 weeks ago) This is the right age, some are late developers and you never know.

[AlexGulls]

Aye would imagine he'll only be in the Youth team but good to see were looking towards the future.

[Richinns]

Suspect he has been given the same wages Chippenham were paying him with a prove yourself contract which will lapse at the end of the year.

May be Billy's dad has recommended that we have a look at him.

No harm in this and only worth giving him a go.

[monkeyboy]

A local paper reported that Exeter had offered him a contract, so we've done well to get him. Hope he fullfils his potential he certainly doesn't lack ambition, left Swindon because they didn't give him enough opportunities and has turned out some excellent performances for Gloucester and Chippenham (where Lee Phillips is playing now btw) to get a professional contract within 3 months of dropping into non-league. I wouldn't be surprised if he is our No.2 next season.

[ferrarilover]

Why have we come across Chippenham Town before, have we played them?

Matt.

[ferrarilover]

I asked a player with connections to both clubs about this young lad and his reply was glowing. Suggested that with the right development, he could go on to play in the Premier League. Defined him as one of the best young 'keepers against whom he has played (in training, we presume, given that they were on the same side at Chip Town).

Given that the last obscure non-leaguer uncovered by Dinger and his network of spies was Nathan Craig and that the last goalie Dinger poached from obscurity was Bobby, I'm rather hopeful for the prospects of the lad. We must question, however, how close he'll ever get to the first team. It's well known that Ricey is the ideal foil for a number one and worth his salary for his efforts in training alone, but we certainly can't justify three goalkeepers, so do we hope this kid is alright and sell him early for a small fee but a big sell on (I think Shrews made more from clauses on Joe Hart than they did up front), or do we sack Ricey and give the kid a go? Granted, this is probably an issue for the 2014/15 season, but it's still worth considering.

Matt.

[supergulls]

I watched him yesterday in the youth team game away at Exeter and I really like him. He's kicking is absolutely top drawer and he has a real presence. He pulled of some good saves in an impressive 1-3 win for our young lads.

[ferrarilover]

Super, my dear boy, why is it that you attend the youth team fixtures in preference to the first team?

Matt.

[supergulls]

I went to both matches, I did Exeter in the morning and then went straight to plainmoor. I had a great day all round really. A few beers after the game well more than a few, I fell in at 3am. I mainly comment on the youth matches as everyone knows what goes on with the first team, so I thought I would fill everyone in what goes on with our youth team as its not so widely reported.

[Dave]

Many thanks supergulls for your reports on all matters youth team, like most I can't attend youth team matchs, and I enjoy reading your updates..in fact I would like to suggest that supergulls is made the sites official youth team reporter.

[supergulls]

They had a good win yesterday, they completely dominated the first half going in at half time with a two goal lead. Danny Sullivan notching again and Tom ellacott chipping in with a nice finish into the bottom corner. In the second half Exeter as expected push on hard and got a penalty when the ball struck one of our lads on the arm. It was dispatched confidently to make it 2-1. Then we went straight up the other end and Jamie alexandrou scored witha nice header. The boys then took the sting out of the game and run out 3-1 winners in the alliance cup. Connor the new goalie did make a difference and the defence led by Hutchings had a good game and hopefully now get the results that their recent performances deserved. They have been loosing by the odd goal but with Connor inbetween the sticks we should now get a few clean sheets. The result was more incredible as they were without 7 players due to injury.

[Richinns]

With McKenzie and Thompson progressed and with Sullivan, Hutchings and now Connor looking quality at this stage of their careers things are looking really good for the future. With this and the training ground investment I think we can look forward to more home-grown talent coming through the ranks. With Geoff Harrap steering this ship I am very excited about how we are progressing as a club and the blueprint we are putting in place for future development. We now have very strong foundations to build from and praise should be given for all of those who have helped to lay this steady yet ultimately exciting and rewarding base.

[ferrarilover]

Brilliant, thanks Super. I rather assumed you didn't go to away games, but to YT games instead. Sounds like that Dan Sullivan is quite a prospect, hopefully moreso than Yeoman or the other one.

Matt.

[supergulls]

Who knows how he will progress, but I will say he looks very capable at youth team level. Its whether he can now make that step up and do it against established pros. I will say he's work rate is good and he can finish, hopefully he cracks on. Since Geoff harrop has come the standard of player coming in has drastically improved. I think there will be a couple from this crop who could possibly be real gems.