Sheffield Wednesday U21s boss Neil Thompson has said decisions over the club’s academy players will be made in due course as the end of the season moves closer and closer.
Sheffield Wednesday, like all clubs up and down the country, will likely oversee a significant turnover in academy players this summer. The end of the season brings new opportunities for many youth talents, with many let go to explore pastures new.
The Owls have previously made early decisions on some academy players, making an announcement over departures as early as March last year. It frees the youngsters to look into their opportunities ahead of next season, opening the door to trialists as the club eye their own new recruits.
Now, Wednesday’s U21s boss Thompson has been quizzed on the matter, confirming to The Star that discussions will begin soon.
Here’s what he had to say on the matter:
“We’ll all get together to start discussing.
“There might be early decisions on one or two, there might be decisions that are deferred for a little longer to see where we’re at.
“It’s a tough time for them it’s never easy but I’ve been there, I’ve been released. But then I’ve had contracts at the other end and there’s the joy in it. It’s part of being a footballer. You have to earn the right and every day is a chance to impress.”
Beneficial for all?
Of course, these decisions can bring tough times for academy players as they look for a new club where they can continue their dreams of breaking into senior football. However, there is a benefit in clubs making these decisions early on.
The released players are given plenty of time to look elsewhere and head out on trials with potential suitors, getting themselves in place at a new club ahead of the summer and before pre-season if all goes well.
It will have benefits for Sheffield Wednesday too. With some bound to head elsewhere on trials or for good, they can take a look at potential additions to their youth ranks before official decisions further down the line.