Faulkner to Buxton

[DonnyOsmond]

They maybe need to go but unless somebody comes in for them they’ll be on the books until the end of June

I mean at the end of the season.

[StocksArmy]

From what we have seen of the lads out on loan for me there is only Straughan- Brown and Flint good enough to go on and play for us. Bemused at what everybody sees in Faulkner. It can be argued that he is still a young lad and he played in a crap team, had injuries etc but, for me I never saw anything to suggest he has been treated unfairly. Kuleya I thought had something but clearly hasn’t cut it, Degruchy it’s a travesty that he’s even still on the books, Jones and Goodman the same. Williams needs to massively develop physically to stand a chance at a career in the EFL. Not seen enough of the rest to comment.

[Nudga]

I often wonder whether it's beneficial for us to have an academy and youth team.
Not many come through and make an impact at 1st team level and even less at a decent saleable asset.

Scrap it and put a reserve team or u23 team in a reserve league and then we can trial higher clubs youth team cast offs.

[Iberian Red]

That would be a better idea Nudga, but cost must be the reason. Higher wages etc

[selby]

  Nudga, scrap the academy and their education grant and you lose a massive grant from the FA no smaller club spend entirely   on the academy and I leave it to you where the excess goes and a second team would be an entire cost to the club.
  That's why we have an academy and no second team. A big percentage of clubs with an academy are however looking at closing lower age group teams and just having from 16yrs up, so they still get the grant but cut costs especially now the costs of employing coaches has gone up due to the labour party.  Huddersfield did that a number of years ago but this season have started younger teams again.
    Flint and Faulkner who came from local football and got no financial help throughout his academy years playing for nothing while in full time education at Doncaster Tech have been just two good examples of the advantage of having an academy, both will have careers in professional football whether here is debatable and is in their hands but hopefully so. Flint did come through the age groups from 14yrs old.

[Nudga]

Thanks Selby, didn't know about the FA grants.

I would definitely get rid of the lower age group academy though. Totally pointless as the better kids are already at Leeds, Sheff utd etc.

[selby]

  Nudga, the four younger age group players that went to Manchester United and Leeds United as u14s fetched more transfer money in, and if they develop more where they  have a clause where we get more if they move on, brought more in in money terms than any first team players in the last six seasons, and we have youngsters in present lower age group teams attracting a lot of interest from some of the big clubs.
   It can be lucrative to the club both developing players for ourselves, and if we get the odd lad away at a young age because he is outstanding who we really can't stand in the way of, and in what could become an even smaller pond to fish in if other clubs go that way.
   Anyway we are Doncaster Rovers its our way to be a little different and most of the lads that have not made it have been well rounded good young men, may have had the best time of their lives with the club, and are ready for the life in front of them.
  Max Adamson a great example, not great at schooling he did better than he ever thought possible at Doncaster College got a  educational qualification with the club making provision for a mentor and special courses.
  He was released last year, I have my own thoughts on that, but didn't sit back, went to exit trials, got picked up by a New Zealand team, scored goals and got them promotion and has been picked up by a team in grade football in Perth Australia. A great example of what is possible.
  Life doesn't end at Doncaster Rovers for most lads, we have numbers in the USA, Colleges over here, and throughout the football pyramid, and in other countries and credit to them, and the academy.

[Monkcaster_Rover]

  Nudga, the four younger age group players that went to Manchester United and Leeds United as u14s fetched more transfer money in, and if they develop more where they  have a clause where we get more if they move on, brought more in in money terms than any first team players in the last six seasons, and we have youngsters in present lower age group teams attracting a lot of interest from some of the big clubs.
   It can be lucrative to the club both developing players for ourselves, and if we get the odd lad away at a young age because he is outstanding who we really can't stand in the way of, and in what could become an even smaller pond to fish in if other clubs go that way.
   Anyway we are Doncaster Rovers its our way to be a little different and most of the lads that have not made it have been well rounded good young men, may have had the best time of their lives with the club, and are ready for the life in front of them.
  Max Adamson a great example, not great at schooling he did better than he ever thought possible at Doncaster College got a  educational qualification with the club making provision for a mentor and special courses.
  He was released last year, I have my own thoughts on that, but didn't sit back, went to exit trials, got picked up by a New Zealand team, scored goals and got them promotion and has been picked up by a team in grade football in Perth Australia. A great example of what is possible.
  Life doesn't end at Doncaster Rovers for most lads, we have numbers in the USA, Colleges over here, and throughout the football pyramid, and in other countries and credit to them, and the academy.

Makes for good reading. Thank you, Selby!

[selby]

  Flint had a great game again last night for Darlington in an important win v Kidderminster that puts them on the fringes of the play offs, well done Will.
  Buxton had Derbyshire cup game Faulkner was not signed in time to play in the game that they won 4-0 and play Derby County u21s in the next round.
   Both will clash next Tuesday when Darlington play Buxton at Darlington.

[moses]

Hopefully will work out for us to see him play at Rushall v Buxton game on 8th February. We were looking to take the father in law (lives nearby) to another Rushall game and with Rovers playing Monday fingers crossed.

[selby]

  Both Faulkner and Flint had good games in a 4-1 win at marine and a 0-0 Darlington v Curzon Ashton according to reports, Faulkner the easier game played well carried the ball forward and technically sound, although against weaker opposition.
 Flint had a busy game in a physical test in a fiesty game with Darlington reduced to 10 men for the last half hour and was in which he stood op to the test well finding time to run the ball forward a couple of times.
  Tomorrow night they meet in a game at Darlington which will be interesting how they perform in what could be a good close game.

[Monkcaster_Rover]

Selby will be able to give more of an insight I’m sure but sounds like Bobby had a good game last night. Beat Darlington 1-0. 17 balls into the box and only one shot on goal. Flint off after 83 mins for Darlington.

[selby]

  MR, I went to the game last night, and am pleased to say both lads did very well in the context of the game and both were up there as two important players for their side.
   It was a fast well contested game on a surface that was difficult and heavy, Darlington at a slight disadvantage being part time and as the game went on the fitter full time Buxton players tended to be the stronger.
  Will Flint was neat and tidy played with his head up and was composed on the ball, his passing was high class recirculating the ball, although his team mates didn't exactly show for the ball up front therefore a lot of his passes were sideways to keep retention, when a telling ball was on he did make the pass, two sublime balls in the channels setting up good attacks, on the surface high class.
  Bobby was dominant in the air winning an extraordinary number of battles, won the majority of tackles although being beaten in one when his pace getting back helped to defend the goal area. He also gave a free kick away on the edge of the box in a dangerous position when diving in to block a shot. but was very much involved and with his central partner also playing very well were the two players who affected the way the game went the most, as a Buxton fan posted they will not pass tonight.
  The Buxton back four as a whole did well with Faulkner a vocal organiser and they also used his long throw to get them up the field when pegged back.
  In short both did very well and played well doing what they do well, different players both effective at what they do, both defend well differently one a technical player, one a physical hard old fashioned I suppose player who loves defending and both contribute to the game, certainly the supporters around me were interesting to listen to  and their names came up regularly. some coloured language directed at Faulkner at times, so he must have played well.

[Usher wide.]

I for one would appreciate you keeping us up to speed on Flint & Faulkner whenever you get the chance selby.

Many thanks for your welcomed insight & input.

[selby]

  This weekend Darlington didn't have a game so Will Flint had a weekend off while Bobby Faulkner had somewhat of an eventful game at Buxton v Southport which they won 2-1 in a close game their third on the trot in eight days and has projected them up into the play off places.
  In his own words he was involved in a defensive mix up that resulted in him scoring an own goal trying to get back defending and deflected the ball past his own keeper, saying he could have been quicker to react and get back quicker always honest is Bobby.
  As for the rest of his game he was mentioned in dispatches by the manager for praise after  the game, rose highest to bring a great save out of the Southport keeper from a corner, was brought down in the area after beating his man for a penalty from another set piece, and otherwise had his usual battling game  in defence that is getting praise from the Buxton supporters and manager and has been a big factor in their winning the last few games.
  A harder test awaits him on Tuesday at Chorley another side fighting to get into the playoff places in the division and more experience and minutes under his belt.
   Bradford Park Avenue are meanwhile using a number of academy and ex academy players as subs in the last few games while on a winning streak Sam Brown Jack Goodman Josh Lindley and ben Blythe all coming on in the second half v Pontefract Collieries in a 4-0 win
   On Saturday the played Stocksbridge Park  Steels winning 3-0 with Sam Brown and Ben Blythe starting and playing the full 90 minutes and Goodman coming on once again as a second half sub.

[selby]

  Getting information about games in the mid week games if your not there can be difficult and depend on updates mainly on X, the best reports are the managers assessments at the end of the game but with the Chorley manager sent off  even harder.
  Buxton looked well beaten 3-0 although missing chances themselves and could well have been two goals up having good chances in the first twenty minutes which they dominated.
 By all accounts Chorley are respected for their dead ball delivery and two keeper mistakes and an own goal  came from set pieces.
  Bobby had a decent game again according to reports, got booked for a tackle and got another 90 minutes under his belt and a little mention from his manager at the end.
  Bobby has nothing but good things to say about the club, and the manager especially our old player and father of Jay who has given him confidence and the opportunity of game time and has been encouraging at every turn, and a good set of lads to play with.
  The team is an unusually young side at that level, the keeper 18 years old at that level is outstanding and has played really well all season and will learn from his mistakes last night.
  The connections with this club could be fruitful for both sides for progressing future young players and with Darlington as well.
  Its a good level and Bobby and Will Flint are showing the clubs young players from us can contribute to them, and to be fair both clubs are treating both players very well, I hope all the clubs involved with us feel it has been worthwhile, as their playing on loan players of ours is definitely beneficial to our youngsters.

[moses]

Went to the Rushall v Buxton game today and saw Bobby and brief appearance Liam Ravenhill.
The Buxton fans really pleased with Bobby and they blew Rushall away today looked a level above them.
Bobby played well won every header outpaced their striker on the few times he had a chase on. A bit loose a few times with the ball but overall not a weak link on the ball. A good CB partner in Burton and they worked well together.
Buxton have a keeper i loan from Man City their fans told me and he certainly looked very Ederson in his long passing.
He will have tougher tests than today but getting good experience.

[selby]

 Moses, that's more or less how the game seemed to pan out on the radio, Bobby mentioned a lot especially on a great block on a shot in the area and my report from a mate was positive too. They have done well since a couple of others have joined with him at Buxton winning four out of five games, and he also mentioned the distribution of the keeper.
  He has not missed a minute of games  since joining them and is really enjoying it, And consistently playing well.
  Much the same is happening to Will Flint at Darlington where my mate said he had another good game on Saturday v Marine in a position a little further forward than usual and allowed him to play a more expansive game, which he excelled in carrying the ball forward and setting moves off.
  Both are gaining good reputations others in the game are picking up on and rightly so playing like they are at a decent level.

[selby]

  Buxton do not have a commentary of their games but South Sheilds the away side did and I listened to it while watching Manchester City throw away a lead  in a display that looked like they need Olowu in defence.
  In the commentary it sounded like Bobby was the centre of the game and had a blinder in a 1-0 win the South Shields commentator really impressed with him.
 In his after the game summary, the Buxton manager also mentioned the contribution that the back four and keeper made to the result with their strong display.
  That is five wins out of six since Bobby joined them and has propelled them into the play off positions.

[Chris Black come back]

Started today at home to Radcliffe. Flint started for Darlo away at Southport.

Jones on bench for Dagenham. Close subbed with half hour to go for Eastleigh home to Aldershot Town.

Hurst subbed 75th mins home against Hamilton. Seems to be playing in the 10 role again.

[selby]

 Buxton  lost today 1-0 at home to Radcliffe conceding with thirty seconds of added time to go.
  Again dependant on the away commentary with Bobby getting plenty of mentions and Ravenhill coming on as sub to play alongside Bobby in defence.
 Another good ninety minutes which is the main thing and keeping up his own personal good play according to commentaries following the opposition who constantly mention his headed clearances and crunching tackles
  Meanwhile Will Flint had a good game in a defensive position in front of the back four in a 0-0 draw at Southport.
  Both lads are a vital cog in their teams defence are getting valuable experience and minutes on the pitch, have the admiration of the two clubs respective managers and have different attributes that would fit together in a solid defence and  are quick strong and good defenders doing well and attracting the attention of other clubs who are scouting them every game.

[Chris Black come back]

National League North a decent level for them to be playing in regularly.

[selby]

  By common consent Bobby had his best game for Buxton today although ending up on the losing side, and is getting better every game so must have played well according to a couple of lads I know who went to the game to support him.
  Second hand I know but backs up much of the commentary I listened to by the opposition supporters club.

[Chris Black come back]

It's great he is getting consistent game time. I don't think anyone doubted his potential. It was a matter of him either staying fit or getting a loan where he could play regularly, or both. Hope he can continue playing regularly for the rest of the season.