Not only the first team squad contracts being allowed to expire but no fewer than 15 Academy/Development players being released with 8 of the others being awarded their first pro contracts.

Presumably PV has a number of youngsters he wants to bring in.

Talk about a new broom...

[Link]

Edited by doombear (10 Jul 2021 6.57pm)

I remember a youth team coach (not Palace) explainging that most of the squad are actually there to help the 1/2 players who the coaches believe will make it.

It mus be horrible for a young man come the day he finally realises that he was there just to make up the numbers.

Good luck to all.

One more point

literally happens every season…the fact we didnt renew contracts for wickham, dann, sakho & hennessey given their combined 500 mins of action doesnt make a difference.

‘Football isn’t instant coffee. You have to work at it. You must grow the bean, grind it.’ Ian Holloway

Spot on, though I doubt (and from what I understand, don't believe) that failing to make the grade comes as a shock to many. They get quite a bit of notice along the way of where they stand.

This is the point many of us have been making regarding the criticism of Hodgson for not using more youth players - it's not simply a question of faith, or of giving them a chance. The maths are unequivocal - the vast bulk don't make it. Never have, never will.

Final point - Vieira has nothing whatsoever to do with these youth players being released. I'm curious as to why anyone might think otherwise?

I was surprised at some of the names included particularly Alfie Mathews as I thought we had high hopes for him

There were high hopes for Matthews. However, from my recollection of watching him (on Palace TV not in the flesh, of course) he was somewhat inconsistent. Had the occasional flash of brilliance but was often out of games for long periods.