B Team / U18s / Academy 2024/25

[rocketman19]

Shout out to the guy on the tangy last night for playing the Hearts song at half time 

[Footballfirst]

B Team fixture list released.

 

https://slfl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Scottish-Lowland-Football-League-Season-2024-25-Fixture-List.pdf

 

Opening game at home to East Stirlingshire on Friday 26 July at 7:45pm.

[Footballfirst]

[Chuck Berry]

1 hour ago, Footballfirst said:

 

Are you able to share that file?

[Goggsy98]

Anyone know where all the match photos are from the vale game ?

[Footballfirst]

20 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

 

Are you able to share that file?

It's part of a bigger excel file I use for other information, but I've created an extract into a new file and a text file that you can probably convert to suit your needs.B Team fixtures.txt

B Team Fixtures.xlsx

Edited July 5, 2024 by Footballfirst

[lou]

7 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

It's part of a bigger excel file I use for other information, but I've created an extract into a new file and a text file that you can probably convert to suit your needs.B Team fixtures.txt

B Team Fixtures.xlsx 10.1 kB · 2 downloads

FF, how do you see next season looking for Mac Kirk, do you think he will be loaned out again? 

[Footballfirst]

2 minutes ago, lou said:

FF, how do you see next season looking for Mac Kirk, do you think he will be loaned out again? 

He's clearly not in the running for the first team squad just now, or he'd be in Tenerife. He is too old to play for the B Team, unless it's as the sole outfield U21 player that is allowed. I think it's inevitable that he will be loaned out or transferred/released, as I don't see him having a long term future at Hearts.

[lou]

3 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

He's clearly not in the running for the first team squad just now, or he'd be in Tenerife. He is too old to play for the B Team, unless it's as the sole outfield U21 player that is allowed. I think it's inevitable that he will be loaned out or transferred/released, as I don't see him having a long term future at Hearts.

Yeah I thought the same when he wasn't on the plane to Tenerife,  I had though he may end up at St Johnstone but after his non event loan spell at Hamilton, I think that may be beyond him, a real shame as he obviously has  real goal scoring prowess 

[Chuck Berry]

2 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

It's part of a bigger excel file I use for other information, but I've created an extract into a new file and a text file that you can probably convert to suit your needs.B Team fixtures.txt

B Team Fixtures.xlsx 10.1 kB · 2 downloads

 

Perfect, muchio gracias

[Chuck Berry]

2 hours ago, lou said:

Yeah I thought the same when he wasn't on the plane to Tenerife,  I had though he may end up at St Johnstone but after his non event loan spell at Hamilton, I think that may be beyond him, a real shame as he obviously has  real goal scoring prowess 

 

To be fair, it was the wrong move for him.   He's certainly in the last chance saloon and if he is to be loaned out again then it needs to be right and he needs to impress.

[RobNox]

19 hours ago, Chuck Berry said:

I'm going to guess that Mak Kirk is on his way out on loan again this season.

 

I liked the look of Dom Plank, let's see how he develops against better opposition.

Hopefully he'll get more game time than he did at Hamilton

[poultry]

14 hours ago, Selkirkhmfc1874 said:

Shout out to the guy on the tangy last night for playing the Hearts song at half time 

The man on the Mike was Jim Rainey good friend of mine, an Ulster man and a big Jambo. Lovely guy met him for a couple of pints after the game. 🇱🇻

[rocketman19]

18 minutes ago, poultry said:

The man on the Mike was Jim Rainey good friend of mine, an Ulster man and a big Jambo. Lovely guy met him for a couple of pints after the game. 🇱🇻

👌

[Goggsy98]

Anyone know where I can view the match photos from the game v vale of Leithen ?

[Jonbo]

33 minutes ago, Goggsy98 said:

Anyone know where I can view the match photos from the game v vale of Leithen ?

https://x.com/marooncat10/status/1809226581589533040?s=46&t=I8KcxtxJXurypyZ-wxIORQ
 

 

[merseyjambo]

What’s parking like at Ainslie Park on match nights

[John Findlay]

17 hours ago, merseyjambo said:

What’s parking like at Ainslie Park on match nights

Plentiful.

[Footballfirst]

Tuesday night's game at Kelty will be a completely different challenge for the B Team, as the home side will be in their final preparations for their League Cup group games starting a week later.

 

Kelty beat Hamilton 2-1 yesterday. Callum Flatman was one of their scorers in a side that also featured ex Jambo Lewis Moore.  I understand that Kelty have also been having a look at Murray Thomas. 

 

 

[Chuck Berry]

Kelty could be a decent loan destination for Mak Kirk as well.

[TyphoonJambo]

19 hours ago, merseyjambo said:

What’s parking like at Ainslie Park on match nights

morrisons

 

[Footballfirst]

Not exactly a great draw in the first round of the SPFL Trust Trophy

 

The 2nd round will at least provide a home tie

[Smithian]

23 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

Tuesday night's game at Kelty will be a completely different challenge for the B Team, as the home side will be in their final preparations for their League Cup group games starting a week later.

 

Kelty beat Hamilton 2-1 yesterday. Callum Flatman was one of their scorers in a side that also featured ex Jambo Lewis Moore.  I understand that Kelty have also been having a look at Murray Thomas. 

 

Kelty is in League 1 and they have some former Hearts. Seems a good fit for some Hearts loans, like Kirk as @Chuck Berry suggested?

 

With familiar faces, it would be easier for the players to adjust. And with Hamilton and Falkirk out, that league is wide open. Loanees could be playing games of significance late in the season.

 

Great team name, as well!

[Mikey1874]

1-0 Hearts 

 

Early goal by Callum Sandilands 

 

Team and updates 

https://x.com/WeeJambos/status/1810724154515308830?t=wZgRzRNSPXf2hd3vXQAaKw&s=19

Edited July 9, 2024 by Mikey1874

[Mikey1874]

2-0 Hearts 

 

More good play from Drysdale who after a neat one-two with Duncan, tries to fire the ball low in for Kirk, but it's put behind for a corner.

 

And from that resulting corner, Hearts score through Sandilands again! 

Bit of a scramble from the corner, but Sandilands, with his back to goal, has to be creative and he back-heels the ball over Trialist and into the net.

[Mikey1874]

Half time 

 

2-2

 

34 Lewis Moore halves the deficit from the penalty spot. 

Ball over the top finds Cole and although Tas stops his shot, the pair collide and the ref points to the spot which is coolly converted from the former Jambo.

 

44 Goal, Kelty. Johnston. 

Peach of a free kick from Cunningham comes back off the post and Johnston is first to react to tap home the rebound.

Edited July 9, 2024 by Mikey1874

[Cameronstheman]

Looking at results coming in see Hearts are up 4-2 now after 70 mins

[Mikey1874]

(Edit) 3 quick goals 5-2 Hearts

 

67 Hearts are back ahead! Duncan's shot is blocked, but Stevenson is in the right place to fire home on the rebound. 

 

70 Stevenson again! Hearts restore their two-goal cushion as Stevenson curls the ball into the far corner from the left-hand side of the box.

 

72 Matty Gillies makes it 5! Great ball-winning from the midfielder and he reverses his shot back across goal and it goes in off the post.

 

Subs 

66 Ross for Plank

67 Dall for Smith

76 Trialist for Drysdale

77 Muirhead for Duncan

81 Osborne for Gillies

 

Edited July 9, 2024 by Mikey1874

[Mikey1874]

Full time

 

Kelty Hearts 2 Hearts B 5

[ShedBoy]

7 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

Full time

 

Kelty Hearts 2 Hearts B 5

Wow. I know it’s only a friendly but that will do the confidence no harm heading into the season.

 

 

[Footballfirst]

Good win tonight.

 

First 3 minutes.

Cole (ex Hearts youth) exaggerates a dive to win a free kick near the corner flag. Initial cross from the free kick only half cleared, crossed back in and headed into the Hearts net. Offside!

Kirk picks up the ball 30 yards outs, drives forward then shoots from 20 yards, off the inside of the left post.

Hearts pick up the loose ball on the right and Sandilands curls a shot just inside the far post.

 

Thereafter it was a bit scrappy, but Hearts added to their lead when a Plank corner saw Forrester's initial effort saved on the line, but Sandilands reacted quickest to knock the ball home.

 

Kelty got back into the game when Tas was a bit indecisive coming out to clear and only caught Cole just inside the box. Moore converted the subsequent penalty.

 

Kelty then equalised just before HT from a free kick that came off the post and the home striker was the only one to react as he slotted home the rebound.

 

HT 2-2. It was a fairly even half. Hearts looked a bit nervous in defence, as did Kelty when faced up with Hearts pace.

 

Kelty started the better in the second half and created a couple of half chances. However the game changed midway through the half, when Hearts hit Kelty with a fast break the Duncan's initial shot was diverted to Stevenson coming in from the left and he fired high into the net to put Hearts back in front.

 

Kelty's belief seemed to dissipate rapidly thereafter. Stevenson scored Hearts 4th, coming in off the left and fired a low shot across the keeper and into the far corner.

 

Matty Gillies added a 5th when he won a ball in the middle of the Kelty half, drove forward, then fired a low shot into the net off the left hand post.

 

Hearts then saw the game out comfortably, keeping the possession well, with only a couple of token efforts from the home side.

 

Next stop, Whitehill (Rosewell) on Saturday.   

Edited July 9, 2024 by Footballfirst

[Star Lizard]

Must be good for Stevenson , we fought to hold on to him I believe ? 

[Rick Sanchez]

Any idea of the trialist? 

[grumpyespana]

Really enjoyed watching the youngsters tonight I thought the fitness levels were the difference between the two teams well done lads.

[bawheed]

On 04/07/2024 at 10:20, Footballfirst said:

Quite.  I'm used to using Louise as it's my daughter's name.

 

And she is in the hearts B team

[Chuck Berry]

A really good performance against a League 1 side featuring our auld pal Scott Allan who played the whole 90 minutes.  Callum Flatman also played the whole game for Kelty.

 

End-to-end first half which was fairly even, second half for a 15 minute spell the home side couldn't live with us and we bagged three.   Gus Stevenson is some player, Sandilands looking at his best.  McLuckie missing tonight.

 

Things look promising for another good season coming up.

 

 

[Jambo senior]

2 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

A really good performance against a League 1 side featuring our auld pal Scott Allan who played the whole 90 minutes.  Callum Flatman also played the whole game for Kelty.

 

End-to-end first half which was fairly even, second half for a 15 minute spell the home side couldn't live with us and we bagged three.   Gus Stevenson is some player, Sandilands looking at his best.  McLuckie missing tonight.

 

Things look promising for another good season coming up.

 

 

Absoultely right a b team missing Rathie, Nair, Mcluckie and Wilson so very young team.     Thought big Kai was superb at back and good to see Dryesdale back.  New lad Plank (11) had a positive first start but your absolutely right in that Stevenson second half was outstanding and Sandilands looked very impressive throughout.    

[Chuck Berry]

Just now, Jambo senior said:

Absoultely right a b team missing Rathie, Nair, Mcluckie and Wilson so very young team.     Thought big Kai was superb at back and good to see Dryesdale back.  New lad Plank (11) had a positive first start but your absolutely right in that Stevenson second half was outstanding and Sandilands looked very impressive throughout.    

 

Kai was indeed very good, and hopefully Drysdale enjoys an injury free run in the team.  Plank reminds me of Barrie McKay and appears a very astute signing. 

[Jambo senior]

5 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

 

Kai was indeed very good, and hopefully Drysdale enjoys an injury free run in the team.  Plank reminds me of Barrie McKay and appears a very astute signing. 

Agree,  guilty of maybe taking a touch too many at times but think he will quickly learn that when a couple of the lowland league full backs get hold of him.    Overall been impressive so far 

[Star Lizard]

Obviously not our player anymore , but how did Flatman look ?

 

Also , great to hear good things about Stevenson . I was a little worried that he was not going to live up to his early potential and after us having to fight to retain him , I would have found that quite sad 

33 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

A really good performance against a League 1 side featuring our auld pal Scott Allan who played the whole 90 minutes.  Callum Flatman also played the whole game for Kelty.

 

End-to-end first half which was fairly even, second half for a 15 minute spell the home side couldn't live with us and we bagged three.   Gus Stevenson is some player, Sandilands looking at his best.  McLuckie missing tonight.

 

Things look promising for another good season coming up.

 

 

 

28 minutes ago, Jambo senior said:

Absoultely right a b team missing Rathie, Nair, Mcluckie and Wilson so very young team.     Thought big Kai was superb at back and good to see Dryesdale back.  New lad Plank (11) had a positive first start but your absolutely right in that Stevenson second half was outstanding and Sandilands looked very impressive throughout.    

 

[Footballfirst]

9 minutes ago, Sooks said:

Obviously not our player anymore , but how did Flatman look ?

 

Also , great to hear good things about Stevenson . I was a little worried that he was not going to live up to his early potential and after us having to fight to retain him , I would have found that quite sad 

 

 

Flatman was ok when not under pressure. I just thought the Kelty defence looked nervous when faced with the movement and pace when Hearts went forward.

 

Stevenson was excellent throughout. He actually got better when he switched to the left after Plank was subbed.

 

I'm certain that Hearts can still step up a level if they have everyone fit and all playing well, but so far it's been a positive pre season for them.

[Star Lizard]

9 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Flatman was ok when not under pressure. I just thought the Kelty defence looked nervous when faced with the movement and pace when Hearts went forward.

 

Stevenson was excellent throughout. He actually got better when he switched to the left after Plank was subbed.

 

I'm certain that Hearts can still step up a level if they have everyone fit and all playing well, but so far it's been a positive pre season for them.

Thanks . Sounds good 

[rocketman19]

12 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Flatman was ok when not under pressure. I just thought the Kelty defence looked nervous when faced with the movement and pace when Hearts went forward.

 

Stevenson was excellent throughout. He actually got better when he switched to the left after Plank was subbed.

 

I'm certain that Hearts can still step up a level if they have everyone fit and all playing well, but so far it's been a positive pre season for them.

Take it McLuckie was injured? Did notice when he came off last Thursday night he had bag of ice in his groin area

[FIGJAM]

Going to be interesting to see if any go on loan before the season starts. Sandilands playing well, he could be the one that is pushed on for his development as played lowland league for 2 years now. I get the feeling there won't be any promotions from  B Team to First Team this year, like we had last year. The first team appear to need to shed numbers rather than promotion up from B Team. The great news for both teams is that there is so much positivity just now, no long term injured so all looks really good. Hope Stevenson lights it up this year so that a year from now he is in the first team squad.

[Chuck Berry]

I agree, perhaps Sandilands needs to go out on loan and take the next step, I'd even put McLuckie in that bracket.

 

It does raise an interesting point.  Last nights match shows that the B team can go toe-to-toe against bottom half League One sides and not look out of place. It's also my opinion that much of League Two is no better than top half of the Lowland.   So Hearts need to choose wisely when placing players on loan, as we saw last season the Kirk to Hamilton loan was a bit of a damp squib.

[jamboinglasgow]

40 minutes ago, FIGJAM said:

Going to be interesting to see if any go on loan before the season starts. Sandilands playing well, he could be the one that is pushed on for his development as played lowland league for 2 years now. I get the feeling there won't be any promotions from  B Team to First Team this year, like we had last year. The first team appear to need to shed numbers rather than promotion up from B Team. The great news for both teams is that there is so much positivity just now, no long term injured so all looks really good. Hope Stevenson lights it up this year so that a year from now he is in the first team squad.

 

I do think there will still be some promotions this year (though maybe only a few) as though we have a big squad, injuries can still happen and all it takes is a few in injuries in a position and it opens up.

 

But I have wondered if maybe a loan (even for half a season at least) might be worth doing for a couple of players, the ones with over 50 games played. Sandilands, Forrester, Rathie and McLuckie are the most obvious ones.

[OTT]

Just reading that Celtic have appointed Darren O'Dea as their pathways manager (up from B team, with McManus replacing him). Saw that Anthony Joseph has explained the role essentially as "To oversee the development of academy & younger players to senior football and help to find options to meet individuals’ needs - for eg the right loan move."

 

Steven Pressley has the role of "Head of Individual Development" at Brentford, which I understand to be of a similar remit. 

 

Looking at it, it obviously goes beyond just that of an academy manager, and I wonder if having someone  freed up to exclusively focus on this area would bring success?

 

Makes me wonder if this is something the club could explore. Obviously we don't have the money to tie up hundreds of thousands in middle management style roles, but I like the idea of there being someone working on the individual development of the academy lads and trying as much as possible to push them as hard as they can be pushed and to ensure that they're being protected from poor, unproductive loan moves. 

 

As with all things Craig Levein, we saw right idea/ wrong execution, as he did appoint Gary Naysmith as loans manager. I wonder if looping back to something like this might help. I'd love to see someone like John McGlynn (or anyone with a lot of experience in Scottish football) take up that kind of role with his network of connections across lower league football in Scotland. Just off the top of my head, Harry Stone had a pretty poor loan spell at Partick where he barely played - could there have been a better fit elsewhere? Almost certainly. I'm sure for those that are right into following the B-team will know of many more not so great loan moves. 

 

Obviously football is changing and I think it makes sense to be constantly reviewing and seeing where we can tweak things to potentially get an extra little bit of success out of the academy. It could be the difference to turning a marginal case into a success story. 

[Chuck Berry]

To be fair is that really a full-time 36.5 hour a week kinda job?   I would have thought this would fall under Andy Webster and Liam Fox's roles.

[OTT]

5 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

To be fair is that really a full-time 36.5 hour a week kinda job?   I would have thought this would fall under Andy Webster and Liam Fox's roles.

 

Perhaps! Was just thinking that it must have a fair bit to it for Brentford to have flipped it into a full on role. Kind of assuming that the Academy Manager and B Team manager have their hands full managing those areas and may not necessarily have the dedicated time to really work with individual players in the sort of depth that it sounds like this kind of role could do. 

 

TBF I'd like to hear more about the role, but on the face of it, does seem like there could be merit (albeit maybe not as a full time role). 

[Footballfirst]

The other Celtic youth appointments were Jonny Hayes as assistant to McManus, and Adam Ashgar as U18 coach.