Otim, Smith and Walters have just been released and to my knowledge none of them had the opportunity to go on loan. Only a minority get that far. What now for those three lads? Released from a poorly performing Championship club is not a credential that tends to produce a contract.
I can imagine most clubs being willing to at least look at a Man Utd reject.
I honestly don't see how any parent can look at a career in football in anything other than short termism. Your only possible assumption as a teenage footballer about your future career is that you are unlikely to have one..
Will this lad have better coaches at Man Utd? Yes. Will he get more money? Yes. Will he be playing alongside better young players? Yes. Is he more likely to end up as a top flight player? Yes.
It's a no brainer. Frustrating for us maybe
Walters was on loan at Barrow & didn't pull up any trees. He's 23 & joined us, after being released by Leeds - had some injury issues too.
Otim & Smith - both 'ok' players, but academy football is ruthless and with what we have coming through - they were probably going to struggle. Also - thought it was a 'mutual' release scenario, so they may have opportunity to try their hand at a different club.
Mighten & Bondswell.... not sure I agree about better coaches, but they will certainly be amongst better players. It is the finances that will dictate in some cases - in others, they will want the best chance of access to the first team - which has been a real strength at NFFC !!!