Quote ="hula89"
I think he would do the opposite of hindering the development of young talent because:
a) he IS young talent he's only 25 and'"
I am afraid if you are 25 and are not a 1st team regular you won't last long at any club. I forget the number but how many over age players you can play in the U20's is not that many. Phelps would prevent the over age slots being used for injured players returning to fitness.
Quote b) having him means that in crunch games we dont have to throw a youngster in at the deep end due to injuries and hope they dont run scared.
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We are in the very good position of being able to blood young players as we have done this season without them being a liability or having t blood too many.
Several young backs have been given a game before him despite him being fit and that should tell you something.
Quote I wouldnt sign him if it means any of the others leaving (at the end of the day Pryce should probably be kept over him due to them both basically being back cover and Pryce being younger) but if they dont have to get rid of those to keep him then keep him. Simples.
Does noone remember the brilliant form and the praise he received for it at the start of the season? Phelps IS a good player.'"
He's not that good. It's a bit of myth this brilliant form at the start of the season. He played about 1 1/2 games against no one special before getting crocked. Apparently he stands out over the under 20 players as he should at 25 but yet he has never forced his way back into a team that is now picked on merit
Bottom line is like Ainscough he needs to move on to get a game in a 1st team on a regular basis. He is very enthusiastic and I think sometimes people confuse that for talent. He'd do a good job for a club like Salford but I can't see the likes of Wire, Saints or Leeds chasing his signature.
Dave
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