Is James Webster .

While he has good experience, got to say I'm still completely baffled by this whole project, he won't be cheap so that goes against what most of us think the idea is, a cost cutting venture.

Overall I still can't help but feel it's a shame that we're binning our current youth set up just when it is bearing fruit for the first time in years. 3rd in the table with a chance of a trophy and the players who have broken in to the first team this year look ready for SL.

It's still a fkn terrible idea.

Hudgell must be laughing his head off at this deal.

I know no one is in favour of this idea.

Anyway I'd just like to wish him well in his new job.

Why? Which established first team players have you produced recently.

Hadley, Shaul and Abdul have all come through recently and played plenty of games.

Then their is Logan and Lancaster, who have played a few.

Consistent games for Downs and Fash.

Think you also forgetting that it takes times to get your Academy right and we are now finally seeing the benefit after 3 years of hardwork and investment.

Coming from you, that is hilarious.

Thanks for that, not sure how many could be considered established first team players though.

Yes it does take time and we are still behind you but have made progress. This is recognised by most people other than a few of your contributors who like to get in the snide remark. Still if it makes them feel better.

Despite the appalling investment in youth under the previous regime, we've still managed to do alright under pearson without the 'help' from those well-known youth producers Hull KR.

Potentially after Friday night, 10 debuts in two seasons: Lancaster, HTW, Turgut, Downs, Logan, Fash, Matongo, Abdull, Osborne, BTW.
2013 it was Hadley & Shaul.
2012 Cunningham, Bowden, Lineham, Crooks, Green.

Probably a couple more I've missed too.

Thanks for another snide remark.

Debutants are one thing, especially when they are in the squad because there is no one else available. Going on to be proven first team players is something else altogether.

When you have a production line like Leeds, Wigan or Saints you might have something to crow about. I don't see people on their forums belittling other teams Academies. Maybe they just don't feel the need.

good,fair and impartial appointment. The ginger ninja has served both clubs i wish him well

It's a pleasure.

The point you missed regarding the trend in our debutants is that they're flowthrough following an increase in youth investment since Adam Pearson took over in 2011. Barring Chris Green on that list, all are early twenties/teenagers who are still in their early stages of development as SL players. Why, if Pearson's investment is starting to pay dividends, would merging with your 'good' academy be a good decision?

Leeds, Wigan or Saints aren't merging their juniors with an inferior setup. If Leeds merged their academy with Wakefield, I reckon there'd be a few belittling comments from Leeds fans.

Genuine question for you sir?

How will FC benefit from merging their academy with KR's - other than saving a few quid?

Interesting point, this issue with the Hull Academy is on the pitch our first teams are not too far away from each other, it was down to the last derby who was playing in the mid 8's this year.

If things start to change as we start to see some daylight between the clubs then the academy will start to look a lot different, if Leeds and Wakey did merge the academy and the kids coming though had to choose a 1st team to sign for i'm sure they would have a first choice. Also will the 20's want to play duel reg at Gateshead or for the new Hull FC U23's?

It'd be exactly the same in terms of academy grading, merging a good academy with an outstanding one.

Leeds - Outstanding, Wakefield - Good

Hull FC - Outstanding, Hull KR - Good

It's not a 'snide remark' (before Keithy comes back all flustered) to say their setup is inferior.

Rovers academy is decent, the problem is that they aren't given the chance at first team level, rather sign loan players or average overseas players. Hull are also guilty of this but no were near the scale of Rovers.

After another outstanding performance by the young players , I'm still left wondering "Merger" Why ?

To be fair, this group of players are special and has always been said by the club, maybe this won't be repeated with less and less players playing the game.

Just thinking about who is still eligible for the u19's next season, those who are likely to be a part of the merged setup. Pretty sure the following are:
Callum Lancaster
Harry Tyson Wilson
Reece Dean
Brad Clavering
Jez Litten
Jordan Lane
Ross Osborne
Connor Bower

Not sure about Masimbashe Matongo or Zeus Silk

What will Horney's new role be?

I'm not sure I understand what is going on with the merger... I thought all the U19's and U16's were Hull FC players so although will play and be coached under a joint (what looks like independent) team they are nothing to do with Hull KR and not registered to play for them in any way. Have I got this wrong?

If not then we have pooled resources with Hull KR to create a new INDEPENDENT academy overseen by a recent Super League 1st team Coach in excellent facilities. It is up to Hull FC to be professional and attract the kids and parents in the U16's & U19's whilst they are playing. Add to the mix the great news that we now have enough cash to have a Hull FC U23's for these players to develop in, I can start to see some real advantages for Hull FC going forward.

If I understand this correctly then we have done good business keeping the current very talented crop of U19's and promising U16's away from the agreement.

don't think any of us understands how the merger will work, need a detailed statement from the clubs explaining exactly how it will be implemented

Clav, Litten , Lane and Silk are year 1s i.e u17's , the others are year 2's.

Masi is too old next season but will be playing for the U23 although I heard him and some others were looking at going to University

Yes we have.

On the flip side KR have lost 2 of last years scholarship (first year academy for 2016) who both played for England U16s. Ones gone back to amateur, the other to Wakefield ! Because Bishop Burton was too far to travel to train



Of the next intake to scholarship, of the 17 players I've heard signed I reckon 14 would have signed for FC defiantly. These will be the 'draft choices' when the time comes.

Sounds very similar to what I've heard.