There’s a habit among some fans to blame Thelwell and an old price-tag every time a young player hits a rough patch. That’s what’s been happening with Chermiti — and it’s worth calling out. Don’t write him off after a slow spell; give the lad a chance to grow.

Don't make Thelwell the scapegoat for everything

Yes, you’ll hear people drag Thelwell’s name into conversations about past signings and fees. Fine — fans will talk. But treating that as the sole reason a youngster struggles isn’t helpful. You can point to past links all you like, but that doesn’t change the fact that development isn’t linear. Players arrive here with baggage, pedigree or price-tag; none of that guarantees instant returns.

We pick and choose who gets the stick

There’s a double standard at play. Some signings are given time to bed in, others get crucified for a few quiet games. You mention Mikey Moore, Miovski, Danilo and even Fernandes — different names get different treatment. It’s natural to compare, but fair it isn’t. If expectations were truly equal, you’d judge performance in context: stage of development, minutes played, role in the team. Instead, certain players are punished more for the same faults.

Backing youth shouldn't be controversial

Nobody’s expecting a young forward to bang in 30 goals in season one. That’s a fantasy. What you can expect — and what we should demand of ourselves as supporters — is patience and sensible critique. Point out problems, sure. But don’t act as if early struggles are a career verdict. Give the player minutes, the manager room to coach, and time to show if he can step up.

Truth is, blanket condemnation makes it easier for promising lads to fall through the cracks. Let’s be properly critical where it matters, and back our youth when backing is what they actually need.

Written by ItsNotComplicated: 26 May 2026

Tags: transfers match-review