Give Them Time: Be Patient With Young Players

To be fair, the point is simple: age alone doesn't tell you everything. What matters is first-team experience and how much genuine game time a player has had before joining us.

Where the differences lie

Moore arrived already used to starting and playing significant minutes at senior level, which makes a big difference when stepping into our line-up. Chermiti, by contrast, has often been introduced as a late substitute and that short exposure changes how you judge progress. It's not an insult to either player — it's about context.

Match rhythm matters. Twenty minutes here and there doesn't replicate the learning of full ninety-minute involvement — reading the game, winning duels, being part of phases from start to finish. A guy who's warmed up to start learns positioning, stamina and the tactical nuances that only come with sustained minutes.

Fees affect judgement more than they should

I keep coming back to the fee issue. Fans are quicker to forgive youngsters who cost less and quicker to criticise those with a headline price. It's human, but not helpful. Whether a player carried a big fee or not, we should assess him on development, minutes played, confidence and output.

Expectations can shape a player's confidence. If every touch is over-scrutinised because of the fee, mistakes look worse and the narrative turns quickly. Let them play, let them make errors and then coach them out of it.

A simple plea for patience

History tells us plenty. Players need time to settle at a club where the demands are huge; some adapt quickly, some don't. Rushing to a verdict after a handful of matches does no-one any favours. I'd rather let a season unfold, back the coaching staff and let form and fitness tell the story.

Being patient isn't sentimentality; it's smart business. Develop a player, give him minutes, and either he helps you on the pitch or he becomes a valuable asset down the line. We've seen the benefit of that model before.

So maybe we agree more than it seems. Time, context and a clear head — that's how you judge a signing. Let's keep backing the youngsters and see who steps up.

Written by Angus1812: 25 May 2026