Admittedly I never saw him play, still surprised that a kid with some much potential, the Rangers trials, the Premier League interest, a trial at Manchester City wasn't it and now he's signing for Marske United.


Marske sign ex-Hartlepool man Blackford

Marske United have added winger Jack Blackford to their ranks.

The 20-year-old came through the youth set-up at hometown Hartlepool United, spending time out on loan with Whitby Town, Darlington and Shildon.

It is Shildon he most recently played for, but he now links up with a Marske side who are currently 8th in the Evo-Stik League East Division, following promotion last season.

http://nonleaguedaily.com/marske-sign-e ... -blackford

At 20 he still has time. Look at Lewis wing who boro signed last summer. Absolutely flying now.


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Without doubt Blackford had decent potential but like many kids that come through our youth set up or academy if they are not first team ready immediately they end up being released, I have seen Blackford a few times in the past mainly for the reserves and there was something there to be coached and worked on. The paradox is we spend years and time with youth set ups but far too few players make it. Lewis Wing that is mentioned was a lad like that, power for Seaham Red Star then Shildon, somebody saw something in him and he goes to Boro and is now a first teamer, on the Bbc Tees commentary he is often hailed as Boro 's most creative player and seems to have a decent future ahead.

As a club we need to ask how we develop these kids into our first team? For years now I have said we need to be following the Crewe model and producing our own players who we develop, play and ultimately sell. This season a financial decision was to disband the reserves , although it's not adequate and games too infrequent there's nowhere for younger players to go.For our future we need to look at how we go this, a big challenge and one too big for Richard Money !

When you look at teams in the Northern League etc there are loads of players who never made it with us, and are playing at this level. How many with a better structure and nurturing plan could be the basis of our team now? Makes you wonder !

Whilst what you are saying is totally correct about having to maximise the amount of players good enough for first team football and make full use of our youth policy the amount of ex Pools kids playing in Northern League and the like is hardly surprising if you are in the youth set up or even have been given a pro contract at a lower League club the likelihood is you won’t have a long career as a professional footballer. Very few make it in reality.

[quote="PJPoolie" Very few make it in reality.[/quote]
thats the problem and going from kids to adult football is a real killer and plenty fall by the wayside and do not manage to even make the northern league. as for this crewe thing, they made a name by getting players kicked out at other clubs especially liverpool and bringing them on and not their own kids.

The truth is out there

Real Madrid 2023

Hawkins centre midfield
Blackford on the wing
Rhys Oates ‘jumping high’ up front
Possibly some other kid who has lived next door to Monkeybutt playing right back.

#postagestamp

I noticed the Durham FA are on twitter trying to promote a new midweek u23 league for next season with 10 clubs declaring an interest so far including Pools, Darlo, Gateshead and Sunderland. In other words we will be in some form of second team competition next season but without the expense of traveling as far to the likes of Notts County and Rotherham.

http://www.durhamfa.com/news/2019/jan/2 ... m=referral

Clearly we could and should do a lot better with our youth players, but most don't make it , it has to be said , even during our most successful years, we had the likes of Appleby, Istead , Foley and Wilkinson who hardly pulled up trees. If you can get one or at a push even two , to regularly play in the first team you are doing well. Nevertheless still think we could of done better over the last few years with the likes of Dan Jones ,Simpson, Smith etc.

You really are a Twattling Fudgel or even a cockalorum some would say, get mopping up the sand and don`t forget to sheik and vac

Decent chomp from Captain Shitcraic.

Any more rising stars you could recommend? Any more high jumpers or neighbours who are good at kerby? I will inform the club to release them.

#postagestamp

Do you still love nature, despite what it did to you?

#livingoffthewife

You have no idea about me.

But anyone would think you were slightly jealous given you make constant references about my personal situation (which you have no idea about) I make none about yours. I don’t need to about you or anyone as I am fairly content. Are you?

I feel sorry for your wife seen as you mentioned mine if your personality in any way resembles the one you offer on this forum.

[ ] Great Thread

I agree it’s terrible but why should I have to take references to my personal life from some dough kneading choad who knows nothing about me?

I’m pretty sure this forum used to have rules about respect and rarfism.

Chode ya dumbass, if you're going to insult somebody at least do rhe research, not like you haven't the time #housebitch

That did make me grin - but there are more important issues to waste your time on..............

https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/ ... -1-9577149

Now I've got my views on this - but I don't want any lessons from the Gulf Guru so I'll ask what was that song written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1973 musical A Little Night ..... Two years later Judy Collins recorded "Send in the Clowns" for her album Judith. And did Chris Rea do a cover of it?

Sad as fuck this, you all need to grow the fuck up.

I agree but try being constantly on the end of it.

Dissapointed I have rose to it but I don’t know why some mild ribbing about stuff that he’s posted about football on this forum has to get personal, again.

Then block him and stop replying. I've done the same with Horden, life's too short to argue on the internet.

No it isn't.

Anyone wish to know who is on my blocked list? What a bunch of fookin cry babies.

Oh the ironing.

Genuine question but is Marske a step up or down?