Jack Sparkes

**IndoMike** · 14 January 2018, 14:31

Originally Posted by LDNGrecian

Tis is coming in for criticism for his lack of playing time of Sparkes, both the impact on his development and to the detriment of the team’s results.

My point I was unsuccintly making was Tis hasn’t made many mistakes with developing players in the past, so why the automatic assumption he is failing now with Sparkes? I strongly disagree with view that playing games before players are ready ‘doesn’t do any harm’. It could harm the confidence if they have multiple ineffective games in a row, they could be targeted for a clattering and get injured, or they could cost us points. I distinctly remember a goal coming from the side with Sparkes on just after the Swindon game. Even Amps didn’t play every game last season.

Also with regards to my rambly first post, Post-ciders may not be the best time to post!

Ok London : thanks for rephrasing. My own view is that a player who is probably desperate to prove himself (the impatience of youth) needs to be nurtured carefully but also needs encouragement. I think selecting him now and again when we need a left-sided attacker or bringing him on for the last 15-20 minutes would help his development. Anyway, maybe we'll see him play more a bit later in the season.
Post-cider is a very good reason for rambling.

**Red Bill** · 14 January 2018, 14:42

In your zeal to leap to Tisdale'so defence, you seem to be countering arguments that nobody has made. In my OP I said I was disappointed not to have seen more of him but admitted I wasn't expected him to be a regular starter but had at least hoped to see some sub appearances. I haven't seen anyone on this thread suggest anything else. I started this thread about Sparkes, not as a general comment on Tisdales approach to young players, only you have done that.

I don'the agree about the possible harmful effects of throwing young players in early, l think if they're that fragile the probably haven't got what it takes to make it in professional football. But I can't claim any expertise in this area so you may be right, but if they'very played half a dozen and still aren't up to it, then it up to the maker to stop putting him in the side. Watch I would say though is that Tisdale'so comments about Sparkes at the beginning of the season would suggest that he felt Sparkes was robust enough physically and mentally to cope hence I was expecting to see more of him.

**Saint James** · 14 January 2018, 17:11

Originally Posted by grecIAN Harris

So we've got one wrong. Arsenal let Andy Cole go and eventually ended up as a multiple Premier League winner not to mention Champions League winner and England International. S4!t happens occasionally.
As for Sparkes, he will be bought on in time. Tis has rarely rushed any of the kids in to the first team. He's given them a taste every now and then until he's felt they're ready. He hasn't gone far wrong with that policy. The only player that has been treated differently is Ethan Ampadu. He's now in Chelsea's first team squad. That tells it's own story. Patience is a virtue gentlemen which very few of you seem to have.

I was explaining the point for IndoMike as he didn't understand the point made in LDN's post. I wasn't making a value judgement on Tiz getting the decision wrong on Frear - quite the contrary as I didn't feel at the time Frear ever looked likely to make the grade higher up the league. With 7 starts this season and only 11 last year I cant see Frear lasting much longer in the Scottish Prem

**LDNGrecian** · 14 January 2018, 17:29

Originally Posted by Red Bill

In your zeal to leap to Tisdale'so defence, you seem to be countering arguments that nobody has made. In my OP I said I was disappointed not to have seen more of him but admitted I wasn't expected him to be a regular starter but had at least hoped to see some sub appearances. I haven't seen anyone on this thread suggest anything else. I started this thread about Sparkes, not as a general comment on Tisdales approach to young players, only you have done that.

I don'the agree about the possible harmful effects of throwing young players in early, l think if they're that fragile the probably haven't got what it takes to make it in professional football. But I can't claim any expertise in this area so you may be right, but if they'very played half a dozen and still aren't up to it, then it up to the maker to stop putting him in the side. Watch I would say though is that Tisdale'so comments about Sparkes at the beginning of the season would suggest that he felt Sparkes was robust enough physically and mentally to cope hence I was expecting to see more of him.

There was no specific point arguing against, just several posters saying that they disagreed with the current situation. I’m not arguing hat this is the best, I was making the point that based on history, we should have every confidence in Tis. No matter what you think of his post match interviews or tactical choices, one thing he almost always does is nurture players well.

That being said I would say Jamie Reid could be an example of expecting too much too soon. Am I right in saying he was given a 3 year deal at the beginning of the 15/16 season? Matt Jay has been shown a lot of patience and maybe we’ll see his time this season.

**RebornKirtonRed** · 14 January 2018, 23:02

so many teams got a couple of little fellers playing midfield, little workhorses they are, high-powered engines for 90 minutes and no lack of skills either - I think Matt Jay would be a good alternative/addition up front, he's pretty quick and 7'6" centrebacks won't know where the heck he is until they receive a head-but in the knacks ..........I reckon he'd be good for quite a few penalties too................dare to be different.

**Hants_red** · 11 July 2018, 10:08

Interview with Sparkes on the Vlub OS https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/...for-promotion/

I wonder if he'll be our 1931 funded player for the new season?

**jimbo-gould** · 11 July 2018, 11:37

He mentions that Moxey, Holmes and Woodman our players to play in a similar position as him. I always thought he was more up the field? Could be a great shout at left-wing back.

**andrew p long** · 11 July 2018, 15:20

Originally Posted by jimbo-gould

He mentions that Moxey, Holmes and Woodman our players to play in a similar position as him. I always thought he was more up the field? Could be a great shout at left-wing back.

that's what I thought he said at first. But I agree with you about him playing further forward. I think he was making that 'same position' reference to Lee Holmes.

Interesting that MT said that from last night 'Archie (Collins), Jack Sparkes and Ben (Seymour) may well take some part in the Truro game.

**Red Devon** · 12 July 2018, 09:13

Originally Posted by jimbo-gould

He mentions that Moxey, Holmes and Woodman our players to play in a similar position as him. I always thought he was more up the field? Could be a great shout at left-wing back.

In that sensational substitute appearance he made at Swindon last season he played in more of a wide right position.