Also playing in for U-21’s was Cardiff City’s midfielder Eli King (2002) who joined Stevenage on a season long loan just prior to the close of the transfer window. Eli has progressed steadily during a lengthy association with Cardiff, his first appearances for the U-18’s occurring when three years younger than most participants. Last season, he spent the first part of it on loan at Morecambe where he certainly endeared himself to their fans with some impressive performances in League 2. The remainder of it was at a change of location as his assignment was switched to a challenge at Scottish Premier League Ross County. He arguably had an even more successful spell north of the border as he helped them retain membership of the league for another season. It is expected that Eli will exhibit his competency as a League 1 performer and this in turn will delight both himself and the Boro management team upon achievement. A path toward competing at the higher levels of the game is undoubtedly his aim, one that does seem within his capability.

Playing alongside Eli in the U-21’s midfield was Charlie Savage (2003). He is now in his second season at Reading after his transfer there from Manchester United in the summer of 2023. He gained plenty of first team experience with the Royals last season and is similarly doing so in this one. His performances for them drew admiring glances from other clubs creating speculative rumours of a possible move away from the Select Car Leasing stadium club. As previously mentioned, Charlie was at United, where he shone in their academy and youth departments, eventually making his first team debut as a substitute in a Champions League match. An occasion that was witnessed by his immensely proud father as he provided punditry for the game. He had been replicating the footsteps of Robbie’s tenure at the club, but that moment was an unprecedented event in the Savage family history. If Charlie can eventually produce the sort of performances that drew much acclaim for Robbie when wearing the Welsh shirt, The Red Wall will undoubtedly be vociferous in pronouncing their endearment toward him. Well into double digit appearances in Wales age group representations, Charlie has also been involved with the senior side collecting two caps in friendly matches.

Somewhat mirroring Charlie’s path in football has been another following in family footsteps. Defender Joe Low (2002) also played in that recent U-21’s game, adding to his caps presented for various Wales teams. As did Charlie, he made his senior debut in the friendly against Gibraltar almost a year ago and added a second appearance in the return encounter at the end of last season. In club football he was with Bristol City as a youngster and on, until his transfer to Wycombe Wanderers prior to the start of last season. Joe had a good amount of first team experience on loan with Walsall before his transfer along with at various non-league clubs in earlier seasons. He has been a regular inclusion in the team since his arrival at the Chairboys and is about to eclipse a half century of appearances for them. It would not be surprising that in future Joe will be playing at a level higher than Wycombe’s present status of League 1 football. He did turn out in one Championship game as well as a cup game when still at City.

Originally selected for the U-21 squad but eventually withdrawn due to injury, it has been an eventful couple of weeks for forward Pat Jones (2003). After a period with the Wrexham academy, Huddersfield Town negotiated for his transfer to become a scholar with them. He quickly made a strong impression on coaches at the Yorkshire club making his first team debut as a seventeen year old substitute in a Championship match. The appreciation of his qualities continued throughout his time at the Terriers, but injury situations prevented him from establishing a regular pattern of matches that eventually totaled almost a score of appearances for them. Shortly before the close of the transfer window, Exeter City successfully bid for his services and so his footballing future is now as an employee of the Grecians. At present it is unfortunately at a pause in terms of thrilling their fans, as a hamstring issue will require a period of months for resolve and recovery to be completed. A pacy player able to operate either centrally or out wide, his adeptness at scoring will quite possibly provide memorable moments for his new fans upon his return to full fitness. Pat has been involved with Wales teams throughout the age groups and hopefully his career can realize its full potential with further caps still to be earned.

A goal scoring feat of five in two or three games is an attention getter, to do so in one match is very much noticed and applauded. Plymouth Argyle’s second year scholar Joe Hatch (2006) accomplished the feat this past weekend adding to the two scored in the previous game, making it a very productive period and worthy of a congratulatory mention. Centre forward Joe has been a regular scorer in Plymouth’s youth teams and will be hoping that he can remain at the club by earning a professional contract next season. He has played for Wales teams at U-16 and U-17 levels, contributing with three goals scored when doing so.

[ photo embedded from FAW cymru ]