Latest news with #player development
BBC News
19 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Key step forward' as St Mirren confirm player development partnerships
St Mirren have announced strategic partnerships with League Two side Dumbarton and Lowland League club Clydebank as part of the Scottish FA's new cooperation initiative was passed earlier this year to help improve player development in Scotland by providing more opportunities for young Mirren say the system allows them to "place a maximum of three players, who are eligible to play for Scotland and are under the age of 21, on a cooperation list". These players are then able to move freely between St Mirren, Dumbarton and part of the agreement, Buddies youngsters Carrick McEvoy, Thomas Falconer and Theo McCormick have all joined Dumbarton, while Billy Hutchison will link up with Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said: "I firmly believe in the loan system to develop our young players and something that hindered that previously was not being able to bring them back at certain stages or leaving yourself short in numbers."With the cooperation agreement, we are able to get them into men's football to develop under other coaches. Hopefully, we can also help the coaches and the clubs they are going to. It will be a great benefit for both parties."St Mirren chief operating officer Keith Lasley added: "As per the Scottish FA's transition report, it has been shown, as a country, that we need to try and produce more young footballers for the national team."From a club point of view, it's something we want to do as well. We see these cooperation agreements as a key step forward in allowing us to be more strategic in our planning and think long-term rather than what has been traditionally a short-term, reactive process."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aberdeen confirm 'historic' partnership with Elgin
Aberdeen have confirmed a "historic" player development partnership with Scottish League Two side Elgin City. The Pittodrie club say the agreement follows the introduction of a new Scottish FA initiative that has been "created to boost opportunities for young Scottish players". Advertisement Seventeen-year-olds Dylan Ross, Jamie Mercer and Noah McDonnell will all move on loan to Elgin immediately, but players selected will be able to switch "between the parent and cooperation club throughout the season to increase playing time". Clubs can have multiple agreements across the SPFL pyramid, but only one in each tier. Elgin will be the Dons' League Two partner. Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn said the fourth-tier side will provide "an excellent platform" for their young talent. Gunn added: "We were at Borough Briggs back in January to play a Scottish Cup fixture and not only were we thoroughly impressed by the facilities, but it was clear the team have a solid identity and a talented staff. Advertisement "From our early discussions it was apparent we are aligned in terms of our priorities for the development of our players, and importantly, Elgin demonstrated a sound knowledge of the players and a real desire to support their ongoing development. "While we expect it to be a challenge for [the players], the opportunity for competitive first-team football, in the professional league system, is significant for our players. "We have taken a view that this is a better progression for our best young players, training daily at Cormack Park under a dedicated transition manager and being exposed to senior first-team football at the weekend, rather than playing against their peer group in Under-19 football. "This agreement with Elgin is just the first, that covers League Two, and we hope to have others announced shortly."
