Author: Staff Writer

Bolivian TV network El Deportivo TV have published a second document which they say confirms potential Arsenal signing Samuel Galindo is an ‘age cheat’. The article in question is a form Samuel filled out before going on trial with San Jose de Oruro in 2006, which he gave the birth date of 18 April 1989, making him now 20-years-old. He then signed the paper, which you can see a scanned image of Here.

He also lists details such as height, weight and previous clubs. Interestingly, he notes that in the year 2005 he played for the Florida ‘B’ or Reserve team. Under the birth date he currently operates under (18 April 1992) this would mean that he was 12-years-old when he played for this side. This, coupled with El Deportivo’s passport picture, adds to up damning evidence that Samuel is operating under a fake age.

Deportivo have promised to unearth more details in the coming days to further confirm their suspicions. This arose after Galindo was registered by the Bolivan Football Association as an Under 17 player for a tournament in South America in May. Deportivo say they are taking the action of publicising this to not to harm the player, but to shame the members of the BFA who have misled the football community in what they call a ‘disease’ which is spreading through Bolivian football.

Gooner Talk blogger Gooner Chris contacted Galindo via the social networking site Facebook and asked about the allegations, where he told the writer unofficially that it was something “that he didn’t need to talk about at the moment.”

Samuel’s move to Arsenal may now well be in doubt, as he is yet to put pen-to-paper on the forms.

Article By – J.Sanderson With Thanks To Joseph

Arsenal’s Under 18’s surrendered their F.A Cup title this evening after losing 2-0 to Ipswich Town at Underhill. Two goals in as many minutes from Ronan Murray and star striker Connor Wickham gave the Tractor Boys the victory on a chilly night in North London.

Before kick off, Steve Bould was forced to make one change from the side which beat Crewe, with influential midfielder Conor Henderson ruled out through injury. In came Dutchman Oğuzhan Özyakup to add some extra style and creativity alongside the powerful and rugged Emmanuel Frimpong and Chuks Aneke.

Dunn
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Evina (c)
Aneke – Frimpong – Ozyakup
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman

Subs: McDermott – Obed – Byles – Yennaris – Meade.

Read more →

Bolivian TV network El Deportivo TV have published exclusive documents which suggest potential Arsenal signing Samuel Galindo is an ‘age cheat’. They say the Bolivia youth team captain is 20-years-old, not 17 as previously touted.

The network shows what they claim is Samuel’s correct passport, not a fake which was allegedly shown to officials at the Under 17 World Cup earlier this year after questions were raised by competing teams. The hosts, Nigeria, had 11 players in a 25 man squad fail bone tests in what proved to be one of the biggest attempts to field ineligible players in youth sport. Should the evidence be found to be 100% accurate, Galindo’s transfer to Arsenal may still be in doubt.

The passport picture – Here – clearly shows a picture of Samuel as a youngster with the birth date of 18 April 1989, making him 20 and about to turn 21 in just over two months time. The passport shown to officials at the World Cup lists the central midfielder as born on 18 April 1992. El Deportivo have dismissed the latter as false, just like they did with one of Samuel’s international colleagues, Carlos Castro. They published information which proved Castro was lying about his age, but the Bolivian federation ignored the pleas of the network for an investigation.

Now president of the ANF, Jorge Justiniano, will collaborate with the news agency in a mass inquiry to stop the adulteration of some players registered in the Bolivian Soccer Federation, and to clear up any anomalies.

More news is expected shortly.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Esbjerg FB youngster Lasse Vigen Christensen admits his recent trial with Arsenal was a ‘massive experience’ but he’s yet to find out whether it will lead to a permanent move. The Denmark Under 16 captain spent four days at London Colney in December and was due to play in a Under 16 game only for it to be postponed due to heavy snow. Speaking via his agents, he said:

“It was a massive experience for me to stay and train four days at Arsenal. I trained with the Under 18’s and I think things went quite well. The standard and intensity was very high.”

“I coped quite well so it was just great. I regard the whole trip as a good learning experience and keep many good memories.”

Arsenal have stepped up their scouting in Scandinavia in recent months and have previously had a handful of promising Danish prospects for tests. The success of Nicklas Bendtner has trailed a blaze and many believe it’s only a matter of time before 15-year-old Christensen joins Nicklas in leaving his homeland for one of Europe’s leading lights.

A box-to-box 5 foot 10 inch central midfielder, Lasse has scored 9 goals in 12 games for Esbjerg’s Under 17’s this term despite his tender age. His elegant passing style coupled with a tenacious nature add up to an exciting prospect for the future, but how ready he would be for a move to England now, the club don’t know.

The Gunners will be certain to continue watching this promising starlet who has recently been selected for the Danish Under 17 team.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Nacer Barazite is set to step up his rehabilitation following surgery on his trouble some shoulder by returning to training with the club. The Dutch winger is expected to be back in action by the time the Reserves travel to Stoke City on the 10th of February.

Barazite opted to go for surgery on the shoulder in October after sustaining damage to the tendons whilst on international duty for Holland’s Under 21’s in Finland. He has had frequent trouble with this problem, previously dislocating it on his debut in the Carling Cup against Blackburn Rovers two seasons ago. The versatile frontman should now be cleared of all future problems.

Already a year into a new three-year-contract, Nacer began the campaign in fine form. After performing his annual heroics by scoring against Barnet in pre-season for the third successive year, he helped inspire an unbeaten start to the Reserve League South season. A 21 minute cameo against West Brom in the Carling Cup looked to be the start of something in what could be a defining season for the young flyer, before injury struck.

If the 19-year-old can prove his fitness quickly enough, he may well add to the loan experience gained with Derby County last year, with a handful of Championship clubs already waiting patiently for the prospect to return to full fitness.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

In the Championship, Jay Simpson was left on the substitutes bench as managerless Queens Park Rangers drew 2-2 with Blackpool. The pacy striker is being courted by several Championship clubs who are keen on a full-time deal. Former Arsenal defender Matthew Connolly scored the equalizer for the R’s. Loanee Rating – 0.

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes for Watford in a 2-1 defeat to Doncaster. Lansbury turned in a typically bullish shift and had one great chance to score in the first half only to curl it straight into the palms of Neil Sullivan. Henri was also booked for a poor tackle. Loanee Rating – 6.

Kerrea Gilbert went straight into the Peterborough United side and played 90 minutes in a 3-0 defeat to Derby County. United had two defenders sent off before half time meaning Kerrea faced a baptism of fire. He turned in an excellent shift at right back, though. He made several good blocks and clearances but Derby were rampant. Loanee Rating – 6.

In League One, Mark Randall made his debut as a substitute in a comprehensive win for MK Dons against Hartlepool. Mark entered the game when it was already over as a contest, but he went on to make a goal as the Dons ran out 5-0 winners. The classy prospect looks set to start the next fixture. Loanee Rating – 7.

Wojciech Szczesny returned from injury to play the 90 minutes for Brentford in a 3-1 win against Carlisle. Although Ian Harte beat the Polish prospect from the penalty spot, Wojciech made a selection of fantastic saves to ensure the win. Loanee Rating – 7.

Elsewhere, Pedro Botelho was a substitute for Celta Vigo as they lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad. Botelho came on in the left wing position, an area where he had success earlier in the week, winning a penalty in a surprise 1-0 win over Villareal is the Copa Del Rey. Loanee Rating – 4.

Havard Nordtveit played 65 minutes for Nuremberg as they returned from the winter break with an away game at Schalke. Nordtveit featured at right back but was pulled off following Kevin Kuranyi’s strike which proved to be the winner. Loanee Rating – 5.

Article By – J.Sanderson

With Arsenal on the verge of signing Samuel Galindo, transfer rumour and Arsenal sites are buzzing with his name. Yet many Arsenal fans are asking ‘who is this kid’ and ‘where has he come from’. To assist said fans, we’ve produced a brief factsheet on the latest wonderkid to join Arsène Wenger’s revolution.

Stats:

Born: 18/04/1992
Age: 17
Height: 6’2”
Position: Attacking Central Midfielder/Winger
Nationality: Bolivian
International Apps & Goals: Under 20 – 4 (1)
Previous Interest: Everton, Manchester City, Newcastle, Fiorentina, Spartak Moscow

Behind the Stats

Despite his tender years, many commentators, including this site, have suggested he might be able to have an effect on this season so long as his work permit is cleared. These suggestions are almost certainly rooted in his physique and maturity, both of which defy his youth.

At 6’3” he makes an imposing figure, towering over players his own age so significantly that opposing coaches asked to see his birth certificate at the Under-17 South American Championships. His rangy nature has also led to comparisons with Patrick Vieira, though this seems odd considering his playing style. His maturity is obvious from the leadership roles he has been given, first as captain of the Bolivian Under 17’s and then the Under 20’s, despite being  three years younger than many of his team mates.

His playing style is reminiscent of a typical South American playmaker, with a superb passing range as well as the ability to get past men.

Disclaimer: This is a summary of a lot of information already available, complied for readers who don’t have the time to look around, if you already know it all, please give your own opinions.

Article By – G. Sonvinco

As 2009 slowly falls off into the horizon and 2010 begins to take shape, the annual SoccerLens award ceremony comes to fruition. Readers of their favourite sites can choose to reward the hard work put in by writers by helping them claim one or more of the gongs on offer, and Young Guns is asking our loyal readership to help our campaign.

One of the market leaders in football blogging, SoccerLens have been rewarding the progress of many promising and dedicated football websites in their annual awards since 2007. These prestigious prizes are handed out after a rigorous selection progress and then voting process, all decided by the most important people of all – the readers. As we approach our second anniversary, we’d love to celebrate it by joining the growing list of top websites who have claimed this excellent recognition.

The main award we’d love to win is for ‘best team site’. This is a site which leads the way in its given subject and has set a prime example for all others to follow. We believe Young Guns is the number one source for all things Arsenal youth and our honest and informative approach is a fine example for all blogs to follow. This is the main award we want as a way of recognition to the fantastic community comprising regular commenters and readers of the site.

The second is less significant but it would again be a fantastic achievement if we could win it. This award is the ‘best team writer’ prize and would go to the Young Guns team. This includes Gianni Sonvinco, who updates about international games, and Blogger Idol winner Nick Love. SoccerLens are yet to give this to a team of writers so this would be a significant achievement if we could win this.

All you have to do to nominate us is – copy and paste the text below – and send it off in a e-mail to awards@soccerlens.com. You have until the 18th of January to send it off.

“Best Team Site: Young Guns – http://youngguns.wordpress.com”
“Best Team Writer: The Young Guns Team – Young Guns – http://youngguns.wordpress.com”

After all the nominations have been collected, a vote off will take place with the actual awards being handed out on the 1st of February.

We’d like to offer a massive thank you in advance for anybody who decides to nominate us, and wish you all a blessed 2010. We look forward to your continued readership and comments on all topics related to Arsenal youth.

Article By – J.Sanderson

A growing number of furious Arsenal TV Online viewers are cancelling their subscriptions following the news that the Gunners’ Reserve League South fixtures will no longer be streamed live. In a statement on the club’s official website on Tuesday, the announcement was made along with the offer of an improved highlights service, although this is yet to come to fruition.

The live games have been one of the huge successes of the channel which have undergone several changes in recent years including featuring briefly as a TV channel under Setanta. MP & Silva agency will take charge of the rights to the channel in the summer from Level 3 who currently operate the service.

Young Guns contacted Arsenal yesterday morning to ask for an explanation but we were told this was not a club matter and were referred to Level 3. Nobody from the media company was available for comment. We’ve received a number of e-mails regarding this matter with many feeling cheated after paying £45 for 12 months with the purpose of being able to watch the second string live along with a number of other exclusive videos.

If you’d like further information on how to claim your money back then get in touch with Arsenal TV at: arsenaltvonline@level3.com. Young Guns will be helping to rally the fans dissapointment and you can keep up to date with all the latest on this issue by joining our Facebook group.

Article By – J.Sanderson