Josh Thomas

[winsumluzsum]

I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but if Michael Duff is appointed Swansea manager, as sounds very likely, then Josh Thomas could well get a look in for Swansea next season. With Obafemi having left already, Piroe almost certain to leave, and Whittaker likely to leave as well, there should be plenty of opportunities for the likes of Cullen and Thomas. Especially given that Duff has a reputation from his time at Cheltenham and Barnsley of bringing youngsters through and playing a 3-5-2 with a high press. This should really suit Thomas, as he has a bit of the Bellers about him, a real livewire, and great work rate.

I think I'm right that he managed more than a goal a game for Swansea U21s last season, including 4 in the last game 10-1 demolition of Birmingham. Which probably explains why Iwan Morgan was largely restricted to games for the U18s.

Too early for a Cymru callup anytime soon, but definitely one to keep an eye on.

[toshfan]

Josh Thomas - ex Ysgol Llangynwyd in Maesteg (the only Welsh Medium secondary in the County of Bridgend)
Iwan Morgan - ex Ysgol Bro Edern in the east of Cardiff. One of three Welsh Medium secondary schools in Cardiff.

[winsumluzsum]

The comparison I made with Bellamy seems more and more accurate from what I've seen and heard. I may be guilty of overhyping him but we could do with a bit of positivity right now.

Similar size, build, speed and temperament (was sent off last season in the U21 match against Cardiff having tried to wrestle the ball off the goalie after scoring). Also very clinical. Has 5 goals in pre-season for the Swans - from 4 games (effectively 2 in game time). Follows on from 18 in 16 games for the U21s last season - all the more impressive considering he was just back from 18 months out with injury from a car crash.

Think he may leapfrog Cullen (who's attracting interest from Celtic, Middlesbrough and Sunderland) in the pecking order, which would be no mean feat considering the latter managed 0.6 goals per 90 minutes last season. Think he will get decent game time this season. Definitely one to watch.

[iot]

Looks like a loan to League 1:

Not a bad move for his first taste of senior football, although it's come slightly late in his career - he'll be 21 next month with no competitive senior football under his belt (unless I'm mistaken). Will need to hit the ground running.

[winsumluzsum]

Shame he's not being given a chance at Swansea this season, but it's probably best for him to start his senior career at league one level.

He would have played senior football already were it not for losing 18 months to the effects of a car crash.

18 goals in 15 games at U21 level last season (23 in all competitions) suggests some serious ability.

One advantage of this move is that Iwan Morgan (who's been banging them in in pre-season for the U21s) may get an early chance with the seniors in the event of an injury crisis.

[CrackityJones]

Scored in the league cup tonight so not a bad start

[winsumluzsum]

Started against Reading and had an assist for the only goal.

[winsumluzsum]

The assist Josh Thomas got for the winner nicely showcases his work ethic:

I could easily be wrong but my gut feeling is that he will be capped within the next two seasons.

[surge]

Aug 21, 2023 19:30:36 GMT winsumluzsum said:

The assist Josh Thomas got for the winner nicely showcases his work ethic: 

I could easily be wrong but my gut feeling is that he will be capped within the next two seasons.

Port Vale v Charlton? If I'm watching the right player, good speed to create the pressure, smart not to give away easy foul and nice presence of mind at the end to pick himself up and make right pass. 

I think he has a touch which takes it too close to the keeper and makes it extremely difficult for him to score. But him not being the finished product is of no surprise at this stage in his career. 

[talyfan]

Signs for Bromley on loan in League 2

[winsumluzsum]

Joins Cameron Congreve, who's made a good start with Bromley.