Brady decides futures of schoolboys, whilst U18s end 2012 on a high

It has been quite a week for Arsenal U18s.

It began with Liam Brady and his coaching staff finalising their decisions over which players should be awarded scholarships and which should be released- with some interesting results- before Steve Gatting’s side rounded off the campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at London Colney today. That was followed by the traditional custom of the youngsters singing Christmas carols to the first-team squad, whilst the young Gunners also discovered their opponents for the next round of the FA Youth Cup.

With regards to the decisions on scholarships, it was already known that both the highly-rated Gedion Zelalem and promising striker Jordan Brown would be continuing their development at the training ground next season, whilst it was also revealed that they would be joined by goalkeeper Ryan Huddart, right-back Tafari Moore and exciting winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles, all of whom have made fleeting appearances for the U18s this season.

However, there were some shocks with regards to those who were let go, chief amongst them Denzeil Boadu, a highly-skilful playmaker who the club worked hard to sign from Tottenham Hotspur. Boadu, despite impressing for the U18s this season, was not offered a scholarship, although it has since emerged that the situation may have something do with unpaid fees towards Tottenham for the youngster’s services.

A range of others also saw their associations with the club come to an end, including full-backs Aaron Barnes and Dieudonne Longalonga, as well as midfielder Chris Regis. A firm decision on centre-back Elliott Wright, meanwhile, will follow in the coming weeks. At present, Arsenal have only decided to take on five scholars for next season, although that number is likely to swell if recent trialists, such as young Swede Jamaal Raage, are added to the mix.

The U18s, meanwhile, ended a frustrating start to the season on a high as they thrashed Blackburn, with five different players getting on the scoresheet. Chuba Akpom, Hector Bellerin and Kristoffer Olsson were amongst those who dropped down from the U21s for the fixture, with Bellerin scoring the pick of the goals after beating several players and finishing adroitly. Strikes from Tarum Dawkins and Alex Iwobi supplemented goals from defenders Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill and Arinse Uade to provide the scoreline with an extra gloss.

Meanwhile, Arsenal also discovered their FA Youth Cup opponents for the Fourth Round of the competition, with the young Gunners scheduled to host the winner of tomorrow’s third round tie between Fulham and Middlesbrough. The game will take place at Underhill in February with Arsenal, particularly once Serge Gnabry returns from injury, hopeful of enjoying a long and successful run in the competition this time around.