The Missing Men
6November 21, 2014 by bluenosebible
By Ross Shale
Last season saw the introduction of some bright young players from the clubs Youth Academy and teenagers that were already around the squad playing bigger roles in the first team. However, we are seventeen games into the new season and we are yet to see their return.
Suspect number one: Mitch Hancox
Fan favourite for being a true Bluenose, Mitch Hancox made an impressive 38 appearances in the last two seasons, considering his age, a solid amount. Now 21, Mitch is yet to make an appearance this season. If rumours are to be believed, Hancox only began training with the first team this season when new boss Gary Rowett joined the Blues. With his impressive, passionate performances last year, I can only assume the reason for this was that he had a personal spat with Lee Clark. With Hancox only just being brought back to first team training, I wouldn’t have expected to see him in Rowett’s first few games, however, I am hopeful that Mitch will pull on the royal blue shirt regularly by the time this season comes to an end.
Suspect number two: Reece Brown
Brown was introduced last season and played eight games in total. He looked sharp, hungry for the ball and had outstanding technique. After making one appearance in the first five games of the season, Brown was loaned out to League One side Notts County. His time there seemed promising and he earned himself Man Of The Match in a game against Mansfield Town before his loan spell was cut short due to an injury. Brown is a player that has an abundance of technical ability and I hope he heals quickly and isn’t overlooked by Garry Rowett for a chance to prove himself this season.
Suspect number three: Will Packwood
Unfortunately, Packwood struggled with serious injuries last year but still managed 13 appearances for Blues and 8 whilst out on loan to Bristol Rovers. Packwood impressed even when played out of his favoured centre back role. With a lengthy absence to the injured Gavin Gunning and a leaky defence, it’s a surprise that Will wasn’t called upon. However, Rowett has begun to block up the leaky defence without Packwood’s assistance.
Do you believe Rowett should give these young guys a chance?
Made In Brum 
I don’t believe that Clark was a bad manager limited perhaps and I agree that we couldn’t go on as we were and a change had to be made. Last season yes we used the young players a lot but I think it was because we had no choice and of course we nearly got relegated. I think that Clark was given a slightly higher budget this year and this allowed him to bring in some more experienced players and he decided that was the way he wanted to go. From what I have seen of Rowett he likes to start by creating a mean defence. Mitch Hancock I believe while good to watch with a very good cross in him lacks a bit as a defender and I also believe Packwood is perhaps lacking the experience to cope in are current position. I think Rowett will use the young players if they deserve it but I am not sure we will see to many in the team at the moment in defensive areas. The last point I would like to make is that as Rowett has mentioned we have a big squad and you can only have eighteen in the squad for each match.
gary wants a consistant team so changes will be made slowly or as when necessary. He is still looking at all the players and waiting on some to recover from injuries. All in all, impressed with our new manager and every faith in his ability to get the best out of good but average players.I think all the players are growing in statues already so signs are promising.
lets be honest clark couldnt pick his nose, lets wait and see what rowett does with the same team, blues are 40 to 1 top 6 finish, dafter things have happened in football,
These players when match fit should all be given a chance theyre all promising good young lads who deserve to play they performed well under difficult pressurised games under clark and proved themselves so hope Gary Rowett gives them that chance
Interesting post. I like Hancox, not just for his passion and love for Blues for for the energy he brings to the side. Good going forward but needs to improve defensively. Not sure if you can afford to have 2 small full backs. If Spector gets fit and makes right back his own we may see Hancox come back in. For now Grounds is doing ok and is tall, it gives us extra protection from set pieces and when teams like to hit long diagonals especially with Robinson playing centre half who isn’t the tallest for CB. Grounds gives extra protection. As for Brown, I would love to see him in the Shinnie ‘free role.’ Get him on the ball, he will feed the front three all day long. To be fair, Shinnie has done ok of late though. Packwood, not sure if his good enough for championship level. His not a full back and I think a season in league 1 will toughen him up and may come back better and ready. What about Truslove? Rave reviews last year but doesn’t seem to get a sniff. Not even a loan move. Charlee Adams, what’s his position? Full back, centre half, centre mid, out wide? I’m sure his played all of those positions for the U21’s. Hopefully his loan move and playing centre mid might bring the best out of him.
Gary Rowett seems to have a more structured way of doing things than his predecessor. But this is said after only four matches, in which he has impressed very much. Later on, he could of course run in the same type of trouble as Lee Clark had but he will probably be not so desperate in deciding line-ups. Look at a very senior guy such as David Edgar who is left out of the first eleven line-up right now. Rowett has definitely waken up Andy Shinnie whom he says he have watched a lot in Scotland and that is very good. I am a fan of Mitch Hancox and Reece Brown as well and I believe their chances will come. KRO