Defender Oliver Nicholas has left Arsenal to join Manchester City after becoming frustrated with his lack of game time for the Gunners.
Nicholas, who has played for both England and Ireland at youth level, has made just one start this season for Steve Bould’s under-18s side at right-back, despite impressing for the under-16s last season in the centre of defence.
A strong and powerful character, Nicholas found his path blocked at Arsenal with the likes of Rhema Obed, Luke Ayling and Anton Blackwood all ahead of him in the pecking order.
His registration with City wasn’t complete in time for him to make his debut yesterday but he will join up with his new team-mates for the first-time tomorrow under the guarantee that he will sign a professional contract when he turns 17 in January.
City boast a fantastic Academy set-up and won the FA Youth Cup last season. They play in Group C of the Premier Academy League alongside the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton.
Good luck to Oliver in his future career and hopefully he can face the Gunners in this season’s FA Youth Cup.
Posted by Jonathan on October 12, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I heard we’re getting this Tresu mputu guy? init? I don’t mind another baby Frenchie tho
Posted by GAGA on October 12, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Im a city and we obviously signed him because he has something about him but can anyone tell me is he gonna develop and what i dont get is you say he was impressive last year but cant get in the team this year? you have stated 3 names ahead of him but i read 5 or 6 on another arsenal site probably half foreign names is this a case of foreign lads pushing english talent out at an even early stage? would appreciate your view as you will know better than anyone cheers.CTID
Posted by jeorge9 on October 12, 2008 at 1:57 pm
last season he was playing for the u-16s but he is no longer eligible for them now. There are some talented defenders coming through like Ignasi Miquel, but the majority of them are English. All of the other first-years are regulars in the under-18s, but sometimes nicholas couldn’t even get on the bench which is why he decided to leave. there are so many players coming through but i think he will develop well at city if he gets enough games.
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[...] Lack of opportunities the key reason for Oliver Nicholas’s Man.City move Defender Oliver Nicholas has left Arsenal to join Manchester City after becoming frustrated with his lack of game time [...] [...]