Does Neil Warnock want to back the academy? If so, Joniesta starts.

Warnock's gone on record as saying he loves our academy, and has given 13+ academy products their debuts. Fine. He's also brought back Wilf, which is to his credit. However, let's see him back up his vision.



Too many managers have lacked the bottle to play little Jonny Williams. Even Holloway, noted for his attacking style, lacked the guts to play him on a regular basis. But it's no good just leaving a mega talent on the bench because of his size. Yes, he's had injury problems; yes, Pulis was never going to play him. But ask yourself this Neil: is Joniesta really inferior to O'keefe, Bannan, Guedioura etc?



In the absence of Ledley or a new midfield signing I can't see why now wouldn't be an ideal opportunity to give him a chance. Warnock, back up your words. We know that a lot of our academy products are some way off being first team material. But at least show them the route to the first-team is not automatically cut off now we are in the Premiership. Jonny Williams is fit. Jonny Williams is good enough. Jonny Williams can tackle and defend despite his size. Jonny Williams should finally get a chance to play.