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Player Watch: Josh Cogley

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With the academy doing well this season, and the likes of Viv Solomon-Otabor being promoted into the first team. I thought it would be good to look at a few players that may make it. First up is Josh Cogley.

Josh was born on the 12th of March 1996 and currently plays at full back for the Birmingham Development Squad. His pace is clearly a thing that stands out to me but also his final ball is certainly a strong aspect to his game.

From an interview from the official bcfc.com site in 2014, we can assess what he is like both on and off the pitch.

‘How were you spotted by Blues? I was scouted.’
The Blues’ scouting system for young players is very extensive and often brings good young players in from a very early age. The most recent of note was Gray who had been at the club prior to his departure for about 9 years.

‘What are your strengths as a player? Speed, stamina, getting forward and defending.’
For such a young lad, he clearly has a lot of confidence. He may as well have just said everything. But he is very fast which can terrify the opposition as it is usually the winger who marks the fullback and they often can’t defend as well as a full back would.

‘If you could improve one part of your game what would it be? Passing.’
For a full back, this is a fairly important part but you need to keep it simple. Fullbacks often do short passes into a midfielder or one two’s to try and beat their man. So despite it being good that he knows this is a weakness, it isn’t entirely the most important thing to work on.

‘What is the best piece of advice you`ve been given? To work hard and stay focused.’
I don’t mind players being confident in their ability as long as that confidence isn’t misplaced. To me Josh does play with that air of confidence but doesn’t stray into cockiness. He looks assured both on and off the ball.

‘Who are your best friends in football? Everyone.’
Getting on with team mates is very important and he clearly likes to have banter with everyone which is always a good sign. He has had a very positive relationship with Viv when I have seen them play together so maybe this can be replicated in the first team.

‘Describe yourself in three words? Hard working, dedicated.’
I like to see that footballers do have brains and that he has stuck to the 3 word rule. Hard work is always what a young player needs. You may be an average player but if you make sacrifices and put the effort in at a young age then the skill will come. It is all about developing and learning how to be professional. I think Josh has the ability if he works hard.

‘Biggest joker? Viv Solomon’
Thought I’d end this with a question to sum up our recent starlet, Viv.

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