As we contemplate a swifter than anticipated return to the Championship, after a one-season sortie in the top-flight, we’re all hopeful that a quick return to the Premier League will be forthcoming.
But our dalliance with the Premier League could result in a drastic change to the make-up of our squad.
Some players will seek to remain with the club as Tom Cairney has done, whilst others, most probably Ryan Sessegnon and Alexandar Mitrovic, will be looking to continue their top-flight journey, albeit with another club.
Next season could well see the introduction of some of the younger members of the squad.
One such player, Harvey Elliott, could well be the first of several to come into consideration for places in the starting eleven next season.
At Molineux, on Saturday, at the tender age of just 16 years and 30 days, the midfielder became the youngest ever Premier League player eclipsing the record set by another who represented Fulham, Matthew Briggs.
Harvey came on for the dying moments of the game and deserved his debut with Scott Parker commenting, as reported by the BBC;
“Harvey is on the bench and gets on the pitch because he deserves to.
“He’s been outstanding in training over the past three weeks. He’s a special talent and we want to nurture him the best we can.”
But what became of the previous record holder Matthew Briggs?
Well, it appears that gracing the top-flight at such a tender age isn’t a guarantee of a glittering future.
Briggs, still just 28-years-of-age, is now playing semi-professional football with Maldon & Tiptree.
After leaving Fulham, Briggs embarked on the following career path:
Leyton Orient (loan), Peterborough United (loan), Bristol City (loan), Watford (loan), Millwall, Colchester United (loan), Colchester United, Chesterfield, Barnet, Maldon & Tiptree.
Let’s hope, and no offence to Matthew Briggs, Harvey’s career follows a far more illustrious path.
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