Was he the same one that described BOO as the next Ashley Cole? Any academy coach knows there are no guarantees in youth football
Not that I'm aware PaulD. I got talking to the fella via a photography forum as he wanted to know if he had dust on his lens or on the body (enthralling stuff, I know). I noticed his profile was an image of Arsenal winning the FA Cup and casually asked "What do you know abut Matt Smith?" He mentioned the above and how long Smith had been at Arsenal and that he had worked with him, as he was a Development Coach. I was a bit dubious, and in a DM, he offered to refer me his notes on Smith and his progress at that time. I duly did and was convinced we had obtained a player that will very much be playing in the Premier League.
You're correct though, football is a strange game and things change fast but bar a severe injury, and his progress in this squad to date I see no reason why he won't go on to have personal success in his career.