We’ve reached the midway point of the season. It’s time to check how the graduates are doing, with most of them expecting to be involved regularly in the first team at their respective clubs.

James Bishop once again struggled for first team action at Stamford Bridge, playing in one cup game and one Champions League game. He is still on the loan list and may be moving elsewhere for more first team experience when the window opens. Chelsea are currently sitting top of the Premier League, five points ahead of second placed Manchester City. Bishop played in both of the England U21 Playoff victories against France.

Owen Edwards has made 16 league appearances for Nottingham Forest so far this term, scoring his first league goal in a 3-0 home win over top of the table Hull, setting up two and claiming two man of the match awards. He’s been named in the Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week once. Forest have struggled so far this term and currently sit 20th in the Championship, three points clear of the drop. Edwards played in both of the England U21 Playoff victories against France.

Will Luck made 11 appearances for Preston, scoring 6 goals before tearing his calf muscle and ruling himself out for nearly 5 months, meaning it is unlikely that his loan deal with the Deepdale club will be extended. Before his injury, Luck had helped stabilise Preston in 4th place in the Championship however they dropped to 14th, having won a single game in his absence. Luck scored in the England U21 5-0 friendly victory over San Marino.

Alistair Paterson has made 9 appearances for Sheffield United so far this season, missing the whole of September with a pulled hamstring. Sheffield United are currently hovering just above the relegation zone, sitting 15th, 3 points clear of the drop. Paterson played for England U21’s in their 4-0 qualifying victory over Bulgaria, scoring a goal. He also scored in the friendly against Czech Republic.

Phil Taylor has been in sensational form for Blackburn, starting all 26 games, scoring 7 and setting up a further 7. He’s also received one man of the match award. His good form has helped Blackburn to 3rd in the table and they are a single point behind second placed Burnley. Unsurprisingly, Blackburn are keen to keep the England U21 captain at Ewood Park for the remainder of the season. Taylor scored in both of the England U21 Playoff victories against France.

The season’s just getting under way so it’s time to check on the progress that the graduates have made so far.

James Bishop will be hoping his experience gained while on loan at Sheffield United will help him force his way into the Chelsea first team this season.

Owen Edwards will be hoping to carry on his progress from last season with Forest. He’s the only player to still be with his original club.

Will Luck will be hoping for regular game time and a decent goal haul this season having stepped down to the Championship on loan. The deal runs until January.

Alistair Paterson is hoping to play a key role in helping Sheffield United maintain their Premier League status this time around.

Phil Taylor will once again look to add to his first team experience, this time at recently relegated Blackburn, before returning to the Emirates in January.

As ever, several of the graduates have been linked with moves elsewhere. Bishop looks likely to head out on loan, while Edwards is a rumoured target for newly promoted Watford. Meanwhile Paterson and Luck look likely to stay put for the time being.

James Bishop was named in the Sheffield United Seasonal Best Eleven. He remained on the loan list with a possible return to Sheffield United rumoured to be on the cards. Blackburn and Hull also emerged as a potential suitors. Bishop, however, rebuffed all offers and is to stay at Stamford Bridge until January.

Owen Edwards was named in the Nottingham Forest Seasonal Best Eleven for the third season in a row. Following his most successful season yet, Edwards was monitored by Bolton and newly promoted Watford. No formal offers were made meaning Edwards will start his fourth season with Forest. He’s the only graduate that has yet to appear in the Premier League.

Will Luck was named in the Manchester United Seasonal Best Eleven for the first time. The Red Devils were keen to keep him at Old Trafford for the new season and further integrate him into the first team. Despite this, Blackburn, Burnley and Preston were all interested in taking Luck on loan for the forthcoming season, with Preston eventually convincing Manchester United that it was in the players best interest to experience regular first team football. The loan deal runs until January and Luck will be hoping to get a couple more goals under his belt.

Alistair Paterson opted for continuity, starting his third season with the Blades. He’ll be hoping that they’ll last a little longer in the Premier League this time around.

Phil Taylor was named the England U21 captain. Blackburn were believed to be interested in securing his services on loan for the forthcoming season. Arsenal accepted the offer, as did Taylor. The deal initially runs until January however there is already speculation that Blackburn, Taylor’s fifth team, may look to extend the deal.

It’s the end of the season and time to check how the FMSB graduates fared. Hopefully they’ll have received more game time this time around …

James Bishop played 15 games for Sheffield United, with 1 assist and 2 man of the match awards. He was named in in the Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week on three occasions earning himself the Coca-Cola Championship Young Player of the Month for both February and March. Sheffield United finished the season top of the Championship ensuring a swift return to the Premier League while Chelsea finished second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League Quarter Finals, where they were knocked out by Inter Milan. Chelsea are hoping to loan Bishop out once more next term.

Owen Edwards finished the season with 25 appearances to his name and 5 assists making this his most productive season yet. Nottingham Forest finished fifth in the Championship and made it to the Champions Playoff Final before losing to Watford, who are now looking to take Edwards up to the Premier League with them.

Will Luck was chosen 8 times for the Manchester United first team in the Premier league after their disappointing first half of the season. Luck managed 3 goals, his best ever return. Despite this, Manchester United only managed 5th in the Premier League. They fared better in the Champions League, finishing runners up to Inter Milan.

Alistair Paterson made 19 league appearances for Sheffield United, scoring once, claiming one assist and helping Sheffield United return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. A broken shoulder swiftly followed by strained knee ligaments ruled him out for the best part of three months towards the business end of the season. Paterson will be hoping Sheffield United fare a bit better this time around and avoid the drop.

Phil Taylor spent 3 weeks out after arriving at Molineux. After recovering, he managed to make 11 appearances, setting up 1 goal. Wolves finished the season in second place, securing automatic promotion to the Premier League while Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before losing to Manchester United.

It’s January and the transfer window has swung open. It looked likely that the majority of graduates would stay put however there were various rumours circulating that James Bishop would leave Stamford Bridge on loan.

James Bishop had remained on the loan list since the start of the summer transfer window and attracted interest from Norwich and Sheffield United. In the end, Bishop opted to join fellow graduate Alistair Paterson at Championship leaders Sheffield United for the remainder of the season.

Owen Edwards had a very quiet transfer window and was not linked with any clubs. He’ll play out the remainder of the season for Forest, injuries permitting. Edwards is the only graduate to still play for his original club.

Will Luck was always likely to stay put at Old Trafford where the management team decided he would learn more from shadowing Dimitar Berbatov than from playing regular first team football.

Alistair Paterson opted to stay put with the Blades in the hope of a return to the Premier League at the first attempt in May.

Phil Taylor was a loan target for Wolves. Arsenal once again decided that it was in the players best interests to gain more first team experience and Taylor moved to Molineux for the remainder of the season. Taylor has now represented 4 clubs in 3 seasons.

The season has reached the half way point. With each of the graduates having stayed put over the summer it was hoped that they could press on in their quest for regular first team football.

James Bishop has made 4 league appearances (all as a substitute) and 4 Champions League appearances (2 as a substitute) for Chelsea so far this term. Chelsea have made it clear that they feel Bishop, who the consider to be a hot prospect for the future, would benefit from regular first team football and as such he is still available for loan with Norwich and Sheffield United rumoured to be interested. Chelsea are currently top of the league, on goal difference.

Owen Edwards has been enable to remain injury free so far this term, making 12 league appearances and setting up 2 goals so far. There is currently no interest in the young full back and Forest rate him as an important first team player, so he looks set to complete his third season at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest, who were predicted to finish 16th, have dumbfounded their critics and currently sit 2nd in the Championship. Edwards has played one game for the England U21 side this term, coming on as a substitute as England battered Malta 5-0 at home. England U21 are currently top of their qualifying group with 16 points from 6 games and a goal difference of +20.

Will Luck has only one appearance to his name so far this season, coming as a substitute in the League Cup. He is however still classed as a hot prospect for the future and is currently learning from Dimitar Berbatov, meaning it is unlikely that he’ll be moving out on loan any time soon. Manchester United have had an awful season so far, sitting in 11th place, 8 points clear of the relegation zone, 18 behind league leaders Chelsea and they have invariable failed to find the back of the net. Luck has continued to appear frequently for the England U21 side, making appearances against Malta, Ukraine and Georgia, scoring 3 goals. England U21 are currently top of their qualifying group with 16 points from 6 games and a goal difference of +20.

Alistair Paterson has made 12 league appearances for Sheffield United, scoring once. He has also been sent off on one occasion. His appearances have been limited through injury, having sprained his ankle in mid-September, ruling him out for 6 weeks. Having recovered from his injury, Paterson is once more considered an indispensable member of the first team. Sheffield United have performed well and currently sit top of the Championship by 7 points.

Phil Taylor has struggled for game time this term, having made one single substitute appearance in the League Cup so far. Despite his infrequent appearances, Taylor is still considered a hot prospect for the future. Arsenal are currently sitting second in the league, equal on points with leaders Chelsea, but have an inferior goal difference. Taylor is still a regular in the England U21 side, and scored his first and second international goals in 5-0 qualifier win over Georgia. England U21 are currently top of their qualifying group with 16 points from 6 games and a goal difference of +20.

The new season is just getting underway, so here’s some screenshots of how the graduates have progressed …

James Bishop is remaining with Chelsea for the forthcoming campaign.

Owen Edwards will be looking to press on with his development at the City Ground and hopefully earn a midseason move to the Premier League.

Will Luck will be hoping to make more of an impact on the United first team this term and carry on his impressive form with the England Under 21 side.

Alistair Paterson will be trying to put himself in the shop window with some impressive performances for the Blades, hopefully securing a January move back to the Premier League.

Phil Taylor will look to make the most of the experience he garnered out on loan last term to increase his impact on the Arsenal first team this time around.

It’s the European U21 Championship and the FMSB Academy is well represented with all but one player traveling with the England squad, with Alistair Paterson only missing out through injury. Let’s see how they got on.

England Vs. Russia

Phil Taylor started this tie on left wing and James Bishop was named on the bench, however there was no place in the squad for Edwards or Luck. Taylor had the first shot of the game following an excellent through ball from Kieran Gibbs, however he fired straight at the ‘keeper from the edge of the box. Russia had the better of the first half, controlling possession and striking the woodwork on three occasions, however England emerged a different side after half time and bossed the game. They eventually took the lead when Danny Welbeck slotted home from 12 yards. Welbeck then hit a post before, in the 86th minute, a spectacular through ball from within his own half from Taylor saw Welbeck round the ‘keeper to wrap up the points. Taylor ended the match with a rating of 7.4.

Poland Vs. England

Phil Taylor once again started on the left flank. Will Luck made his first appearance of the tournament starting on the right wing, wearing his preferred number 14 shirt. James Bishop was once again named on the bench, however there was no place for Owen Edwards in the squad. Welbeck thought he’d given England the lead after 14 minutes, however he was ruled off side and the goal was chalked off. After 21 minutes Luck found himself unmarked in the box following some brilliant interplay Sturridge and Lansbury and he calmly slotted home to give England the lead. Welbeck added a second 12 minutes later and England went in two goals to the good at half time. James Bishop replaced Kyle Walker after 61 minutes and 8 minutes later Poland pulled one back. England however managed to hold on and secure qualification for the next round with a game to spare. Phil Taylor finished the game with a rating of 7.1, Luck with a rating of 7.3 and James Bishop with a rating of 6.4.

Turkey Vs. England

Phil Taylor was handed a start for the third game in a row, this time at left back. Both Will Luck and James Bishop were named among the substitutes but Edwards missed out once more. An even first half ended 1-0 with Welbeck once again getting his name on the scoresheet. James Bishop replaced the injured Scott Canavan after 61 minutes, slotting in as a central midfielder. A dull second half was played out with neither team having anything to play for and at full time the score still stood at 1-0, meaning England finished top of the group with Poland progressing in second place, earning them a semi final tie against Holland. Phil Taylor ended the match with a rating of 7.5 and James Bishop earned a rating of 6.8 for his brief cameo appearance.

Holland Vs. England

Phil Taylor once again started at left back and was named captain of the side for the first time. Taylor was expected to swap positions with Kieran Gibbs, starting on the left wing, throughout the game. Will Luck was given his second start of the tournament, replacing the free scoring Danny Welbeck. Neither Bishop or Edwards were named on the bench. England took the lead in the 26th minute after good tackling by Luck who then rounded another Dutch defender before powering home from just inside the penalty area. Luck slotted home his second of the game, and third of the tournament, slotting home from 8 yards out having beaten his man after being fed the ball from Fabian Delph. England held out for the duration of the second half, however there were scares in the 80th and 84th minutes when the Dutch hit the bar and post. The Netherlands finally got the goal their pressure deserved with an outstanding 25 yard pile driver from Bas Dost in the 89th minute however it was too little too late and England progressed to the final where they were to meet the holders Spain. Phil Taylor ended the match with a rating of 6.1 and Will Luck ended with a rating of 8.8 and picked up the man of the match award for his two goal haul.

England Vs. Spain

Phil Taylor slotted into the starting XI at left back once more, however he was not to continue wearing the captains arm band. Despite his impressive performance against the Dutch, Luck was dropped to the bench. Bishop was once more named as a substitute and Edwards missed out, meaning he failed to play a single minute of football throughout the tournament. A tense first half ended goalless. Will Luck was brought on at half time for the disappointing Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Spence, who had been captain, was also substituted meaning Taylor wore the armband once more. James Bishop then entered the fray after 57 minutes and came close to setting up a wonder goal, threading the ball to Luck who carried the ball from the half way line only to see his effort rebound off the inside of the post. Bishop then felt he had been fouled in the penalty area on the 64th minute but the referee failed to see an infringement. Spain went on to break English hearts, scoring in the 91st minute from what appeared to be an offside position, with their first shot on target of the game. Taylor picked up a warning for his protestations. Taylor finished the game with a rating of 7.3, Luck with a disappointing rating of only 5.8 and Bishop with a rating of 6.6.

Will Luck finished second top scorer with his 3 goals and also had the highest rating of all the FMSB graduates, averaging 7.30 throughout the tournament. Phil Taylor finished the tournament with a rating of 7.08 and James Bishop received an average rating of 6.60. Owen Edwards failed to play a game.

The 2010/11 season has drawn to a close and it’s time to see how the academy graduates and their respective teams fared.

James Bishop made a total of 11 appearances in the league, with all but one coming as a substitute for Chelsea. In addition to this, Bishop played 6 games in the Europe. Bishop was also part of the Chelsea Reserves team that finished the season as Group 1 winners. Chelsea finished the season a distant fourth, 22 points of champions Manchester City. The had more success in Europe however, winning the Europa League with a 3-0 final victory over Shakhtar. Bishop played in the England U21 4-1 home victory over Georgia in the qualifiers for the European U21 Champinoships. He has been called up to the England U21 squad for the European U21 Championship in Germany this summer. James has been placed on the loan list for next season with Chelsea hoping to send the defender to a lower Premier League team.

Owen Edwards made a total of 19 league appearances for Nottingham Forest despite being ruled out for over 4 months with a hamstring injury. He also set up four goals. Forest finished the season in 15th, 8 points clear of the drop. His return to form has alerted both Manchester United and Newcastle United who may be tempted to bid for the promising full back should he opt to leave the City Ground this summer. He has been called up to the England U21 squad for the European U21 Championship in Germany this summer.

Will Luck ended the season with 3 league appearances for the Red Devils, scoring his first and only goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Hull. Manchester United finished the season as runners up in the league, 9 points behind their arch rivals. They were also runners up in the Champions League Final, losing 2-1 to Barcelona. Luck played and scored in the England U21 4-1 home victory over Georgia in the qualifiers for the European U21 Champinoships. He has also been called up to the England U21 squad for the European U21 Championship in Germany this summer.

Alistair Paterson missed the later stages of the season with a broken toe, ruling him out for months, meaning he will miss out on the European U21 Championship. Despite his injury he managed 23 league appearances, all as a starter, contributing 1 goal and 5 assists. Sheffield United struggled on their return to the top flight, finishing bottom with 28 points. This has led to Alistair Paterson being placed on the transfer list as the club look to reduce their wage bill with the club demanding that the recoup the £2.7million they paid Leicester at the outset of the season.

Phil Taylor made 35 appearances for Fulham, scoring 8, setting up 8 and receiving 4 man of the match awards. He was awarded the Coca-Cola Championship Young Player of the Month in both September and January. He has once again been placed on the loan list by Arsenal, however both Liverpool and Hoffenheim are believed to be considering an approach for the full back this summer. Fulham secured a swift return to the Premier League, finishing the season 2nd with 94 points. Taylor played in the England U21 4-1 home victory over Georgia in the qualifiers for the European U21 Champinoships.He has been called up to the England U21 squad for the European U21 Championship in Germany this summer.

Also, there will be a special update on the European U21 Championship up later!