How long will it be before...

[Channon's Sideburns]

The majority of fans stop believing the bull PR about the 'young players needing time and experience' - and come to the overall conclusion that the majority of our squad just aren't even CCC standard?

 

Which, in turn shows that in fact the Academy isn't that prolific after all - as the original aim was to produce players that were capable of playing in the Prem.

 

For example, take Surman out of the equation, and what supposed 'selling assets' from the Academy do we have left??

 

Lallana? (not ready)

McGoldrick (FFS League 1 standard) - and we bought him Rupert - Notts C developed him.

Gillett - has numerous L1 loans under his belt, but no offers...

James - not at RB...

Mills - he's surely only 12 years old?

 

Remove the loanees and we have VERY little depth in the squad, and with a fire sale seemingly planned for January...Lowe and Wilde's business plan is as transparent as tracing paper.

 

I may be the only one thinking this now, but TBF we are no longer treading water.

 

Without Kelvin in goal we would be miles adrift NOW.

[Wes Tender]

A conveyor belt of developing youth is a good idea for a club on restricted income.

 

What is not a good idea is bunging them all in at the deep end before they are ready, to sink or swim. That way, not only can the loss of confidence be crucial to their future, but there is not enough time to develop their replacements when they are sold on.

[Legod Third Coming]

Think this is vary unfair on James - who was easily out best player at Palace and made one horrendous mistake - shame.

 

Lallana - looks to me like he's still getting over his injury and occasionally goes walkabout but is one hell of a talent. His footwork is exceptional and he will get better with a bit more bulk.

 

As for McG - I'm not prepared to write a bloke off after 20 odd games. Firking hell, how long did it take BT to become a 20 goal a season striker?

 

What do you suggest we do?

 

Give 'em a chance or jettison them and watch them score goals for Stoke??

[londonsaint1604]

They've done pretty well so far then, if they aren't ccc standard. Some of the performances I've seen have been very good and show potential, especially as a lot of the players are under 20. Anyway what do you suggest we do about it? We don't have any money.

[70's Mike]

They've done pretty well so far then, if they aren't ccc standard. Some of the performances I've seen have been very good and show potential, especially as a lot of the players are under 20. Anyway what do you suggest we do about it? We don't have any money.

 

we did not have any money noone knows what the current situation is,

 

just out of interest Wolves are the 3rd youngest squad in CCC, I think our academy is being over hyped

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

The majority of fans stop believing the bull PR about the 'young players needing time and experience' - and come to the overall conclusion that the majority of our squad just aren't even CCC standard?

 

Which, in turn shows that in fact the Academy isn't that prolific after all - as the original aim was to produce players that were capable of playing in the Prem.

 

For example, take Surman out of the equation, and what supposed 'selling assets' from the Academy do we have left??

 

Lallana? (not ready)

McGoldrick (FFS League 1 standard) - and we bought him Rupert - Notts C developed him.

Gillett - has numerous L1 loans under his belt, but no offers...

James - not at RB...

Mills - he's surely only 12 years old?

 

Remove the loanees and we have VERY little depth in the squad, and with a fire sale seemingly planned for January...Lowe and Wilde's business plan is as transparent as tracing paper.

 

I may be the only one thinking this now, but TBF we are no longer treading water.

 

Without Kelvin in goal we would be miles adrift NOW.

 

Why's it matter what we believe of the PR, no-one on here has the money to make any difference to it, so we've just got to get on and support the team for whatever it is.

[Whitey Grandad]

I think they can be CCC standard, but they are a bit short of it at the moment. They need experience and guidance from more established players, but as soon as they are good enough they will be sold on to another club, so what's the point of it all?

[Channon's Sideburns]

They've done pretty well so far then, if they aren't ccc standard. Some of the performances I've seen have been very good and show potential, especially as a lot of the players are under 20. Anyway what do you suggest we do about it? We don't have any money.

 

Yes, but our style of play isn't exactly being reflected in our league position is it?

 

You may not agree, but there is a major deja vu feeling for me here - this season feels a lot like our relegation season.

 

Remember the games there where we should have won, but only drew? The times when we wouldn't (or couldn't) kill teams off?

 

We had a squad then that was full of loanees - hmmmm..

 

WE DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO WAIT FOR POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP - WE NEED RESULTS NOW.

 

As for the 'no money' argument (convieniently used by many in our heirarchy - in the boardroom and on here) -

 

Why do we have a larger Coaching team than last year?

Why did we sign Schneiderlin if we were potless?

How did we afford to sign Pulis, Gasmi and the loanees????

 

How much are our PLC and Football Chairmen being paid?

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

As for McG - I'm not prepared to write a bloke off after 20 odd games. Firking hell, how long did it take BT to become a 20 goal a season striker?

 

Do you know what, I forgot about how **** Beattie was, and if you look at McGoldricks confidence, maybe all he has to do is develop further. Remember how crap Kenwyne was as well. Just my current musings on it, lol.

 

Good point.

[Channon's Sideburns]

we did not have any money noone knows what the current situation is,

 

just out of interest Wolves are the 3rd youngest squad in CCC, I think our academy is being over hyped

 

Including Sam Vokes - who we could have bought for less money than Schneiderlin.

 

And, who is twice the player McGoldrick will ever be - yeah great job you did there Rupert in missing that one.

[West End Saint]

I think the lads coming through are CCC standard and Surman is prem std so is Cork (i know he is on loan) I did question at the start of the season if you could play them all at once with not much in the way of senior pro and that question remains unanswered until we are safe

[Legod Third Coming]

Do you know what, I forgot about how **** Beattie was, and if you look at McGoldricks confidence, maybe all he has to do is develop further. Remember how crap Kenwyne was as well. Just my current musings on it, lol.

 

Good point.

 

 

Honestly, I was going to run on the pitch and carry Beatts to the bloody goal-mouth some games. He looked so lazy and fat!!!

 

Next week he starts scoring and got one every game for about 18 months.

 

Second to Theirry Henry - that's how good he was eventually!!!!!!

 

Now, McG... needs a couple and then he'll be ok I reckon. No Beatts possibly, but ok...

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Honestly, I was going to run on the pitch and carry Beatts to the bloody goal-mouth some games. He looked so lazy and fat!!!

 

Next week he starts scoring and got one every game for about 18 months.

 

Second to Theirry Henry - that's how good he was eventually!!!!!!

 

Now, McG... needs a couple and then he'll be ok I reckon. No Beatts possibly, but ok...

 

He never convinces me at all,just never looks like scoring enough for my liking

and as has been said earlier on this thread,we need goals now,we cannot wait or we will be relegated.

[Legod Third Coming]

He never convinces me at all,just never looks like scoring enough for my liking

and as has been said earlier on this thread,we need goals now,we cannot wait or we will be relegated.

 

 

Then, we need Stern John back.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Including Sam Vokes - who we could have bought for less money than Schneiderlin.

 

And, who is twice the player McGoldrick will ever be - yeah great job you did there Rupert in missing that one.

 

Yeh, it's always good to blame Rupert.

 

Date of EGM - 15/05/2008

Date of Sam Vokes FINALISED transfer (Including contract signing, medical etc) - 23/05/2008

 

Now that is moving damn fast. Why didn't Crouch arrange it??

[Channon's Sideburns]

Yeh, it's always good to blame Rupert.

 

Date of EGM - 15/05/2008

Date of Sam Vokes FINALISED transfer (Including contract signing, medical etc) - 23/05/2008

 

Now that is moving damn fast. Why didn't Crouch arrange it??

 

Hmmm let's see - perhaps Crouch was not allowed to bring anyone in at that time by the future encumbents of our boardroom...you know, the train spotters? The writing was on the wall when everyone knew the end result of the EGM.

 

Crouch I have no doubt knows of Sam's family (Lymington's community isn't that big) and I cannot see that he would have overlooked such a local talent (and FULL WELSH INTERNATIONAL) - AVAILABLE FOR AROUND £250K.

 

Seeing as Rupey's blueprint was for youth, even if he was aware that Crouch wanted Vokes, he would have been pig-headed at best to overlook the opportunity.

 

BTW, according to another thread, Wilde's not at the AGM - christ, he's more elusive than Lord Lucan and the Easter Bunny at the moment.

 

Let's hope Rupey finds Mikey the role of the Easter Bunny at the home game around Easter.

[Chez]

Which, in turn shows that in fact the Academy isn't that prolific after all - as the original aim was to produce players that were capable of playing in the Prem.

 

 

Surman, Walcott, Bale, Lallana, thats a bloody decent list IMO. In terms of quality I think the Academy can't be faulted. Without it we would be in administration.

 

As for the next batch, McGoldrick, James, Lancashire, Mills and Patterson all deserve a bit more time to find their feet. Anyone writing them off after half a season (some less than that) is a fool.

[krissyboy31]

Surman, Walcott, Bale, Lallana, thats a bloody decent list IMO. In terms of quality I think the Academy can't be faulted. Without it we would be in administration.

 

As for the next batch, McGoldrick, James, Lancashire, Mills and Patterson all deserve a bit more time to find their feet. Anyone writing them off after half a season (some less than that) is a fool.

 

Can't see how McGoldrick qualifies as the next batch. He's older than all of your first batch bar Surman.

[Chez]

Can't see how McGoldrick qualifies as the next batch. He's older than all of your first batch bar Surman.

 

because some players take longer to reach their potential than others, besides Walcott and Bale were phenomenons coming through as such tender ages. Just because you're not playing for your national side at 18 doesn't mean you won't come good. Scott McDonald anyone?

[krissyboy31]

because some players take longer to reach their potential than others, besides Walcott and Bale were phenomenons coming through as such tender ages. Just because you're not playing for your national side at 18 doesn't mean you won't come good. Scott McDonald anyone?

 

I agree to a certain extent but when he is picked week after week as our main striker, then he should be doing better. He's 21 now, not a raw teenager. People are quick to get on Pekhart and Robertson's back but they are both younger than McG.

[Chez]

I agree to a certain extent but when he is picked week after week as our main striker, then he should be doing better. He's 21 now, not a raw teenager. People are quick to get on Pekhart and Robertson's back but they are both younger than McG.

 

First season playing at this level regularly though barring one or two previous outings. McGoldrick is a Saint, the other two are not. Unless they are doing well straight off whats the point in keeping them. By the time they find their feet it will be time for them to go bak to their own clubs.

 

I'd rather see McGoldrick and Patterson than Pekhart and Robertson every day of the week.

[lordswoodsaints]

The majority of fans stop believing the bull PR about the 'young players needing time and experience' - and come to the overall conclusion that the majority of our squad just aren't even CCC standard?

 

Which, in turn shows that in fact the Academy isn't that prolific after all - as the original aim was to produce players that were capable of playing in the Prem.

 

For example, take Surman out of the equation, and what supposed 'selling assets' from the Academy do we have left??

 

Lallana? (not ready)

McGoldrick (FFS League 1 standard) - and we bought him Rupert - Notts C developed him.

Gillett - has numerous L1 loans under his belt, but no offers...

James - not at RB...

Mills - he's surely only 12 years old?

 

Remove the loanees and we have VERY little depth in the squad, and with a fire sale seemingly planned for January...Lowe and Wilde's business plan is as transparent as tracing paper.

 

I may be the only one thinking this now, but TBF we are no longer treading water.

 

Without Kelvin in goal we would be miles adrift NOW.

 

surely it must be working as we sold bale,walcott,bridge for millions.

 

'without kelvin in goal we would be miles adrift now'.......if my aunty had ****** she would be my uncle.

[Whitey Grandad]

surely it must be working as we sold bale,walcott,bridge for millions.

That depends on how many millions were spent in order to get those millions...

Edited 16 December, 2008 by Whitey Grandad

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Then, we need Stern John back.

 

Definately...just need to convince the wage payer that goals help to

produce wins and wins put more bums on seats,more bums on seats increases

revenue to pay the wages.

[alpine_saint]

The majority of fans stop believing the bull PR about the 'young players needing time and experience' - and come to the overall conclusion that the majority of our squad just aren't even CCC standard?

 

Which, in turn shows that in fact the Academy isn't that prolific after all - as the original aim was to produce players that were capable of playing in the Prem.

 

For example, take Surman out of the equation, and what supposed 'selling assets' from the Academy do we have left??

 

Lallana? (not ready)

McGoldrick (FFS League 1 standard) - and we bought him Rupert - Notts C developed him.

Gillett - has numerous L1 loans under his belt, but no offers...

James - not at RB...

Mills - he's surely only 12 years old?

 

Remove the loanees and we have VERY little depth in the squad, and with a fire sale seemingly planned for January...Lowe and Wilde's business plan is as transparent as tracing paper.

 

I may be the only one thinking this now, but TBF we are no longer treading water.

 

Without Kelvin in goal we would be miles adrift NOW.

 

They simply aint good enough. Even for CCC.

 

Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were busy destroying the PL after this amount of games. And look at Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.

[70's Mike]

I think the role of the Academy needs reviewing by the club.

I was staggered when Mick McCARTHY said on Sky that the average age of the Wolves side was only 1 year above our average age.

 

Surely we need to be asking where and how did they achieve this?

Is our Academy just a cash cow rather than producing players for this club?

Should we be looking to buy in young players with lower league experience like Wolves ( young players with 100 plus games experience)

[Legod Third Coming]

They simply aint good enough. Even for CCC.

 

Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were busy destroying the PL after this amount of games. And look at Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.

 

The fundamental difference is that Rooney and Owen were not introduced en masse with six/eight of their reserve/academy colleagues into a side which also featured second-rate CCC players.

 

It would be rather easier for Lallana to look a class better in better company, don't you think?

 

As for Rooney, he scored a wonder goal against Arsenal on his debut. Go back and tell me what his next goal was, against whom and after how many games?

 

And you'll find, from memory, he didn't even start the next game... So he made the same impact in truth as Jordan Robertson!!

 

Even Bale and Walcott played ten minutes here and there for a while before being thrust in.

 

But to say our players are not as good as Owen, Rooney and Walcott is wholly unfair. Surely they are exceptions in any company?

 

How about whether they're as good as Kevin Nolan at this age or Phil Neville or Gary Speed?? Or any number of perfectly good footballers.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Surman, Walcott, Bale, Lallana, thats a bloody decent list IMO. In terms of quality I think the Academy can't be faulted. Without it we would be in administration.

 

How long have we had an Academy, and how many good players have we produced as a result?

 

People have gone overboard because we "produced" Walcott and Bale, and a few others we got small beer for, and did well in one youth cup recently-ish.

 

People have no statistics about how our output compares with the output of other clubs, but still somehow continue to assert that our Academy is fantastic. You have to take a longer view of its effectiveness, not take a couple what may prove to be untypical years.

[saintjay77]

Who are we having a go at today and for what?

[londonsaint1604]

They simply aint good enough. Even for CCC.

 

Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were busy destroying the PL after this amount of games. And look at Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.

 

And Pele scored a hat-trick in the world cup when he was 17. What is your point? Our academy isn't good enough because it doesn't produce world class internationals?

 

Also did you not see Walcott score a hat-trick against Croatia in the WC qualifier? That was pretty good.

[Snowballs2]

People ARE begining to realise that a load of rubbish has been spouted by the club in talking up the abilities of the youth in the team. The truth is that some will make very average players in the future, the rest will fall by the wayside into obscurity. Because it suits Lowe and Wilde to lie they are having their 5 minutes of fame on the pitch.

[krissyboy31]

Our Academy is no better, nor worse than the majority of the FA Premier Youth Academies around the country. We have produced the odd international player, quite a few decent Prem/CCC standard players, many more that make a living in the lower leagues but the vast majority of players fall by the wayside because they haven't got the mentality or talent to make it.

 

The trouble with the current upper management is that they think just because a player is good enough to be offered a contract at 16/17 they are all going to turn out like Theo Walcott. If only that were true. Even in the current first team we have some very good players, most are just about adequate but several that are not good enough for the level they are playing.

[Legod Third Coming]

Our Academy is no better, nor worse than the majority of the FA Premier Youth Academies around the country. We have produced the odd international player, quite a few decent Prem/CCC standard players, many more that make a living in the lower leagues but the vast majority of players fall by the wayside because they haven't got the mentality or talent to make it.

 

The trouble with the current upper management is that they think just because a player is good enough to be offered a contract at 16/17 they are all going to turn out like Theo Walcott. If only that were true. Even in the current first team we have some very good players, most are just about adequate but several that are not good enough for the level they are playing.

 

 

I think you are right here.

 

Apart from in one regard.

 

Lowe believes and I agree with him that our (an) Academy could and should be much more productive.

 

Historically, as you say, an Academy might produce a player or two every other season - maybe less!! Lowe's idea is that by playing the Academy with the reserves and first team in a cohesive set-up, you might be able to speed up the transition and increase the output.

 

Why should we accept that an Academy cannot produe a crop of talent good enough for the first team each season?

 

Why is it that we accept the football norm as though it is some factual acknowledgement of the only option?

 

Historically it is because the short-cut was to BUY proven talent. Well that option is going not just for us, but clubs everywhere.

 

If we can be the first to create a regular conveyor belt of youth good enough to play at first-team level it would not only be a feather in our caps, but also a financial model that could save this club for our grandchildren. Each season you might flog three/four off to lower teams.

 

It may not be possible. But the idea of playing them together in a system and style that suits the first team earlier is surely the best approach?

 

It's always irritated me that our youth team did so well, but we couldn't bring more of them into the first team and lost what appeard to be decent youth players along the way.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

I think you are right here.

 

Apart from in one regard.

 

Lowe believes and I agree with him that our (an) Academy could and should be much more productive.

 

Historically, as you say, an Academy might produce a player or two every other season - maybe less!! Lowe's idea is that by playing the Academy with the reserves and first team in a cohesive set-up, you might be able to speed up the transition and increase the output.

 

Why should we accept that an Academy cannot produe a crop of talent good enough for the first team each season?

 

Why is it that we accept the football norm as though it is some factual acknowledgement of the only option?

 

Historically it is because the short-cut was to BUY proven talent. Well that option is going not just for us, but clubs everywhere.

 

If we can be the first to create a regular conveyor belt of youth good enough to play at first-team level it would not only be a feather in our caps, but also a financial model that could save this club for our grandchildren. Each season you might flog three/four off to lower teams.

 

It may not be possible. But the idea of playing them together in a system and style that suits the first team earlier is surely the best approach?

 

It's always irritated me that our youth team did so well, but we couldn't bring more of them into the first team and lost what appeard to be decent youth players along the way.

 

If Lowe does believe what you say, then we see the the arrogance of the man, that somehow he can do what no other club has managed - to produce a conveyor belt of players good enough to provide a successful first team.

[Legod Third Coming]

If Lowe does believe what you say, then we see the the arrogance of the man, that somehow he can do what no other club has managed - to produce a conveyor belt of players good enough to provide a successful first team.

 

 

I don't think anyone disputes his arrogance. It's whether that makes him wrong. And/or how hard anyone else has tried...

 

One thing you know about him, he doesn't like the status quo...

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

If Lowe does believe what you say, then we see the the arrogance of the man, that somehow he can do what no other club has managed - to produce a conveyor belt of players good enough to provide a successful first team.

 

The point is most teams with decent academies are generally well enough off that they don't need to produce THAT many players. Apart from Crewe. Which means it probably hasn't been tried.

 

I think the idea is a nice one. Whether it can be realised or not is to be seen, but there is no real reason with the current structure why not...

[70's Mike]

If Lowe does believe what you say, then we see the the arrogance of the man, that somehow he can do what no other club has managed - to produce a conveyor belt of players good enough to provide a successful first team.

 

problem i have is that a team takes time to gel and if you flog off a couple every year it will never produce a successful first team

[Legod Third Coming]

problem i have is that a team takes time to gel and if you flog off a couple every year it will never produce a successful first team

 

But every club changes a couple of players every year so how is anyone winning anything?

[70's Mike]

But every club changes a couple of players every year so how is anyone winning anything?

 

because they bring in experienced players not a couple of teenagers.

[Charlie Wayman]

I thought it was total ballacks since day 1. Why would anybody who lived through Lowe's first disastrous reign ending in ignominious relegation ever believe that things would be different the second time round? Hyperbole and spin is about all he is good for, oh! and insulting the intelligence of fans.

 

The Smarmy Little Twerp has to understand that if he takes Saints down to Division 3 he is very much on his own. He will not deserve our support and let's stick together lads and say AND he will not get it!

 

It may be time to set up Saints United even if we play in the lower leagues for a few years, like Wimbledon and the new Manchester Fans United?

[saintjay77]

If Lowe does believe what you say, then we see the the arrogance of the man, that somehow he can do what no other club has managed - to produce a conveyor belt of players good enough to provide a successful first team.

 

Ajax anyone?

[um pahars]

How long have we had an Academy, and how many good players have we produced as a result?

 

People have gone overboard because we "produced" Walcott and Bale, and a few others we got small beer for, and did well in one youth cup recently-ish.

 

People have no statistics about how our output compares with the output of other clubs, but still somehow continue to assert that our Academy is fantastic. You have to take a longer view of its effectiveness, not take a couple what may prove to be untypical years.

 

Our Academy is no better, nor worse than the majority of the FA Premier Youth Academies around the country. We have produced the odd international player, quite a few decent Prem/CCC standard players, many more that make a living in the lower leagues but the vast majority of players fall by the wayside because they haven't got the mentality or talent to make it.

 

The trouble with the current upper management is that they think just because a player is good enough to be offered a contract at 16/17 they are all going to turn out like Theo Walcott. If only that were true. Even in the current first team we have some very good players, most are just about adequate but several that are not good enough for the level they are playing.

 

Have to agree with both of you.

 

I think our Academy has been overhyped somewhat and in the past was often touted as the Holy Grail that would solve all our problems. It's no surprise that with Lowe back in charge, the line is being trotted out once again.

 

There's no doubt that our Academy has been moderately successful and has provided us both with players to use in the team and also with players to sell, but so have many up and down the country. After all, where do all these players come from that ply their trade in the four divisions (even after allowing for foreign imports)???

 

But with regards producing a team of home grown talent, then I have to say that is a fairly naive pipedream.

 

Firstly it's a numbers game and from each year group of scholars / trainees, it is ineviatble that many will not make the grade. Why will we be the only club who is able to turn this around?

 

Secondly, playing in this division will mean it will be impossible to keep the better ones as (a) they will always aspire to play in the top flight, and (b) we will always be under pressure to sell to offset operating losses.

 

I am 100% behind our Academy, both for footballing and financial reasons, but that doesn't mean I buy into the utopian idea that it will solve all of our problems (both on and off the pitch).

[um pahars]

Ajax anyone?

 

Not even Ajax achieve what some people think they do, and that is with all the resources, the reputation and position they have in the game.

 

Here's something I read a while back on their site about youth players making the grade:

 

The further you get, the harder it becomes to maintain your place and to reach the ultimate objective - to play in the Amsterdam Arena. Only one or two players make it to the first team each year.

Ajax is partly dependant on players from its own youth academy.

 

PS Comparing us with Ajax is as cringeable as comparing Jan with Wenger, Scolari et al

[VectisSaint]

Do you know what, I forgot about how **** Beattie was, and if you look at McGoldricks confidence, maybe all he has to do is develop further. Remember how crap Kenwyne was as well. Just my current musings on it, lol.

 

Good point.

Interesting point. The other similarity is that neither made it at their first club as a senior, both blossomed after a transfer elsewhere. So the sooner McGoldrick moves on the sooner he will be a 20-goal a season striker lol

[Saint Fan CaM]

Its true - the current batch are overhyped. But there is the simple fact that the Academy staff that produced Theo, Bale and Jones are not presiding over the lads now playing. In fact, if I was a parent of one the current youth team players I would have some strong reservations about the competency of the coaches now - why? Well just look at the results... very poor by any standards and certainly not good enough for CCC level.

[saintjay77]

Not even Ajax achieve what some people think they do, and that is with all the resources, the reputation and position they have in the game.

 

Here's something I read a while back on their site about youth players making the grade:

 

The further you get, the harder it becomes to maintain your place and to reach the ultimate objective - to play in the Amsterdam Arena. Only one or two players make it to the first team each year.

Ajax is partly dependant on players from its own youth academy.

 

PS Comparing us with Ajax is as cringeable as comparing Jan with Wenger, Scolari et al

 

 

Sorry I wasnt trying to compare us with Ajax or anyone else. Just pointing out that there is another team that have a very strong youth policy and have been very succesful in the past. Bringing through one or two players from the youth system every year is much stonger than any of our clubs in the prem.

 

Weather we can even remotly emulate them is a completly different question and I doubt it is possible. I think if we had money available then we wouldnt be going head first into this system and we would have a better pick of experience to bring our youth into.

[lordswoodsaints]

if we were flying high in the prem and having a lot of success then we would still be a selling club,we would still have an academy churning out decent youngsters.....in fact we would probably sell a lot more youngsters than we do now because it would be harder for them to break into the first team but it would go fairly unnoticed because of our success.

we have to sell to survive at the moment so any youngster showing the slightest bit of promise will be thrust (rightly or wrongly) into the shop window,this doesnt always work out as is probably the case with gobern but some of the youngsters mature quickly and become regulars.

our academy is there to make money and anybody else who thinks otherwise is wrong.i have spoken to many people associated with the academy and they more or less say the same thing........the club is always on the lookout for the next big earner and they are ruthless in their pursuit.it is a good income stream for a club of our size especially a club in our current position.

[70's Mike]

Sorry I wasnt trying to compare us with Ajax or anyone else. Just pointing out that there is another team that have a very strong youth policy and have been very succesful in the past. Bringing through one or two players from the youth system every year is much stonger than any of our clubs in the prem.

 

Weather we can even remotly emulate them is a completly different question and I doubt it is possible. I think if we had money available then we wouldnt be going head first into this system and we would have a better pick of experience to bring our youth into.

 

I Think the key words are "in the past".

[krissyboy31]

Sorry I wasnt trying to compare us with Ajax or anyone else. Just pointing out that there is another team that have a very strong youth policy and have been very succesful in the past. Bringing through one or two players from the youth system every year is much stonger than any of our clubs in the prem.

 

Weather we can even remotly emulate them is a completly different question and I doubt it is possible. I think if we had money available then we wouldnt be going head first into this system and we would have a better pick of experience to bring our youth into.

 

A couple of things about Ajax's "academy". They are one of the big 3 clubs in the Netherlands (the biggest traditionally) and therefore have the pick of most of the decent youngsters in their country. Holland also does not have the stringent work permit regulations the UK does, therefore they are able pick up youngsters from all over the Dutch colonies and also Brazil. We have to wait until players are full internationals from a top ranked country, by which time they are too expensive for us.

 

In past years these players have graced the Ajax team for years to come, suplimented by a few star internationals, which made them one of the best in Europe. These days however, their "academy" is mostly used like ours, to develop players for their sell on value.

[saintjay77]

I Think the key words are "in the past".

 

But it worked and I dont see how a club can be judged on its future.