Clubs took the guaranteed cash with this EPPP deal. Easier to know you're getting half of your youth system funded, than hoping you'll develop enough talent every year to fund it in total. I assume that was the thinking. Pretty sure the tinpot trophy and U21 sides being involved was part of it too. It all stinks. But cash is king and BFC isn't capable of making enough to cover the daft money they pay to folk who aren't great at what they do. Primarily, footballers. I'm sure I'm part of the problem. I'll get to some games this season, but not all. In fact, less than half I reckon. Because I no longer have to attend to see them play. I can watch lots on TV. And I enjoy watching other football, in the non league scene where it just feels more like real football to me and your attendance means something. Gone off on a tangent again. My apologies.
I guess they do make sense financially if you are playing four or five players from the Academy in the first team squad. Saves in wages I guess. which would mean there is a sweet spot for players of being of about championship quality. Sounds like this player was probably too good for us.
“Better than Stones at this age” was what a number in the academy told me when I was there. I saw a couple of academy games and he certainly looked an incredible prospect. I don’t think he’d be miles behind an Earl or Shepherd already in all honesty. And he’s what, 16? But I say that having not watched him in a year or so. Might have turned into Tom Kennedy. Time will tell I suppose.
Remember Jon Cofie? My mate did scouting for Burnley Academy, said he was the best player he'd ever seen at 14, lured away to Man Utd for £1 million, ruined him. I'm sure it works out for some players to move to a bigger premier league academy, but in many cases they just get lost in the machine.
I guess the thing is at 14 they’re still children and so it’s very little of an indication that they will continue to progress
Yes we signed him and he never played a game. Another waste of money. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23378602
Can't knock the lad for wanting to go to a Prem set up. And he's only young, so I point the finger of blame squarely at his agent and parents. Similar to my thoughts on the Koroma scandal, there's a way of going about things which maintains a level of mutual respect and professionalism. He should have reported back to BFC with his agent in tow, and told whoever he needed to tell of his desire to leave. Not reporting back is bang out of order.
Disgraceful that he didn't turn up to preseason, but its just the modern footballer these days. Selfish, entitled, arrogant. Though he's only a bairn so that's via his parents and agents. You'd think they'd show a bit of respect given how long the lad was here and whom we gave the opportunity at such a young age. Theres been many more talented youngsters at Chelsea than him, who have dropped to the wayside, so hopefully he gets his head down, works hard and the ones around him show some humility. Good luck to the lad.
the point is that in some cases going to a big club hinders their progress because the years they should be playing mens football they're no where near the first team because to get in the Man Utd team you have to be as good as Wayne Rooney.
