Our academy isn't working, and it's about time we did something about it. We haven't produced any players in the last ten years that can perform at this level. The likes of Jarman, Laight, Tonge, Wroe, Austin and Kay, are all playing in the lower leagues. I know we got shut of all of those lot, and good. But i still think we need to get rid of Atkinson, Coulson and Potter, and make room for some new signings. Apprently Jacob Butterfield is supposed to be decent, so i'd like to see him more involved in the first team, in fact i was surprised he wasn't included in the game against stoke yesterday, given that our fantastic fourth division player (Grant McCann) started instead. So i think our academy scouts need to start looking beyond Hoyland Common.
If you knew anything about player development you would know it takes about 10 years to bring a player through. Our academy had the guts ripped out of it during administration and is now slowly recovering. We also had a period when it was run by people who worked hard but weren't really up to the job. Our last two managers came from the Academy, so its producing managers rather than players in the short term. Given time it will be a success.
yes, take on foreigners. that's the way forward, we have to start looking beyond our radius of hoyland common and monk bretton. as for potter and mheynall, i'll hold you to that, Alex Turner!
yes, take on foreigners. that's the way forward, we have to start looking beyond our radius of hoyland common and monk bretton. as for potter and mheynall, i'll hold you to that, Alex Turner!
May be, but I just wanted to point out that the Academy had lost its head coach twice.</p> That doesn't really help long term player development. </p>
</p> Only when they are ready.</p> If they aren't head and shoulders above the rest when they are in the reserves they are not going to cut it in the first team.</p>
One big problem is that Prem clubs cast their nets far and wide. Man U. have setups in numerous places not just the main academys at Cliff and Carrington (e.g. Stocksbridge). We had a young kid playing when he was 6 watched by Barnsley, Hudds, Leeds and Man Utd.....he is now playing U-13's on a 2 yr contract at.....Man Utd...and he has been there for 4 yrs. Another difference...Man U. courtesy of Nike - full kit, training kit, tracksuits/smart leisure wear for pre match, football Boots all provided for free...training camps, international tours/tournaments... Who would you play for ?
