Don't you think that scouts for "lesser" clubs would generally be on the look-out for decent up and coming players at clubs with academies like ours? Clubs that can't compete for the big name signings can get some pretty decent players that way.
Ok, if we give them a bit more exposure we might get a bit more dosh, but we can't afford to risk games on being a showcase for unproven potential.
yes and no.
Yes they look. no they don't pay us anything
You want to get 3 or 4 ml out of a kid to really make an academy pay off.
Like.... we took bobby duncan out of city. Dortmund took sancho. Bayern really wanted odoi. Diaz went to real. These players are in relatively high demand but the reality is our lot... well theres not a queue. We need ot show them off and convince a club they can do something for them.
While we struggled on the pitch jordan ibe and brad smith got exposure and that convinced howe to make offers. People big up a certain **** so called technical director at or club and lump all the creidt on him when a deal comes off but the reality is the kids need chances and to take the chances to look good and tempt an offer.
right now
TAA had taken a big chance with us cos clyne was injured
GOmez has forced his way into CB this year after sharing that RB slot.
thats great, exactly what we need.
But.... this year we don't have a gap par se. We loaned out wilson who is now worth about 15-20mil. we have jones who's decent and i called him out for 2 years or so, no chances to come in for curtis. Same for a few others.
For me we have to push these kids on. Its not a risk of a game to bring one in and kick him on a wee bit.
We've i think seens subs go from 1 to 2 to 3 to 5 man benches and now 7 and there STILL no room for a kid.
the more resources that can be applied by big clubs the more they apply and the bigger squads get and the more the reliance in it there is... the less chances.
For me..... I look at chesea and know full well they have about 4 really really really good young players who'd possible improve thier first team or at least shake it up. Odoi, ampadu, cheek and then abraham maybe.
I look at city. they used league cup decently but diaz decided to shag off, foden gets a few minutes but not enough. nmecha as well...
Look at morrison at leicester.... some of thes guys just need the chance.
Our best youth today:
Lewis... he's the subject of this discussion. not at the level of those above
Jones. he looks really really good at youth level but needs his chance
Kane - he is on loan i sincerely doubt he will make it for us
Tagseth. we signed gim at 15? hes pretty decent.
Camacho. played at RB... he's not a RB and never will be.
Brewster. injured for a year
Duncan. just got him.. really really interesting
Glatzel... had been injure dbut having a really breakout year in u18s.
I look at that list and only Jones could be close to the senior bench. I'd like us to use him.