Dexter was either late 16 early 17 when he came to us if memory serves. Kenwyn was 18 and 2 months again if memory serves.
What about Mathew Oakley - came through the youth acamdemy and played for England U21's - apologies if someones already mentioned him. Oh and hello to everyone!
Hey welcome to the Saints site Football Guru......nice to hear from you. Re Matt Oakley.......No he came through Southampton youth, not the Academy as we know it. (It is true that they sometimes referred to it as the academy) The Academy was not set up properly until later is my understanding. However another excellent player............
Brian Howard was academy....Whether he has featured in the premier league i'm not so sure, certainly solid championship player. That old question has come up again, what constitutes an academy player? Blackstock, McGoldrick, Biakowlski, Jones, Schneiderlin and now Jack Stephens are examples of player we have purchased from other clubs at 18 or younger. Most of them if not all had featured for their old clubs 1st team. With the exception of Schneiderlin I think all featured for the U18 side, so can at least lay a claim to being an academy product.
Academy as I understand it is anyone that joins pre 18.......18 and over are players added to the Academy squad but not actual Academy.
