Absolutely. Not to mention that these kids have been coached and trained in a certain style since they came to the club which could be when they were about 12 years old. They now have to learn a high fitness, high intensity pressing game with a new shape and a set of intricate tactical triggers that because of COVID has only really been in place for a couple of months. This is much more complicated than “they’ve been **** since Dodd and Williams were sacked”. Speaking of which, I’m not saying that the Dodd dismissal was all above board because it was absolutely a bit fishy. However, I think it is worth wondering why the best academy coach ever is now...*checks notes* PE teacher at Winchester College. Maybe just a touch of cult of personality about that one.
Is Slattery back in the good books? See he is named as captain. Would be good if he could live up to his hype from a few years back and provide more midfield competition for the first team.
F*ck's sake academy. To be fair looks like we were the better team. Brighton had one effort on target, it went in.
Post BREXIT rules for transfers has been announced. Saints will no longer be able to sign promising youngsters from abroad under the age of 18. This is bad news for us and will require a significant change on our current strategy.
How many youngsters from abroad have actually broken through in recent years?...Yan Valery and further back, Morgan Schneidelin (who we signed at 18).
Just look at the current academy make up. It’s picked up quite a bit since Morgan’s time. And it’s not just about the first team - it’s also about developing and profiting on the sale.
We've always managed to attract talent in this country in the past and i'm sure that we will continue to..I'm an anti-Brexiter btw.
