Just worth throwing out there but anyone know of the progress of some of the youth players that showed so much promise. Harry Panayiotou, Pier Larrauri and George Taft are the names that first spring to mind. All have been part of their respective countries' youth setups and I have heard all good things about their development. One thing I would say is that unless these players are given the chance in and around the first team surely the money invested in the youth setup is a waste? It would be silly dancing around these FFP restrictions if even one of these players can come good with a bit of first team exposure. Like I say just wondering if anyone is anymore clued up than myself.
Michael Cain won academy player of the year last year Jacob Blyth was top scorer for the development squad snd he scored on his Northampton debut at the weekend Joe Dodoo always does well for the academy
Its a very big step up... very few make it... getting the chance and taking it is the thing..but as in life, if you want something bad enough...
Im not doubting its tough but what is the point in investing in youth setups if there is very little or no produce. Also its easy to say not many make the step up but if they are not given the chance then we will never know. If you look around there are clubs outside of the top four that are producing young talent year in year out. Southampton are the best example and surely we should be using occasions like the league cup for exactly the reason of giving the young lads a chance? In all honesty for LCFC the cup is nothing more than a hindrance with so many games to be played in the league I would be very pleased to see 3-4 players given a chance next round. The only reason I raised the point is because were top status for youth...
With three former academy players in Schlupp, Moore and King in the first team I would have thought that was a pretty good strike rate. We clearly have a good crop coming through as well but depending on how we go this season will depend on how much we see of them. We go well and don't think we will see much change, not so well and a new manager may well be forced into giving them a look due to financial reasons.
At the end of this season alot of high earners contracts expire so the club can then operate in the transfer market again As it stands Kasper Schmeichel, Paul Konchesky, Wes Morgan, Zak Whitbread, Lloyd Dyer, Sean St. Ledger, Martyn Waghorn, Neil Danns and David Nugent's contracts all expire so that will be hell of alot off the wage bill So dont think the club will be forced to use the academy because of FFP. Our income is still amongst the highest in the league its just our outgoings are stupidly high
Maybe we will have a busy summer next year with all those contracts expiring, I would only keep Schmeichel, Morgan and Nugent from that list, although i think Schmeichel and poss Nugent will be hard to tie down. Kasper will goto a prem side (possibly a newly promoted one) and Nuge will likely get offered a better contract from a relegated team (next years QPR) .
