https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-next-cardiff-citys-academy-26406595 I thought that this was very interesting......both for the explanation of categories but also the club approach. I think our cousins down the road recently down-graded their academy- presumably to save money.
I read that article earlier. As you say, very interesting. Brexit seems to be blamed for tier 1 academies shopping within the UK rather than looking abroad. Good that we seem to be getting fees for players. It also suggests we're doing something right if we're getting 16 year olds poached off us. Not sure what clauses can get written in to these 'transfers'. Performance bonuses, sell on, return to sender. Who knows? Hope that youngsters in the area are keen to come to us now they see there is not only a pathway to senior football at Cardiff but also that its a shop window for bigger clubs. On the pathway thing, the article alluded to the structured approach to loans as part of a youngster's development also. Nice to see The swans down graded their academy when they got relegated. Don't think its our intention in the short term to go tier 1, but we seem to be putting the infrastructure in place should we wish to. I've a fishing mate who was a player development manager. Always interesting to talk to. He coached England under 18s when they won the European Championships and worked with their U21s. Spent 12 years with the Man City academy where he's worked with some big names. A cut throat business.
Yes! I liked the loaning out thing too. Gives them a chance to toughen up and prove themselves I guess. Interesting to see loans to quite 'low' teams too...like Pontypridd (no offence.....but shows an approach of horses for courses!)
Recall Earnie crediting his loan up to Greenock Morton as being one of the things that really opened his eyes up and set him on his way to 1st team football. Again, a proper "toughening up" type of league.
