http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/premier-league-origin-audit Out of players who started the last round of premier league matches, we have produced 6, which according to this article is behind only Manchester United (14) and Arsenal (10). Not bad! Here's hoping we can keep hold of them in future.
An apparent ManU fan commented... Interesting. You have to applaud Southampton, who have turned out some excellent young players in recent years. He's not kidding either , when you consider that the arguably three best young English players, playing in the Premier League, ie Bale, Walcott and Oxo are all ex-Saints Academy. And that list didn't include Baird or Bridge either [because they didn't start matches on the day of counting].
bridge and possibly nile ranger should be added. slight concern- if you look at the players we have produced and are coming through now, the seem to be mainly wingers or creative midfielders.bridge being the only defender of the 8, whereas the other 6 mentioned would be competing for the same spot.where are the keepers, meathead centerbacks or strikers
Bale, English?? Surely if Harry does get the England job then that's unfortunately one dodgy deal he won't be able to pull off...!!
I watched this analysis of AOC agianst Blackburn http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08022...under-microscope-alex-oxlade-chamberlain.html Some comments from folk who are obviously not supporters but obviously fans of the academy also caught my eye "he's got to be good southamton (k)now how to produce good players" "How do Southampton manage to produce so many young players?" "well done southampton in making such a good player, please for the sake of the english game keep them coming." ...I especially like the last one