Sadly not everyone will make it through to a highly successful career. Even players who play for lower-age group England teams don't always make it. However, all the kids gain from time at the academy. They keep fit, keep off street corners, are encouraged to work at academic qualifications, and learn to work as a team. If they don't let disappoinment swallow them up, they will come out as better human beings and have a hobby/part-time career in football.
Just a side issue..how much rounder can Paul Williams get? I have never seen an ex-player look so unfit and I've watched Matty for years. Did he always have a weight problem? I'm a bit worried that he may eat one of the youth team if lunch is late.
The jump is massive, you can't say that they will all make it. Look at Mclaggon, came through the academy and everyone thought he was going to be in the first team. He got injured, released and is now at Bristol Rovers after a season with Salisbury. There are countless youth players that show potential in the youth team but are unable to make the jump to the first team.
He is the roundest human I have ever seen! He's always been a bubbly character, but he's taking it a bit far.
He was going to make it, but he tore his achilles which servely hamperd his development and he missed a takeover, new manager, new team and no chance to impress as well as coming back a lot poorer - you can't judge it on McLaggon on another note, this is a very talented group and you are underestimating them
Sinclair looks like he could be a very good player when he develops a bit more presence on the ball. The kid certainly finishes like a striker should.
Hazard of the game, whats to say it wont happen to one of these? Williamson Wise Phillips All players that didn't make it with us as they ouldn't make the jump to the first team. I amnot underestimating them, not all of them will make it although JWP, Stephens and Shaw have a good chance. Sinclair has been scoring, but willneed to develop his strength if he wants a chance any time soon.
Quite a few players in recent years haven't been able to make the Saints first team but have gone on to have good careers - Garry Monk, Scott McDonald and Tim Sparv spring to mind in particular
Watched the highlights on Saints player and there second half display was "Blazin'" to quote Corby Moore. Also great to hear that our Chairman was at the game and giving a bit of stick to Doddsey. It must be a real lift to our academy players to have the chairman take the time to travel up and watch them play and paying for them to stay over night in preperation for the match. Obviously not all of these players will go on to be 1st team regulars, but as a supporter i know that you'd have to search pretty hard to find a club with better facilities and a better understanding of how important a scholar is to a football club
