Has anyone read the Alex Mowatt interview yet. All good stuff from a kid with his head firmly on his shoulders, and not big headed etc. The article finishes with a view of TA, and how different the academy see things since BMD came in. Young Alex said that all the kids are seeing the manager at every match they play and he's always around speaking to them etc. he says that all the kids now know that if they perform well they will get into the first team squad, unlike what its been like under previous managers. No wonder we never saw our kids coming through because Grayson was just getting them ready for Bates to sell. Yes I know about White, Delph, Howson and Parker etc, but he stopped looking at our kids after that. Warnock was never in Leeds anyway and only wanted old journeymen as he had no time for youth development.
I don't think Grayson even had anything to do with White/Delph/Howson/Parker - weren't they all introduced under McAllister? Although Howson could have been under Wise...
Friend of mine's lad is at the academy, says that the atmosphere is great, really likes that everyone mixes and that the academy boys get same access to facilities as senior pro's... different to his previous club. No big time charlies in the youth team, again different to his previous club. Good signs.
The potential is there for about 4 or 5 years time for at least half the first XI are direct products of the Academy. We already have Byram, Poleon, Mowatt, and to a degree White. I would imagine that Mowatt will break through and be at least a rgular on the bench by the end of the season. Dawson isn't that far away, although he will have to bulk up somewhat. Lenighan will progress after going out on loan this season. Who else?
You did miss out Lees who has probably got more appearances than any of those players you mentioned and is the only one to actually play for England at any level
Byram will probably be on bench next weekend. Chapman & Wallace strike partnership only under rated by the scum loving media who couldn't take it that Leeds beat them to the last ever Football League title before England sold its soul and chances of competing at International level.
