IF, we get pro ted to the PL this season thenI think that members of our present squad have earned the right to try and make an impression on the Prem with a small number of additional "quality" players. Look at the example of Norwich and Swansea this season. Neither have spent a fortune on over paid average quality experienced Prem players and they are doing well. Hats off to them! No one can tell me that the bottom two thirds of the Prm is any better than the top third of the Championship
If (IF!) we get promoted and we do it in style, there is no need for wholesale changes. Need a few new players which can be integrated into squad and give everyone a chance. Most squad members have had their contracts lengthened to provide continuity and to make the players know they have an investment in the team. A good team playing together will usually beat a team that has a few stars but no cohesion...Saints were on the wrong end of that a few times.
The 5 year plan also includes having 50% of the team coming up through the academy. Promotion this season is a bit soon for them. If we hang on for 2/3 seasons there is a good crop of apprentices being groomed for this coming through.
50% from the academy will take a very long time if we want to do it succeessfully. The mercenary nature of players and agents will make it even harder. I'd take my hat off to Cortese if he made it happen. It won't happen within the 5 year plan though.The kids will need to be very patient to overthrow some of the current first teamers and any more that we opt to bring in. It's a pretty mouthwatering prospect if we can do it.
i would have to agree, give it 2/3 years in the Champ, steadily and gradually bring them through to become 1st team regulars - we're doing it with hoskins, reeves, w-p and shaw already
If we go up this year, I do unfortunately think NA will have to decide who really is Prem quality. There can't be any room for sentiment for those who take us there if he really doesn't think they'll cut the mustard in the top flight. It's no good going up and then being adrift by Christmas.
Agreed. And in particular, unfortunately is a very apt word. With the nature of the transfer windows, you have to make a decision early. I don't even think we could wait until the very end of the summer tranfer window, and hence give the guys three or four games, before then making a decision - simply because I don't think Cortese works like that. Look at the way Arsenal and QPR went about their business, basically making scatter-gun signings in the last three or four days of August (which is what we would have to do if we let the guys have those first three or four games to prove themselves). To me, that's not Cortese's way.
