Will we ever see 50%+ academy products together in the first XI ?

I think that all the time there is a significant "English Premium" on players, this makes it difficult to reach the 50% when it makes sense to sell one player and buy two.

 

Our intention is to bring through Academy players, but (as said) we are hampered by our inability to keep hold of them. Perhaps our true intention is to ensure that other EPL teams have 50% ex-Saints players.

 

I like to think the ex-players are actually sleepers we have planted and, when we are ready, they will rise up and we will take the title by a record margin. Lovren was truly crap last season because he started the revolution too soon....only explanation.

 

50% young home bred players in the squad is just a goal to work towards. The Academy scenario means that Saints have a potential extra major income which can aid the progress if we sell or the players can be added to the squad. Laudable and sustainable, I don't see a downside to it.

 

We have to be more patient than ever with our younger players.
The level of football we're at means that unless they're truly exceptional then they're not going to hold a regular place whilst they're u21.

Central midfielders and defenders have a lot maturing required in their play and I don't think a 20 year old Schneiderlin would have been first choice in a saints team chasing European football. Some fans didn't even think he should be first choice in league one.

None of the academy players are first choice, but many of them will be given the chance to stake a claim this season. This is a long term project and one that is achievable if only to keep the club financially stable.