I can't see what the fuss is, these four young kids aren't good enough for the squad in Allen's opinion and he is where the buck stops in terms of the results on the pitch. The club only has a finite set of resources so we can't keep carrying bit part players in terms of the playing staff.
Developing kids is difficult, it takes a large amount time and money, which the club simply can't afford to spend. Yes Essam looked promising last season in a stuttering side, but is he as good as Barrett, Legge, Davies, Flanagan or Frampton; no. So he simply shouldn't be kept based on the sentiment of the fanbase.
As for the speculation that they haven't been given a chance, you earn your chance on the training ground. Clearly they weren't good enough, this happens all the time in football. Many promising youngster drop into non league to earn their stripes and good luck to them. In my opinion it is more unfair to keep them at the club when we have no intention of playing them, it won't aid their development as players doing that. It is beeter for all involved that they are given a chance to play and if that is at another club so be it.