13 Sep 2013 09:47:24
I see the FA are to ask clubs like Southampton how they are able to bring on young talent like they do!
We're as other bigger clubs struggle to do the same with there squads!
IMO we would be silly to give are secrets away?
We have worked hard over the years to get to we're we are now giving us a good advantage over these other clubs
It's would be madness now to throw that advantage away?
Just to keep the top clubs that are to big to fail? From losing there crowns?
Things change and clubs rise and fall maybe these clubs have had there day?
And clubs like are's are on the rise!
Having planted the seeds to there succes early on!!
Just because we may advise the FA on player development, it doesn't mean to say that other clubs will take on board any advise that they are given, and what is more, that they follow that advise for several years until they finally develop the right kids. This is a project that will potentially take ten years before there is any pay-off. It's fair to say that we are well ahead of most of the teams in the country. By the time these other club actually get it right, we'll have a clear history off player player development at the highest level that will be hard to compete with.
I can see that we will be asked how we do what we do, and I am hugely proud of that. I certain don't see this as a threat. Most clubs may invest further in player development, but will revert to type. let's face it, unless this is implemented by the owners of the club, managers aren't going to risk their jobs by playing kids. This is just another reason why we as Saints fans should be extremely grateful to Nicola Cortese for having the vision to invest so heavily in our academy.
As and when our team gets to the level of top clubs, Our academy will produce less and less young talent, and only because our first team would have to have top talent.
no matter how we say it, certain youth players just would not make the cut to be in a top team
Not to mention top teams buy there youth players no need to develop them and we will see just how good bale is jury is still out
I read an interesting article the other day about are development program. Apparently, when we are scouting youngsters 10-12, we are not necessarily looking for football ability , We are looking for Athleticism and Intelligence. Because football can be learnt and the way we want them to play needs to be learnt, so those with already football ability but low intelligence, may struggle with that. That is the Prost way!