Is our scouting network extensive enough?

[Bobcrompton1896]

Ive been reading about how Watford achieved promotion last season with apparently one of the most extensive scouting networks of all 92 clubs. Along with many others,I would never have guessed they would get promoted!

I guess most people today would put Southampton as the No.1. club who seriously bring on talented players in almost conveyer-belt fashion.The list from Gareth Bale,Theo Walcott,Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,etc is endless. Arsenal also have had great success,mainly from cherry-picking players from France..and Manchester United used to have(maybe still do)one of the best networks.They picked up David Beckham NOT Tottenham,Arsenal or West Ham!! Of course,such great attention to detail does come at a price!
Crewes legendary "finding of talent"under Dario Gradi never gave them much success,albeit they were working under severe financial constraints.

Which brings me to the point that instead of scratching around looking for players can we not permanently have a few players

[jordan12rhodes]

We are looking at a Bulgarian forward that has played all his football in Italy. I'd say our scouting is going OK at the moment.

[champs95]

The same scouting found Gestede floundering in Cardiffs reserves. Marshall in Leicester's, Conway at Cardiff. They seem to have found a good player in the French lad who came on yesterday. I would say in the list of things wrong at the club, scouting is about last.

[joinerpat]

On trial for contracts appeals to me, there must be a lot of overlooked talent out there.