I know we're talking different universes in terms of ability, but isn't the Ajax captain 19?
Do you reckon he'd make the move, to fit into the new youth policy at Notts, that some are keen to see happen?
I think the reason we fail is due to a lack of a consistent club plan and identity. We've chopped and changed both managers and players way too much.
Personally I like the Exeter model. We should aim to bring through and buy in young talented players and build a small, tight and energetic squad. If a player has a bad game or two, we can't just bin them. And we should aim to sell first-team players on up the leagues for £500k every so often and balance our books.
Even if it means staying in non-league for a few seasons I'd like to see us try this approach. Otherwise we'll be in the same boat in another 5-10 years again.
On the above note, I'd really like to see Bird, Patching, Crawford, Osborne and Etete as regulars in the matchday squad next season. They're all young and all under contract. How will we ever know if they're good enough if they're never given a chance to play for us?