Most profitable Academy in Europe

[PapaLazarou]

Bringing in €90.2m since 2012, apparently.

Whilst I'm not especially happy to see long-term Academy graduates jump ship as soon as one of the 'big clubs' comes calling, it's clear to see why the club continues to focus investment on improving the facilities for our young 'uns.

Also, the considerable income confirmed by those figures should go a long way to calm the fears of those on here with concerns that being unable to sell a few extra matchday tickets will only serve to see the club crippled by the FFP regulations. - view external link

[simondenmead]

If you don't win competitions does having the most profitable academy mean anything?

[PapaLazarou]

If you don't win competitions does having the most profitable academy mean anything?

It means we can continue to compete at the highest level and against the best teams in the country, whilst remaining within the financial boundaries and restrictions imposed by the FFP regulations.

And as those regulations start to bite and the gulf between the haves and the have-nots widens, clubs who have failed to take the initiative and invest in their Academies (or indeed their futures) will quickly find themselves left behind, with little or no chance of ever finding their way back.

[proclaimer]

Great for the bank balance, and for the continuation of our long proud history of developing talent. Just hope suitable protection will be maintained to ensure clubs that invest in academy's are rewarded.

[simondenmead]

Great for the bank balance, and for the continuation of our long proud history of developing talent. Just hope suitable protection will be maintained to ensure clubs that invest in academy's are rewarded.

Shouldn't that read disgraceful history of losing top players. According to press reports today at least 4 are away again in the summer and a further exodus expected unless European football is achieved (which is unlikely)

[chief_wiggam]

Great for the bank balance, and for the continuation of our long proud history of developing talent. Just hope suitable protection will be maintained to ensure clubs that invest in academy's are rewarded.

Shouldn't that read disgraceful history of losing top players. According to press reports today at least 4 are away again in the summer and a further exodus expected unless European football is achieved (which is unlikely)[/quote]



Are you predicting another meltdown Semen?

[proclaimer]

If you don't win competitions does having the most profitable academy mean anything?

Maybe John Inverdale was also trying to sum up the importance of history??

Inverdale: "This is looking at it through rose-c***ed... rose-tinted glasses from the past... " - view external link

[BlueAdder]

You make the most profit because you sell the players you produce. Were Barcelona to sell Messi and others then perhaps they would be the most profitable?
Perhaps Saints need to decide do they want money in the bank or trophys in the cabinet. After Pompey's experience I think I might choose the money in the bank. But many would disagree.

[Brockley_Jack]

You make the most profit because you sell the players you produce. Were Barcelona to sell Messi and others then perhaps they would be the most profitable?
Perhaps Saints need to decide do they want money in the bank or trophys in the cabinet. After Pompey's experience I think I might choose the money in the bank. But many would disagree.

I read that ploppys trophy cabinet was chucked in the skip and the trophy's jettisoned for a price during androids mockery of the taxman. If thats true then surely there's only one option in that debate?

[proclaimer]

BA's post reminds me of teams who went for bust to get into the Prem, or Europe, only to find a moment in the sun meant years in the shadows and those took it slowly, even getting relegated sometimes, before establishing themselves and their future.