I remember Trevor Francis breaking through in the old first division at Birmingham City as a 16 year old (15 goals in his first 22 games).

Similarly George McVitie and Peter Beardsley at Carlisle.

George was a regular in the old second division when he was 17, Peter when he was 18.

I know the game has changed over the years but, at our level, I really don't understand why so many young footballers are held back so long before being given a decent opportunity.

If they can't deliver the goods in Division 4 by the time they are aged 19 or 20, the chances of them making the grade as professional footballers must be remote.