Andy Farrell ‘s Claret and Blue protogees

[malwayne]

Just got back from the Swansea City Training Centre, where, despite leading 2-0 at the interval, we ended up conceding FIVR in the second half to end up well beaten at the finish. Both teams had chances in the first half and at half time there was only one winner and a case of how many. If ever a game had two halves. this was it.
The Young Clarets really should have scored two more straight after the break, then everything changed. Swansea continued to expose the Clarets down the Burnley right and that was that. 4 goals and twenty minutes later the game was turned upside down and it was all over. Even then Clarets could have added to the two goals, but it wasn’t to be. Swansea’s pacy youngsters had too much for the away side. I don’t see anyone who looked a class above the rest, which is something for VK to think about in the near future.

[Swissclaret]

Disappointing, but really what has the academy really produced? We had Dwight McNeil who was great when he first broke through.

Apart from him, no one. Are there really any potential candidates at the moment? My understanding is that VK encourages youth. Perhaps the next couple of seasons may see better development of the younger players.

Let’s hope so as a source of talent for the First Team squad.

[sinkov]

Does it matter ? In the last 12 years we've won three promotions, spent seven years in the Premier league and played in Europe, while our youth system has done little more than provide an excuse for some kids to kick a ball about down Gawthorpe, before they vanish into the obscurity of non-league football.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

By all accounts Richardson is doing well at Grimsby and Thomas is performing well at Bristol Rovers.

That's a million miles away from the EPL, the cost of running a development programme is staggering, but I suppose if we can produce another McNeil and nab another £20 million it might just be worth all of the agony and effort that goes into such a project.

[Supersub6]

Just remember folks that, should we win promotion back to the PL, it is a mandatory requirement that ALL clubs have an Academy.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Just remember folks that, should we win promotion back to the PL, it is a mandatory requirement that ALL clubs have an Academy.

I'd forgotten all about that stipulation Supersub6.

[Claret_Matelot]

My frustration is that the amount of money spent on developing Gawthorpe and awarded Class 1 status it hasn't produced anything. It needed improving but the amount spent is not paying back.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

My frustration is that the amount of money spent on developing Gawthorpe and awarded Class 1 status it hasn't produced anything. It needed improving but the amount spent is not paying back.

£20 milled recouped on McNeil suggests otherwise C_M.

[sinkov]

£20 milled recouped on McNeil suggests otherwise C_M.

And that's it for 15 years of 'Youth Development' ? It wouldn't even buy us a Chris Wood.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

And that's it for 15 years of 'Youth Development' ? It wouldn't even buy us a Chris Wood.

It bought us Zaroury, Benson, Cullen, Muric, McNally and Bastien though sinkov.