14-06-2024, 04:14 PM
(13-06-2024, 09:47 PM)teeftwo Wrote: Why is it short sighted? It's a waste of money trying to go Cat 1, we simply cannot compete.
An academy would realistically serve a single purpose, community relations. But let's not fool ourselves. Chances of finding a prospect that hasn't been taken are miniscule
You are letting emotion get in the way of demonstrable facts. As our owners would say, do the math.
ME's philosophy "One Brick at a time".
Need to get Cat 2 first build up a strong base with good coaching then when ready go for Cat 1 could be 2-3 years away.
Yes, Community Relations, give local youngsters a chance to get on the football pyramid.
Not all youngsters want to travel 120 mile round trip 3 times /wk trainig then matches.
Mason Mount is a very good example. Local lad from Petersfield?
Picked up by Chelsea only due to lack of a local alternative.
BTW another reason fot top Cat 1 clubs creaming the market is that they are being creamed by top European clubs.
In England academy graduates can't sign full playing contracts until 17.
In Europe it's 16 hence the nervousness!