Unreal money when we look back, Gerrard to thank for laughing at the opening offers that previously we'd have lapped up. Although not playing regularly or well because Dyche is a dinosaur imo but we also have a 20% sell on iirc
My point was its irrelevant what stock they come from. if the money comes in, theyre gone. Whether its the family or the club taking it.
That’s a tremendous scoring rate for the lad.
New jackets for the ball boys will have more impact on the first team than the women’s team. An absolute irrelevance
Given the choice, why would anyone want to play in our league? especially if you’re given the chance and are good enough to play in one of the big leagues
We don't need to compete with the money, but we could maybe build a team around our most promising youths? But then again you can't win anything with youth!!
The problem with kids like Wilson, and Gilmour before him, is that they can’t be on pro contracts until they hit 16. Rightly so in my opinion. However, if they are at the sort of level Gilmour - and maybe Wilson - are, then the EPL comes calling offering thousands of pounds a week to sign for them on their 16th birthday. Rangers offer a comparative pittance, simply because we can’t afford to take the high risk gamble. So the kid, naturally, grabs the money when they can. Nothing to do with building a team around them. They are, understandably, going to chase the money and head for the EPL golden land.
End of debate right there.
Build a team round a sixteen year old or two?
Under FIFA rules I’m sure we get a cut of any transfer fee until the player turns 23 or something like that. Small slice but we do receive something.
Scottish clubs are trying to change it so that professional contracts can be offered as young as 14 year old.
But lose home grown prospects Wilson & Billy Gilmour who would be club trained for Europe
Yes
Neither would have been classed as association or club trained as they left to go south at 16 I believe
This is it we need to be scouring EPL clubs for 19-20 ye olds that just want to play and see themselves being a success Dujon Sterling bring our next one of these players ..... hopefully we get a striker next time
V. good question. Does it (the academy) pay its way? I doubt it. We certainly don't get enough coming through. Look at what L'pool and Chelsea produce. Can be done.
It’s not always pennies , we’ve made hundreds of thousands from numerous lads. The Academy is a hub that the club needs to have as part of our existence.
We’ve made over £1.5m from Billy so far
I'd suggest Ferguson is more than a flukey manager? He brought through after giving them experience on loan the best crop of youth who were used to each others style of play and built around them.
Why not both?
Need to name a lot more for it to be ‘plenty’.
I haven’t implied he’s a “flukey” manager.
Paterson sale has probably covered a good chunk of the last 5 years cost but overall we must be down 10s millions.
They left when they were turning 16 mate, and therefore not contracted players. Can’t play them in the SPFL at 15 anyways.
That’s just not true, though.
Yeah true we have King who looks a very good prospect, flung in the deep end during an injury crisis, however, Lowry wasn't spectacular at hearts & if not for being injured would have been most likely gone in the January*.
But in our country you're either us, them or a diddy club fan.
We are not down 10’s of millions from the Academy. Nowhere near it.
Hopefully with McCausland making the jump then it opens the door for others to do the same, the pathway has to be there or it is a waste of time having the b team.
Yeah, I’m not really in favour of pro contracts at that age if I’m honest. Too young IMHO. I think tweaks around compensation paid might be better.
