The Bohemian
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2012
- Messages
- 472
- Reaction score
- 2,198
A thoroughly demoralising James Shields piece highlighting the complete folly of the FA/Premier League's, Elite Player Performance Plan. This gives a mandate to the so called 'big clubs' to cherry pick the best young talent from any other Academy - however well run - paying only a pittance in compensation. How is this fair? How does it incentivise lower league club's to invest in young player development?
The Blades Academy has been outstandingly successful in bringing through young talent to the professional ranks and readying several to play at International and Premier League level. This talent has been either spotted locally, e.g. the Kyles or rejected by other clubs, e.g. Jags. Why should we be penalised for this success?
As things stand a Category One Academy can go and watch any player at another Academy, giving 48 hours notice and then sign the player for as little as £3k. There are enough daft parents around, dazzled by the bright lights of The Premier League, willing to sell their kids for thirty pieces of silver and the opportunity to brag about chatting to Sergio or Eden at the training ground.
Let's not forget that the new system was only voted in as a result of The Premier League blackmailing Football League clubs with a threat of removing all youth development funding unless they complied.
The criteria for Category One effectively excludes clubs from Leagues One and Two from achieving the highest status and consequently makes the likelihood of The Blades unearthing, developing and keeping another Jags or Kyle remote at best (this is another big reason for getting out of Div 3 quickly). So what is the point in even trying? Several clubs including Wycombe and Yeovil decided there was no point and promptly shut down their Academy in the aftermath of EPPP
For all its financial success I am developing an increasing loathing for The Premier League and everything it stands for.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/shef...d-a-blades-education-at-your-peril-1-7504426?
The Blades Academy has been outstandingly successful in bringing through young talent to the professional ranks and readying several to play at International and Premier League level. This talent has been either spotted locally, e.g. the Kyles or rejected by other clubs, e.g. Jags. Why should we be penalised for this success?
As things stand a Category One Academy can go and watch any player at another Academy, giving 48 hours notice and then sign the player for as little as £3k. There are enough daft parents around, dazzled by the bright lights of The Premier League, willing to sell their kids for thirty pieces of silver and the opportunity to brag about chatting to Sergio or Eden at the training ground.
Let's not forget that the new system was only voted in as a result of The Premier League blackmailing Football League clubs with a threat of removing all youth development funding unless they complied.
The criteria for Category One effectively excludes clubs from Leagues One and Two from achieving the highest status and consequently makes the likelihood of The Blades unearthing, developing and keeping another Jags or Kyle remote at best (this is another big reason for getting out of Div 3 quickly). So what is the point in even trying? Several clubs including Wycombe and Yeovil decided there was no point and promptly shut down their Academy in the aftermath of EPPP
For all its financial success I am developing an increasing loathing for The Premier League and everything it stands for.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/shef...d-a-blades-education-at-your-peril-1-7504426?