I'm probably not saying anything new Bryan.
FLB, I don't want it to develop into a personal ding-gong, I've too much respect for you as a site contributor.
Let me try to clarify what I'm trying to say. It quite simple. If a player [striker] is going to make it with his current club, he's really going to have to be at that standard, by the time he's touching 22.
"You mention Cole at Bristol City...since when were they in the Premiership? " - They weren't. What I said was show me a striker in the prem, who wasn't showing the required qualities at around 21 yrs of age. I haven't seen that in Matt YET. History shows at our club, if they're gonna come through, they come through young.
I'm sure people are getting fed up with me posting on this thread and see it as FLB said, anti Academy. If I was anti academy, why have I seen just about every youth cup home tie and even some away games for a lot of seasons now. So rather than agitate people some more, it's probably better if someone else steps in. Sorry for over posting guys, but the youth team is something I've always taken great interest in.