The real problem with the development of players is the constant tampering with the laws of the game!

Firstly, we get now a starting eleven and now 7 substitute on the bench!! OK only three can play but that is 18 players out of the squad involved in the first team!

So, the consequence is, that Reserve team football then simply becomes an extension of the academy, players are not really moving up levels, years ago, a young lad would go into the reserve team and be playing against seasoned proffessionals, as a young player they would have the technique/ability and they would then apply it against bigger stronger

pro's who had the experience of first team football, so you bridge the gap between Academy/Youth football to the first team.

This doesnt happen now and the gap (due to the foreign imports) is getting wider.

Look at Rovers reserve team last year, made up basically of academy players, whats the point of that, not only at Rovers, but other clubs as well.

So we need to bridge the gap somehow and its not going to happen under the present system for a young player will not be given a run of games to adapt to first team levels, especially in the premiership!!

Hear hear Kelbo. Zurab's about the only seasoned pro we have playing in the reserves, the rest are all youngsters. The only chance they have of getting good experience is by being loaned out to Championship/League One teams.