Good Points-The Thing Is...

I am actually very strongly in favour of nurturing our own and getting as many of them into the 1st team as possible. In an ideal world, they can then do well for us for 2-3 seasons, the club can progress as a result; ultimately, of course, we would look to sell them and make a lot of money, thus re-investing and starting the whole circle again...

Take Cave-Brown for example. Lets say that he comes in as regular right back next season, plays 30 games, does well and is, by the following season, getting the same sort of recognition that Bale now is at Southampton. Perfect! Off Andy C-B goes to Arsenal, £8 Million cheque to NCFC, everyones happy...even you, as he sends you a signed Arsenal top to say "thanks" for your sponsorship.

BUT...

What if he see's himself as third choice right back next season-behind Otsombor (if we sign him) and Hughes-so we loan him out, say to Millwall, where he plays 2,3 games, gets a bit of stick, a little injury, can't shake it off, confidence and fitness lost-where does that leave him?

What I am trying to say is that the line between success and failure and his -and others- at this level is a very wide one. The ideal scenario-it might happen once out of twenty such opportunities. The Millwall one-rather more times out of twenty.

Which is why we mustn't get all excited about everyone and think they are the solution, years and years of similar things happening here demonstrate that all too well-just be patient! If they, he, is good enough, then they'll get their place, but that step, from promising youngster to 1st teamer, is so huge, you can't do everyone all at once, because, if, collectively, they aren't good enough-well, you work it out!

Posted By: Martin Peters, Apr 28, 18:17:08