Bringing through youngsters...

[stainrodisalegend]

To play devil's advocate I remember when we abolished our academy and it was pointed out that virtually nobody had broken from the youth team to the first team in years. Yes there is that one in a million chance you might develop a Beckham but more than likely you will be developing a bunch of players who end up semi-pro for Crawley. For the cost of running an academy for a year you might be able to pick up a youngster such as Matt Connolly from a top club who can slot straight into our first team.

In an ideal world you would spend money on both and yes I would love to see another Waddock, Fereday, Allen or Goddard break into our team. But it is a big gamble to pump serious money into an academy - and the same people who call for one have to accept there will be then less money available for transfer fees.

[ollyhoops]

...sorry for the cut-and-paste, but I thought this could be a good topic of discussion?!

I keep reading that our fans would happily let Sterling go for a measley £1m as there is no guarentee he'll make it, which frustrates me hugely.

World class players HAVE to come from somewhere. The production line will never end. I want QPR to be part of that. You think of Beckham, you think of United and not Spuds. If Bostock makes it...who's gonna remember Palace? Walcott at Southampton...Milner at Leeds?

We don't need to cash in and can now afford to nurture young tallent. Of course It's a gamble, but a gamble we need to take. All the big clubs in the world take the tallent and the credit along with it. Nothing will make me happier than to see this kid make it with us. Without being harsh as I wish him all the best, I couldn't care less if Parret makes it as NOBODY other than us will know who spotted him.

£1m is nothing in todays game. The chance to be recognised via your youth system is though. To me there is nothing better for a football club than to show off your youth setup. It's also bang out of order on the likes of Gallen who has worked with this lad for ages and taught him to become a great tallent only for him to be taken away with no thanks.

I 100% agree. £1m is very low, if he makes it he could be worth £10m. IMO we should not had let him go for such a low amount.

[BennyBoyRs]

Which tool started this thread?

[LoftusRoadLad]

We missed out big time !!

[LoftusRoadLad]

[nuffieldranger]

academy comming back soon (2012)

[winalotto]

Need to build a indoor facility, or rent one somewhere, as you need a covered pitch or indoor facility to have a academy status.Ive been told by the start of next season qpr will have there academy back, some age groups have played some academy games this year.

[The White City General]

If Warnock is a man of his word then I think we will start seeing some developments on the youth front within next 12-18 months (not at senior level). I'd imagine there has been a lot going on behind the scenes with regards to youth what we don't hear about since Warnocks arrival.

[stainrodisalegend]

If so I hope they bring in someone with technical and teaching ability. Marc Bircham is a great QPR character but suspect if the club is going to pump money into it we will need a little bit more.

[winalotto]

Steve Gallen is well respected at youth level and would be a great academy manager.