Liam Smith signs official

[GBrannan]

Realistically it will only ever be a tiny percentage that make it into our first team. In a sense the academy is our way of putting something back. Yes, we are hoovering up young talent, but we are not exactly hoarding it. Every one gets the best facilities, training and education possible. It's not as if we even cream off all the best - agents make sure the likes of sturridge, and sancho profit from their talents. The others that 'get shipped up and down the M6' have all the advantages that the best academy can give, and other clubs have a real prospect at a fraction of the development cost it would have been to themselves. Granted, their original clubs from when they were 12 might not be happy.

It’s more the ones that can stay in our first team (squad) than get a game for the first team.

In recent seasons we’ve actually given a fair few EDS/ youth players a game or two in pre-season or in the cups.

However it’s whether they’re good enough to stay in and around there that is key for them.

Foden and Garcia look like they will definitely make that step. Most of the others won’t be able to bridge the gap on a consistent basis, much of which will be shown in training.

 

[manclad]

Hendry was top class but Peter Reid only realised it when he was lifting the league title with Blackburn

That is what I mean by top class. Either a league or FA Cup winner or a regular international player.

 

[manclad]

Proper City kit that. No sponsors on the shirt and maroon topped socks.

 

[dickie davies]

Foden and Garcia look like they will definitely make that step. Most of the others won’t be able to bridge the gap on a consistent basis, much of which will be shown in training.

and yet we're constantly linked with £80M+ centre halves

If I were Garcia I'd be looking at what Sancho has done in his time since he left us and how his career has progressed

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Denis Law?
Bobby Johnstone?

Dennis was a traitorous git. He broke my heart when he left and then compounded it by going to the Swamp. Bobby Johnstone? I should have said Ewing was the best we didn't get from Hibs!

 

[Akpowell]

What about Keith (hip hip) McCrea

 

[jonah62]

You didnt think McNab, Parlane and Tolmie were top quality?

Gordon Dalziel !!!

 

[EL APACHE TEVEZ]

And the winner is Gerry Creaney ; )

 

[GBrannan]

and yet we're constantly linked with £80M+ centre halves

If I were Garcia I'd be looking at what Sancho has done in his time since he left us and how his career has progressed

That would be your prerogative.

In my opinion Sancho is an exception to the norm. He was built for 1st team football at 16/17. Neither Foden or Garcia were/ still are.

Garcia may well eventually make that decision to leave because he doesn’t progress beyond being 4/5th choice either because he wasn’t ready or wouldn’t be good enough. Time will tell.

 

[Dazzle84]

Did we ever figure out which position he plays?

Hendry by the way, him and Curle could have formed a properly effective partnership long term