Youth has NO chance

Youth and reserve football is shyyte compared to real first team appearances even at lower league levels.

How has it worked for White, Beckford and Clayton?

All of them turned down contract that were offered to them that reflected how little the club thought of them.

Loan a few of them out, see how they get on, then give them a chance in the 1st team if they warrant it.
it's always wise to invest in the future.

Ah but Jonty, after coming back from loan all three became regular first team players, which they weren't beforehand - so that's how it worked for them, and Lees of course.

Which the club didn't want otherwise they'd have offered them decent contracts.

Beckford's in particular was the worst handled, offering him no more money just a longer contract.

Lees has done ok, but not brilliantly to be honest as was evidenced by another shocking defensive season.

Which the club didn't want otherwise they'd have offered them decent contracts.
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That's a different story to whether going out on loan helped them in career development, given particularly where Beckford has been since I'd say the loans have worked for the player if not necessarily for us in the long term.

Yes, 2 different angles and angle I am most concerned about is it working out for club.

Totally agree Jonty

Jonty I was talking about development as a player. The club tying them down to a contract is an issue I agree. I think in Grayson we had a manager who was inexperienced in negotiating with a chairman. He was too happy to toe the club line (Bates' fiscal austerity). Hopefully in Warnock we have someone who will be forward thinking and get what he wants out of the new owners!!

Frank , agreed re grayson, but nw is here for a year, I don't see him championing anyone's cause except his own.