Rob wrote:So he's 21, well past it, good grief! As I say, time will tell, but he was never given a decent run in our side, now being given a decent run in a top 5 National League side he is showing his true potential. I do think for him it is the right thing to do, sadly we only pay lip service to bringing on our own talent, indeed who was the last first team regular that came through our youth system?
It’s increasingly difficult when the big clubs hoover up all the talent from a young age, then stockpile them in Under 23 teams.
Didn’t we have several young lads who were offered deals in the summer and then quietly left the club after the salary cap was announced?
I seem to remember all players aged 21 and over count towards the League Two wage limit, and therefore must be first team ready from that age or risk getting shown the door. Like Smith has.
The deck is stacked against clubs in lower divisions.