11 replies to this topic

[dkw]

Saw AVB yesterday talking about how youth football lags behind the likes of Spain because of a lack of competition in the reserves for young upcoming players. I can remember we had a conversation about this quite a few years ago (I think it was prompted by Benitez saying a similar thing) but I think its worthy of debate again. My opinion then (and now) is its something the FA should be seriously looking into. The reserves competition is massively flawed and is verging on being useless, as seen by the amount of young players the top teams send out on loan now. But for me even that is flawed at times. Now imagine a Chelsea B team in either the championship or div 1, the team could play the same way as the first team meaning young players can step up easier, its a proper competition against seasoned pro`s etc. One way this could be done is a top club could "adopt" a local smaller team, so for us we could take on Yeovil as our B team and help them not only with players but also financially. I dare say their attendance could eve benefit from this. But the main thing is the young players would have a stable base and a structured rise to the first team squad, should they be good enough.

[blizeH]

I think it'd be a great idea, although it'd maybe be unfair on other teams - I mean Chelsea, Arsenal, United, Tottenham, City whatever reserves would very likely knock other teams out of the football league.

Saying that, I'm sure Darlington would very much welcome your second idea! http://www.google.co...ZvI8Vzw&cad=rja

[Barn]

If that sort of thing was to happen would the Championship or Div 1 just become the reserve league?  Assuming Div 1 was made up of all the Premierships reserve teams, what would be the difference of the way it's currently done except that lower league teams would loose their identity, and their right to one-day challenge the big boys?

[rahul]

Its a question of protecting the football league vs improving the youth system. B teams would certainly help improve the youth setup but would destroy the league a little.

[moi]

And this is what the Football Supporters' Federation has put on their "newspaper" page!  They could give hints to Alex Salmond on how to run a referendum!

POLL: Should Premier League clubs be allowed to buy Football League 'feeder' sides

Chelsea boss Andrea Villas-Boas has said that Premier League clubs should be allowed to buy Football League clubs and turn them into Spanish-style feeder sides. The FSF think he’s talking gubbins, obviously, so we thought we’d run a totally balanced, fair, and objective poll on it.

Do you think AVB should concentrate on Chelsea and stop trying to destroy 100+ years of football heritage? Or do you eat kittens for breakfast, have no soul, and think AVB should be allowed to rampage down the King’s Road like King Kong smashing Football League clubs to smithereens?

Edited by moi, 20 January 2012 - 04:55 PM.

[Barn]

rahul, on 20 January 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

Its a question of protecting the football league vs improving the youth system. B teams would certainly help improve the youth setup but would destroy the league a little.

I don't understand how they would help?  I haven't given this much thought but I just don't understand how changing the name of the team or the name of the competition it exists in will make any different.  People will still not want to get hurt playing for the reserves/B team/ sister club.

[undertow]

For starters uniting the north and south reserve leagues would mean 30 matches a season instead of just 14. The FA could offer a decent prize money for the top teams, that would also increase interest from the clubs. Spice it up with a nice marketing campaign for the change, and the reserve league could get the prestige it needs to operate properly.

[Katon]

Barn, on 20 January 2012 - 04:14 PM, said:

If that sort of thing was to happen would the Championship or Div 1 just become the reserve league?  Assuming Div 1 was made up of all the Premierships reserve teams, what would be the difference of the way it's currently done except that lower league teams would loose their identity, and their right to one-day challenge the big boys?

The Championship almost certainly wouldn't - if you look in Spain, where they have this system, it's only Barcelona B and Villareal B who're currently in the Championship equivalent. Outside of us, United, and City, I'm not sure there's anyone who'd have the depth to reach above League One remotely consistently, and with B teams forbidden to play in the same league as the main club there'd be the same number of sides getting a new shot at the Premiership every year.

At the same time, having Premiership B teams floating around the lower divisions would mean fewer spots for traditional clubs and would most likely dilute the feel and tradition of those levels a bit. Germany and Spain, both of which let reserve teams compete in lower divisions, split into regional leagues around League One or League Two level, so there isn't quite as much competition for spots in the league. Making it easier for clubs to play their kids in competitive matches has certainly paid off for those two countries - they're the best in Europe for developing talent at the moment - but it would be harder to set up in England.

[Spiller86]

I seem to remember Jose floating this as well. I can see why, but at the same time i think it would reduce the integrity of the lower leagues a little.

[Zola]

Why not. Would be excellent for developing youth

Although they  should have to start at very bottom of the leagues and work their way up.

[wxwax]

AVB's point is a valid one, about developing talent.

Not sure his solution would work in England. Tradition and local pride might prove to be insurmountable obstacles. They've stood in the way of a lot of progress in world history.

[rahul]

Barn, on 20 January 2012 - 04:56 PM, said:

I don't understand how they would help?  I haven't given this much thought but I just don't understand how changing the name of the team or the name of the competition it exists in will make any different.  People will still not want to get hurt playing for the reserves/B team/ sister club.

Its not the name of the competition. The idea is to change the competition altogether for the reserves. Currently the reserves play in the reserve league getting limited exposure. If they play as a team in the Championship against seasoned pros they'd learn a lot. Currently they are doing so by going on loan but the loan system has its flaws.

Youngsters can get a better feel of the philosophy of the club if they are playing as Chelsea together every week rather than seaparately playing in different teams and different leagues. Also once someone is out on loan its difficult for him to get into the first team if the team is struggling becuase they have their season to save or promotion to gain. But since there is no promotion for reserves, more players can get chance without the fear of concequences. Also if someone is playing really well and the first team needs someone in that position, they can be recalled immediately rather than waiting for the transfer window.