The transfer window is about to be jimmied open as
managers clamour for more 'readies' to save a season ("But what
happened to that £40 million I gave you four months ago?" comes the
startled retort).
Alas, fear not, there is no need for ruffled feathers in the
executive boxes.
Why not just follow the example of Osasuna and bring players up
through the youth team, just like in the good ol' days.
According to a study by the Italian football federation, the
Spanish side, currently enjoying the comfort of mid-table security
in La Liga, have more youth-team products in their squad than any
other side in Europe's top five leagues (Italy, Spain, England,
France and Germany - see below for the table of results).
Once upon a time, a club's development hinged upon the success of
the youth side, with younger players reared to replace the old
hands sent out to graze. A genuine bond between players and club
was forged, while a strong sense of the club ethos was instilled
into players who grew up together polishing the boots of their
idols.
Those days appear doomed. As the role of academies becomes
increasingly marginalized and short-term solutions are required to
fix long-term problems, maybe chairmen should look at the model
that clubs like Osasuna provide, rather than reaching for the
cheque book in fits of blind panic.
