pede54;2444820 said:
I didn't know about that. That is a very good move IMO and yes it does show a bit of intelligence from the suits at Soho square. I think it will take a long time to sort the game out in this country, I think the whole thing needs to be disected from grassroots level. I read the other day about how United go about training their junior players - emphasis on ball control and freedom of expression, very continental. I think the problems hampering development of English grown players start at the sunday league level.
From a very early age, kids are thrown into games on full size pitches and being screamed at by adults (parents and coaches) to win by any means - usually hoofing the ball 60 yards and chasing it. Compare this to the education that Brazilian or Portuguese children get. Cristiano Ronaldo used to play on a dirt pitch in a Madeira slum, yet he played in small sided games (like Futsal) and was allowed to become comfortable and familiar with the ball, then he could take the skills learnt and then apply them in full sized games.
People seem to think it's a problem that you can throw money at - no it isn't, just look at the childhood of so many continental stars: Pele and Ronaldo (both) didn't even have proper balls (using oranges, cans and bundles of socks) It's not a money issue, it's an infrastructure issue.
Fundamental changes need to happen for the game to move forward in this country. Children need to be able to take time and space to learn the basics of ball control - that starts with P.E at school and should be continued by competent coaches at youth level. Why aren't junior coaches subject to minimum requirements like teachers and youth workers are? As it stands, some kid's Dad who believes he is the second coming of Sir Alf Ramsey can assume control of a team - that's fine if he does know what he's doing, but there's no guarantee he does is there?
Okay training coaches would take money, but when the top players are earning 100K per week - there's obviously no shortage of money in the game - that imbalance needs looking at IMO.
The beauty of football is that kids learn to kick a ball as toddlers - all you need is a ball (and as I said before- improvisation makes even that unnecessary)
Looking at the next step, it seems to me that the focus is on kids who have the ball skills of Joe Cole, or the physique of Rooney straight off the bat. What about those kids like Ian Wright, David Beckham, or Alan Shearer who honed their game through hours of dedication and practice? How many kids are lost to the game because despite their willingness to learn, they are ignored for the latest "wonderkid" in the area. Why not concentrate on those who show the determination to improve, and learn.
Kids are thrust right into a "only the strong shall survive" cut-throat environment (and while a case can be made that it's a good thing in some ways) that perhaps allows those without the natural talent to feel alienated from the game. Why should they put the effort in if it's going to be ignored?
And now we look at the top level. Are there too many foreign imports in the game? Yes - but before we start brandishing placards and picketing 1 SoHo square, we should perhaps ask why?
1: They are better technically, and receive a better football education.
2: They are mostly cheaper to buy, the game in England is so unbalanced that English clubs need raise money - the smaller clubs obviously try to wring all the money they can out of the bigger boys cherry picking their talent. Is it right that Arsenal paid so much for Jermain Pennant, when they snapped up Cesc Fabregas for comparative buttons? You would make a strong case that Cesc is the better player of the two. Man Utd bought Cristiano Ronaldo for £12M yet Wayne Rooney cost double that the following summer. Reason? Everton knew they needed maximum return from Rooney's sale. So did Sporting, but they knew foreign players aren't going for the same rates as English players can fetch.
Chelsea bought SWP for £20M and you wouldn't argue successfully that he was worth more money than Ronaldo. The maths is simple - Chelsea and Manchester United and the big boys in England are swimming in money, yet the clubs all the way down are struggling. I lost my hometown club to crippling debts in 1989, So I know whereof I speak.
It is not one problem, but many that need addressing, and if the FA want to seek wise council from the likes of Beckenbauer and Platini - then more power to them.
Oh and the press? Somehow I can't see them complaining if somewhere down the line England begin to win things.
i'm with you on this one, Tom 
