Its a great topic of debate I agree and one I equally dont know a huge amount about how it is structured. Rather than reduce the budget from the 1st team a better way might be to look at a larger partnering / sponsorship agreement specific to the academy but still get 1st team perks like a page in the program, name on the score board, prime positioning for any televised games etc. We have had some successes over the years, I'd be interested to know our success vs other clubs at our level.
If we develop players and sell them on, there will still be those that will complain we lack ambition and sold too quick / too cheap!
Also not sure how the ruling around premier league clubs 'stealing' the best young talent works and if we would be protected enough to warrant extra investment.
I hope the academy continues to be funded and grown
That’s what sticks in my throat, the pact that the Prem boys can come in and take our best youngsters for next to nothing is outrageous IMO.