: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:14 pm
Billinge_Lump wrote:
I'd agree with that, our youth systems have been poor for years, however we're now seeing the benefits of investment in that area (starting with Millward and improved dramatically by Anderson) and hopefully we'll see a few a year being able to be brought into the first team squad.
Considering that people on here keep banging on about how good your youth set up is, and have been for years, what's your excuse?
You have been around here long enough to know my views on overseas players in general and how many there are at Wigan in particular.
I have to say though the article is typical newsprint when it says:
"How much more exciting must it be for a Saints fan to look forward to watching the development of these young players, whereas across at the JJB Stadium they can only wonder about the years of neglect of the development of local talent that has
forced the current coach Brian Noble to build a team around the likes of Phil Bailey, Mark Riddell, Tim Smith and Cameron Phelps.
He hasn't been forced into it at all.
It's his choice.
It also conveniently ignores that last season J Tomkins came of age for example and the presence of any other Wigan produced player in the current side. Likewise it ignores the fact that it is unlikely all the younger players at Saints will make the grade.
We all know the frustration of seeing Noble leave young players out and many of us believe J Tomkins came through despite Noble not because of him but I think it's clear enough where the problem lies and it is not as you or the article suggest in the production line of talent. It is IMO the coach where the problem lies.
Dave
