Charlton's Academy & The formation an Elite Under-21 league

daveydanger

telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9359921/Premier-League-clubs-devising-new-Under-21-league-designed-to-rescue-England-football-team.html

Apologies if this is common knowledge - to be honest this news story entirely passed me by…

This topic was recently touched upon in both the Fan's Forum thread and interview with Yado Mambo. The gist of the news is that Premier League and Championship clubs with Category 1 status academies will soon be entitled to join a newly formed, highly competitive under-21s league. Each team will be able to field three over-age players.

At just face value I was impressed when it emerged that Steve Kavanagh had indicated CAFC will apply for Cat 1 status within the next year or two. However, in light of the above news it now seems like an even more incredibly positive move. Indeed, it may partly answer those that were asking (on the FF thread) why we were suddenly pushing so hard for top bracket classification. After all, it will cost a weighty £1.5m (£750k after grants).

Over the last few years, it would seem to me that Charlton have produced quite a few players who have fallen short or stagnated just below first team level: too advanced (or old) to remain with the youngsters but not quite good enough to break through. In the past we haven’t really had the cash to keep these players as passengers and allow them develop, so they normally end up moving on (or let go). In fact with first team football they often go on to do reasonably well. Wright and Basey spring to mind, and having seen him play I wouldn’t be surprised if Freddie Warren turns out to be a decent player.

In my opinion we currently have a few players in that age/ability bracket - Mambo (20), Smith (20), Azeez(?), and Harriott (18). At the moment, these players could find this season to be make or break – particularly with game time limited with no reserve league. However with the introduction of this new, top-class under-21 league they would be pitted against only the country’s very best young players each week and in my opinion their development would accelerate dramatically. For example, a Yado Mambo that had played 30+ matches last season against Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea’s best under-21's sounds a far better prospect than a Mambo with a handful of games at Ebbsfleet.

If we were to achieve cat 1 status, we would be one of a handful of Championship clubs included. The experience for our youngsters would be a huge advantage over our competitors when developing/attracting the best young talent.

Henry Irving

Interesting article.

Doesn't say who the 6 clubs in the champioship with Cat 1 status who will take part. The three relegated teams perhaps plus who?

Could well be good for our youngsters but might also prevent the loaning out of young playyers to us such as Arsenals conor Henderson.

Norfolk_Addick

What's the point in 3 overage players?

Oggy Red

Surely so they can give a couple of squad players match practice, especially if they've had a long layoff?

Reserve leagues are becoming a thing of the past.

Also, the international U-21 teams have always been able to field 3 overage players, so consistent at least.

Henry Irving

Bit of flexibility

Injured players getting a game, cover in not enough U21s available, adding a bit of experience

Oggy Red

If the new U-21league comprises 17 Prem clubs amongst its members.......will the situation arise where players not good enough for the U-21 team, are dropped to play our 1st team matches in the Championship?

;o)

daveydanger

It's definitely a big commitment once you've joined - especially for a club of our size. We'd need a large squad of capable youngsters to field a squad each week and compete. That would require a much larger development coaching team. That would fit with the recent recruitment drive.

kentaddick

would be interesting if there was some kind of tv coverage of this as well, say the bbc or some one having a highlights programme or covering a live game? I say this because countries like Canada have u21 leagues and teams in ice hockey and are easily the best nation of ice hockey and they have tv and media coverage, albeit only on a local level. Gives them good training for the step up to the NHL and they are even educated at the same time if their hockey carreers dont take off. I know its a different sport and very different, but food for thought...

tangoflash

Sounds very good at a glance. I'd certainly go to watch some of our games if included.

Henry, regarding it hindering to loaning of young players, I don't think it would be such an issue for championship clubs, as 1st team football at that level would still be an advantage for players who are looking to step up and just needing some 1st team experience. However, this may be a problem for L1/L2 teams, as the standard may well be lower and they wouldn't really gain much from it regarding development.

Riscardo

aren't we cat 2?

daveydanger

Yes, but SK said at the fans forum that the plan is to push on for cat 1.