[Bonnyman]

When you see teams like man city u21s losing to bradford and lincoln very comfortable in victory over Everton, you realise there is a huge problem in this country.Imo we sugercoat these players, 30 years ago most lads started work at 16 chucked into an adult environment, id do the same with young footballers,instead of hiding in these weak unagressive leagues, straight into adult football in tiers 5 6 or 7, let them get games under their belts.Mexican boxers start pro at 16 in some cases, imagine how hard that is.If man city are getting beat then change needs to happen, get them farmed out get them playing against men and give them the shovk of having to adapt, we have gone soft.

[Heart of a Niven]

I agree. Young footballers at top clubs (and some lower clubs) are made to believe they’ve made it. The days of cleaning the boots of senior players are long gone and maybe we need to go back to basics.
When did clubs start having over-sized squads ans academies that just swoop kids up in a trawler net with promises of fame and riches? I’m sure it’s a very modern concept - football as The Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

[martatcross]

Ironic part is we will progress in the Noddy and Big ears cup if we beat Man City under what ever age they decide to field XI