Torquay to Aston Villa

[ronnie21]

AV have just signed a 16 year old who was on Torquay's books (although he hadn't actually signed an apprenticeship) for £50,000.  Torquay stated "It's a good deal for him AND his family!"  My point about that is it seems cash has spoken again, but what about the actual player?  He was a cornish lad so a big upheaval for him and do kids really get a chance at a big premier club?  Alex Henshall would have been a star by now at the CG and probably have been transferred to at least a championship club, but at the Etihad??  Will Alex and the many lads who have gone before him regret they didn't stay a bit longer at a smaller club?  Be interesting to hear other people's thoughts about this.

[LucienSanchez]

That Jamie Stephens we sold to Liverpool made zero appearances and now finds himself without a club. If he doesn't get picked up, that move hasn't worked out in any way but possibly financially.

[Reg Smeeton]

AV have just signed a 16 year old who was on Torquay's books (although he hadn't actually signed an apprenticeship) for £50,000.  Torquay stated "It's a good deal for him AND his family!"  My point about that is it seems cash has spoken again, but what about the actual player?  He was a cornish lad so a big upheaval for him and do kids really get a chance at a big premier club?  Alex Henshall would have been a star by now at the CG and probably have been transferred to at least a championship club, but at the Etihad??  Will Alex and the many lads who have gone before him regret they didn't stay a bit longer at a smaller club?  Be interesting to hear other people's thoughts about this.

I tend to agree....but another way of looking at it is this....Henshall went on loan last season to Chesterfield and didn't exactly seem to light up the place....had he stayed with us, he'd have probably got slaughtered, for that, lost confidence and been fired out. At least by getting a fat contract at Man City, he'll have got a few bob in the bank if he does bomb

[Ardiles]

If the Championship was Henshall's ultimate realistic goal, then

Swindon  -> Championship would give him match experience and exposure; while
Man City -> Championship would give him more money and better coaching.

It's a calculated risk.  Most of the youngsters who did leave us for the 'big club' route seem to have disappeared, while a few (Jutkiewicz, for example) have made a good go of it.  It would probably benefit a few more of them to stick around longer, I'd have thought, at least until they are established first team players.  With MacDonald's forte being youth development, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

[Arriba]

Torquays set up is poor. Their pitches are awful and their teams are whipping boys. Exeter and Plymouth are miles ahead of them.
Villa have a great set up. No brainer

[thepeoplesgame]

If the Championship was Henshall's ultimate realistic goal, then

Swindon  -> Championship would give him match experience and exposure; while
Man City -> Championship would give him more money and better coaching.

It's a calculated risk.  Most of the youngsters who did leave us for the 'big club' route seem to have disappeared, while a few (Jutkiewicz, for example) have made a good go of it.  It would probably benefit a few more of them to stick around longer, I'd have thought, at least until they are established first team players.  With MacDonald's forte being youth development, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Interestingly, perhaps, Jutkiewicz was one who did establish himself in the Swindon first team before moving on… and I've been personally pleased to see his career work out as I've had a soft spot for him since he jumped the hoardings to reach the away fans after that last minute winner at Bury.

[Bob's Orange]

Looking at it another way, only 1 player that we have released over the last 10 years or so who have gone on to better things with another club is Muzzy Carayol.

Money tends to talk in these issues with young, talented players. Re Stephens, Liverpool don't tend to have a very good record with young British players. Danny Wilson at Rangers was a young, promising centre back and Liverpool paid 4 million for him. He barely played and then got released and is now at Hearts. I guess these Premiership clubs can afford to pick up a load of youngsters and hope that 1 or 2 of them make it.

[DV]

In my opinion there is no substitute for playing proper competitive games.

A youngster would be better off playing first team football in League One than Premiership reserves or development or whatever its called. If they are good enough they will get there anyway.


They'd earn more money in the short term but might not have the same career longevity.

They'd also have better facilities and better coaching but experience is experience...

[Dr Pierre Chang]

Don't blame any young player for jumping ship when a big club comes calling, football can change very quickly and a 16 year old lad can very easily be deemed not up to it in a few years time so may aswell move and fill his pockets with as much cash as he can.

[leefer]

[url width=900 height=675]http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad185/swindon123/money_zps6dc5b3dc.png[/URL]