Quote: Charisma @ February 1, 2008, 3:07 PMIsn't that a good thing though?
No.
If the big clubs didn't have games like those to give their youngsters the chance to play and get experience, then we won't have any "new talent" coming through...one of the major complaints about English football.
These games are a big big opportunity for lower league sides to generate money and reputation for themselves. In many cases it will also lead to gate increases which is an absolutely vital source of revenue for small clubs who don't have the benefit of huge sponsorships etc. Playing or beating a reserve side will do very little or nothing to help struggling clubs.
The big clubs won't risk their young'uns much in the league because there is too much at stake.
In which case all they are doing is hoarding them, which is not good for the player and not good for football in general. It is another example of greed in the top echilons.
Without these opportunities, you'll see huge talents wasted and stuck playing lower league football because they never got the chance. On rare occasions will young English players who don't get the chance to make an impact still make it in the Premiership (e.g. Bentley and Pennant at Arsenal).
Why would they be wasted being loaned or even transfered to a lower club? They are being wasted by being confined to the odd cup game and reserve matches. If they are that good they will shine through wherever they play, will be gaining a name and experience for themselves, and will of course earn themselves a place in their current club (if they are on loan) or a bigger club than the one they are at.
