But you (and I, and everyone else) already know that our youth team hasn't been very strong compared to the required standard, and that for years we stood next to no chance of getting the best kids in the highly competitive world of professional youth football.

Parish has spoken openly about this for ages. That's why getting category one status recently was such a big deal, as was the planning permission for the new facilities.

Only now have Palace moved into the premier league youth team structure, and even then we are in the second division at present.

This is not just commonly known, it is positively advertised by the club. Yet somehow the finger of blame might still point at Hodgson in some folks eyes?

Edited by TheBigToePunt (14 Jan 2021 2.12pm)

Read my post again.

I did not defend Roy at all - I said it's his decision whether or not to act on recommendations made to him. That's part of his job. I fully expect Derry to be recommending players that he believes are worthy of consideration. I'm not claiming to be privy to those conversations, but in my experience that's how it works. Draw your own conclusions...either the players aren't good enough and not being put forward, or they are and Hodgson doesn't fancy them.

As for using U23 players in cup competitions, that was tried at Bournemouth this season and I wasn't impressed with what I saw on that occasion. And while there is financial reward for finishing places, young players don't get the opportunities like they sed to at the end of the season, although results last season suggest they couldn't have done any worse.

Old, Ungifted and White

I do get the impression that if Parish offers Hodgson an extension and he agrees to continue there could well be a degree of disappointment amongst our supporters,particularly if we just manage to 'Limp' over the line and survive on the back of some torrid performances.

Edited by Willo (14 Jan 2021 4.28pm)

Going to football used to be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Even with a season ticket it now costs around £50 to £100 per game with travel and booze.

It's not worth it to see 11 men told to sit behind the ball no matter who we are playing.

I hate to say it, but the performances don't merit the level of the support the fans give them.

I cant believe he wants to stay on another year. He is like Croydon's very own version of Donald Trump.

We need to seriously overhaul the aging squad this Summer, not sure giving money to the Roy is the best way of investing in the squad given his career record in the transfer market. Just look at the money wasted on transfers when he had it at Liverpool.

Please go before the stadium reopens to fans. I dont think I could bear watching any more Royball once we are allowed back in the ground.

As I predicted Milo playing..!!

[Link]

COYP