Although playing in our development squad he didn't really come up through it as we acquired him as a 20 year old

Two aspects to the Academy. One - produce first team players for CPFC. Two - demonstrate that the Academy (being a Palace player) does lead to career progression.

As supporters we are keen on the first. Aspiring players and parents will possibly look more at the second. The England Manager is ex Palace. Recent major exports have been to Manchester United, and recent imports have been from Chelsea. Academy players need to see that the academy does lead to a playing career with Palace Academy Players wanted by other clubs and also the Palace First Team (at least yearly) Once this is demonstrated critical mass should be obtained. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Fulham are showing the way.

There is a third aspect, and that is generating player sales. Chelsea excel at this, as you have mentioned.

The Academy now gives Palace the opportunity to compete for the best young players around instead of losing them to those clubs with a better infrastructure.

I think there is now real intent to fast track those players that have what it takes into the first team squad. However, ultimately it's down to the players themselves. If they are deemed good enough, then they will get their chance.

With the two U23 centre backs, O'Brien has a chance to further his development on loan at Swindon. JRB it seems has been identified as not being in his or Palace's long term interests to keep.

Old, Ungifted and White

Seriously now, i think Ferguson is marked down as a CD and not a RB

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

He played mostly as a Central defender for WBA but has good ability at right back too.

Red and Blue Army!

Good result today and I'm not knocking the academy, it is a work in progress and it is a huge step in the right direcetion attracting good young players. It is always great to be above Brighton especially living down here but their best young players
tend to be out on loan to championship clubs rather then in the U23 . Some clubs focus on good loan moves rather then u23s. We are above Chelsea aswell but according to Transfermarkt Gallagher and Broja are listed in the U23s , if you are a Chelsea fan you'd rather see them at Palace and Southampton then playing today.

Not sure loan spells always works well some players I have been assured by Brighton supporters are the next big thing such as Molumby,Matt Clarke, Viktor Gyrokes or Ostigard, have drifted from one loan move to another with out getting close to the first team while others have had brief loan spells and been promoted to the first team.
To be honest while we establish the academy I'd rather we concetrate on the U23s then loans

Edited by Ketteridge (17 Jan 2022 8.24pm)

One supporter of hacking argued that without it "you will do away with the courage and pluck of the game, and I will be bound to bring over a lot of Frenchmen who would beat you with a week's practice -Blackheath secretary at first meeting of the F.A