Academy closing?

[eltorrro]

Big news from Pompey...what's going on?

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/footb ... bt-3204176

[PakefieldBlue]

Yes it seems strange doesn't it, and strange that the club haven't made a statement if it is a bigger story than simply those lads aren't good enough. Maybe we're heading for a B team like Brentford?

[Dinksy]

Closing the academy will come as something of a surprise to the new academy manager to be arriving probably next week. Releasing seven out of a squad of 20+ doesn't seem excessive until you put the facts in the hands of a reporter struggling to get a story that doesn't need hyping.

[eltorrro]

Closing the academy will come as something of a surprise to the new academy manager to be arriving probably next week. Releasing seven out of a squad of 20+ doesn't seem excessive until you put the facts in the hands of a reporter struggling to get a story that doesn't need hyping.

You are probably correct Dinksy...what struck me was the quality of player that was being released? Perhaps the aim is to recruit those released from Prem clubs?

[Sawbo Blue]

This is interesting and could have profound effects on the future of the club. Clearly we cannot prejudge what is going on as little reliable information is known at this stage, but losing highly rated young players as part of an overhaul sounds a bit like "throwing the baby out with the bathwater", (that odd phrase much liked by certain politicians)!

[Weybridge]

Yes, this doesn’t appear to be great news.

I would say though, this happens every year - we release youngsters and then everyone shouts ‘why?!’. Nobody goes on to prove us wrong, but it does seem more extreme this year.

The club has always struggled to recruit top quality kids, and in the past we’ve lost a lot to Southampton’s superior setup. Maybe with Southampton, Bournemouth and Brighton all sitting prettier than us right now, we are just not attracting the level of regional talent we’d like.

Then again, I’ve always wondered whether if it’s just the physical side? Our kids always seem to be super-lightweight or late developers. Of course, the exception is Haji Mnoga who actually earned a run in the side. Jack Whatmough - built like a tank (knees notwithstanding). Ben Close - barely looks to have enough meat on him to compete, and he’s useless in a tackle. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you you’re knocked off the ball with the lightest of nudges it doesn’t count for much.

[Dinksy]

Closing the academy will come as something of a surprise to the new academy manager to be arriving probably next week. Releasing seven out of a squad of 20+ doesn't seem excessive until you put the facts in the hands of a reporter struggling to get a story that doesn't need hyping.

You are probably correct Dinksy...what struck me was the quality of player that was being released? Perhaps the aim is to recruit those released from Prem clubs?

An excellent idea. You know, they haven't announced the new academy manager yet, so there may be still time to get your application in

[Pompey1984+1]

Perhaps they just aren't deemed good enough or have the required potential. A business losing £700k a month might feel it needs to cut some costs and sadly for this players decided they were part of that.

[past memories]

https://www.youtube.com

[Pompey Penguin]

If you can't find the interview on YouTube, it's also on the official site.

https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/202 ... interview/

[Keeprblue]

Seems like a good guy.
talks the talk......?