successful. When the big 4 can spend 3 or 4 times as much on squad wages as a a midtable team and have more players out on loan than a mid table team has in total it is hardly a level playing field. FFP was never designed to level the playing field it was designed to stop smaller clubs overreaching themselves. To know their place so to speak.
This piece was originally written last summer, partly in response to Greg Dykes Vision. So forgive any examples that may have changed. When this was written Chelsea had 26 players out on loan. That is 26 players they are stockpiling so that others cannot have them. If they were available on the open market then Player values would become more affordable. I’m not against the loan system, but that is ridiculous. I’m also not in favour of Salary caps or preventing very rich people spending their money in any way they see fit. So what would I suggest?
Firstly I am going to look at how the playing staff are structured at a club. The clubs have to name a 25 man playing staff for each competition, but can have other players on their books. I think that this should be tightened up. I suggest that clubs have 3 “squads”. I think that 2 “squads” Senior and academy would be ideal, but I think a third “Development” squad might be more more practical. Although in the context of this article I think practical is not necessarily an appropriate word.
The senior squad of 25 players is to include all players aged 23 and over who are on the books of that club. That includes all players whom that club have out on loan, e.g. Karl Darlow would be included as one of our 25 senior players Last Season. However, some players 23 or over may be named in the “Development” Squad. There would then be a “Development Squad” which would be a mixed age group. The problem with the B team approach is that with all the players being young there are no senior pros to help out from whom the youngsters can learn. I am therefore reluctant to say there must be so many players under 23 or no more than a few older players, I think that
is for the clubs to decide for themselves. Getting senior pro’s to accept that they are only development squad players will limit the number anyway. Eg Obertan. However, again the Squad should be limited to 25 players and that should include any players out on loan to other clubs.
I think that there are four key factors about the development squad. The first is that clubs should be obliged to promote two younger players from the development squad to the senior squad each year. Given a career expectancy of 10 years for a player then logically 20 of the 25-man senior squad would have come through the development squad. Also these 2 players cannot be transferred out of the club for at least 18 months from their promotion. This ensures they have a chance to establish themselves. The second key is that players being transferred into the
club cannot be named in the development squad. If a club brings a player in they are either senior squad players or covered by the academy system. Bringing in players to the development squad other than through the academy would stifle development of the academy system. The third key is that the Development Squad should provide flexibility.
Development squad players should be allowed to play Senior matches for a limited number of games so that they can cover for injuries etc. Also senior players should be allowed to play for the development squad for a limited number of games when returning from injury etc. Given that the squad can be 25 players and has this flexibility there will still be scope for a few players to be loaned out to other clubs for development at lower levels. The fourth key and by far the most difficult to put into place is a competitive structure for these squads to develop.
Before I outline my proposals for this I wish to address the Academy structure and there are a few other points I wish to address.
The Academy system is for players up to the age of 21 and is designed as a progression from schoolboy football into the professional game. The Academy should be the source of the development squad. The fact that clubs cannot buy players and stick them strait into the Development squad should guarantee that. The only issue with the current system that needs addressing is that their needs to be an emphasis on local talent. At the moment there is a culture at the top of buying the best youth players from all over the world and then loaning them out to clubs in
the lower leagues to develop. Whilst this is not necessarily a problem when it applies to a couple of players, it becomes a problem when it is the norm. This, however, can be addressed by the loan system and by instigating a couple of simple rules such as ensuring that players cannot be loaned out until at least 18 months (3 transfer windows) after they have been bought into the club, and that the length of loans is strictly controlled and limited.
The other points I wish to make are that this is not for everybody. Certainly it should apply to all Premier league clubs, and also for those Championship clubs who still believe that their rightful place is in the Premier league. However, for the Football league clubs it should be optional. This leads me to my proposed competitive structure for the development squads. I am assuming that there are 28 teams in this structure although there is flexibility for more. This is the 20 premier league teams the 6 being promoted or relegated and a couple more for those who wish to opt in. These would play in 4 leagues. These would be drawn world cup style each year to ensure that they do not become stale which it might do if it were regional and all the London clubs just played each other. This
would provide 12 games per season with the top 2 going into a knockout tournament for a cup. I would also suggest that as many clubs on the continent have B teams, a European competition might well be an option.
Another idea is that these development squads should be used to raise the profile of the clubs and the EPL world wide by playing in tournaments worldwide. Maybe 8 team tournaments played wherever the clubs or the EPL needs a boost. Alternatively wherever Ashley plans to open a new store. Finally I would suggest that for the 20 Premier league teams they should be obliged to play their development squads the League cup. These measures should mean that there is adequate competitive competition for developing players especially when combined with the loan system.
My thoughts on the loan system have already been touched upon. However, to expand them fully they are. Players who are 23 or over are part of the clubs own squads even if out on loan. The idea that clubs can gain a competitive advantage by loaning players from top clubs whom they could not afford to buy or pay their wages is not fair on the clubs around them. So the loaning of senior pros is obviously restricted in these proposals. Not stopped, for it is appropriate in some circumstances. However, loaned players should not be able to play in any competition that the parent club has entered. So premiership clubs who loan out players would not do so to other premiership clubs. Nor would they be able to play in the FA cup. They would be able to play in the league cup because the development squads are playing in that competition. If they are playing in Europe then they would not be able to play in the
Champions league or Europa League whichever was appropriate. That stops the “can they play against their parent club” question outright. They can’t play against their rivals either.
The purpose of the loan system is to give young players experience of playing competitive games at a level appropriate to their development. So loaning a player aged under 23 to a Football League team is still beneficial to both teams provided there are adequate constraints. The restraint of not being able to loan out a player you have just bought is one of these. Whilst there is no problems buying a player in January and loaning them back to that club for the rest of the season, they should be based at the parent club for at least 18 months to become integrated into the culture of that club. Also loans should be restricted to a maximum of half a season and the loaning club should be making a significant contribution to the wages.
There’s a lot of detail in there so to summarise. The idea is to level the playing field slightly. Rather than trying to restrict spending via salary caps for squads or individuals. The idea is to restrict the number of players at the clubs disposal. Therefore ideally there should be the first team squad and the academy. But given the number of games and competitions this isn’t practical unless we recreated the reserves/B team. However that needs to be done in a competitive way, hence the ideas above. Please remember that they are only ideas, and the chances of them being adopted are negligible.
Premandup
Good read Prem, sorry for delay in publishing. Been kipping after night shift. We do need changes to be made if the big clubs are going to sign all of the top talent and price everybody else out. Your suggestions make a lot of sense. At least the smaller clubs benefit somewhat as well as the top clubs, whilst the players’ development will be aided too..
Shamrock(Quote)
Top read Prem and I agree with what you are saying, it is indeed a joke when Chelsea can loan out 26 players. It smacks of a greedy kid stuffing his face with all the cakes at a party just so the other kids don’t get any of it. FFP is a joke it doesn’t seem to help smaller clubs in any way, I like the ideas outlined above but they are far too sensible for the powers that be to take them up 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Sorry, off topic but repost from last thread
kimtoon
August 2, 2015 at 17:14
Abeid off then?
http://www.dzfoot.com/2015/08/01/abeid-attendu-dimanche-a-dusseldorf-72411.php
Google translate
The German track is confirmed for Mehdi Abeid , since it has to go to Düsseldorf on Sunday to undergo the medical examination according to France Football .
Algerian international midfielder ground today aged 22 failed to win at Newcastle where he arrived there and there’s 4 years after a first full season when he was loaned to Panathinaikos in 2013 / 2014, the player would like to revive his career and finding the bottom game.
Thus the track of Fortuna Düsseldorf 2.Bundesliga club arrived this week. The club , which finished 10th last season accession wants to play in the Bundesliga . That’s why she hired the Tunisian international Karim Haggui in defense and the striker Ivorian Didier Ya Konan in attack.
Anyone think anything in this reported medical?, would be gutted to lose Abeid yet hang onto Willo, Saylor et al
kimtoon(Quote)
I like abeid. However there is much competition in midfield. If he goes he does not need replacing.
premandup(Quote)
I think Steve will be mad to limit the number of the squad to 18-20 given our injury record. I am not sure he is quite saying that, but all he has to do is check last year and Pysioroom had us leading the days out by a mile. An article from The Chronicle from 2013 came up and we led the injury table that year as well. Different players same long list of injuries.
Hopefully, Steve’s new staff will address this problem but I think it might take a while. There were the usual sicknotes out but the number and different types of injury were many as well. There has to be something wrong with conditioning and treatment for us to lead the injury table just about every year.
Steve should be cautious with going with a small squad. Look what happened to Carver, who although a buffoon, was still dealt a bad hand.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I can honestly say I have not seen enough of Abeid to judge. For this reason I cannot say I will miss him if he goes. He will probably end up being one of the many, many NUFC squad players who drop off the radar when they leave. I can see that happening with quite a few others as well.
Prem: it is funny what you are saying that the big clubs have been stockpiling players. We have been stockpiling players as well. Unfortunately a lot of them are shyte and will be hard to shift 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
FFP has been completely re jigged as UEFA had law suits dining out of their arses! PSG and the two Milan clubs were the two main protagonists and I’m happy it’s been shown for what it was – unworkable and not legally enforceable.
Stuart79(Quote)
Don’t think Abeid has been given anywhere near enough of a chance, he did very well in Greece and hasn’t look too bad the couple of times he’s got a run out. Willo on the other hand has had ample chance to prove he’s PL standard and clearly isn’t, yet he gets to stay. I don’t understand the way we operate at times .
kimtoon(Quote)
Quite simple Kim. To sell someone you must have a buyer.
premandup(Quote)
Got a couple of hours to kill, so thought i’d give Mission Impossible a go. What a L.O.B. The film lasted 5 minutes. Ah well.
Shamrock(Quote)
PREM good read,ime with STUART the whole thing was always a joke from the start
icedog(Quote)
So Collo sitting in the crowd with SM at Everton
icedog(Quote)
Which means what exactly. Could be anything.
premandup(Quote)
Prem, But IF reports of a bid from Leeds for Willo are true, why on earth didn’t we sell?I may be missing something here but what do Pards, Carver and now Steve see in the lad? He did a great job getting us out the Fizzy and gives 100% but he isn’t up to the PL it’s clear as day.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim we also have better depth in CM. They won’t sell Willo until Dummett and Colo are fit.
MDS(Quote)
It does not mean anything,best of friends it looks like
icedog(Quote)
Ice, trying to figure out who they could of been watching, with Colo alongside you’d think maybe a defender, well it won’t be Stones that’s for sure not at £28m plus 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM maybe Miralis he wants a winger and he wants to leave
icedog(Quote)
Ice, would you want him at Toon?
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM he blows hot and cold for me
icedog(Quote)
Well I just think Abeid has the size and strength to play in the premier league, can tackle, doesn’t give away cheap possession, could take a corner at York. McClaren likes Anita apparently. We all know Anita is too lightweight and has been very inconsistent. I disagree that we have an abundance of midfielders. Who have we got in central midfield after Colback, Tiote and Anita? The rest I would argue are attacking/ wide mids. Tiote is not even fit? If McClaren wants to play with 2 holding midfielders then it’s strange decision to let Abeid go. If true.
DJG(Quote)
There is a simpler way out of this and it is this. The european super leageue that was talked about some time ago should be introduced as soon as possible. With its own franchising and constitution. Take out the top 3 or 4 clubs from the major European Leagues to form the “Superleague” and with them out of the way, there is room for us all to flourish.
Yes it’s a tad simplistic, but two thirds of the Premiership dont have a snowball in hell’s chance of winning anything. I’m sure there’s a way round it….!
Porciestreet;(Quote)
I agree with Porciestreet@22. Some clubs in England (and around Europe) have outgrown the domestic competition. Cut them loose. Let them go spend their money in the European Super League Circus, or maybe the World Circus. Their development squads can play domestically – subject to certain criteria (which I’ll leave for the experts to outline – and I’d vote for Premandup to be on the panel of experts).
Brisvegas(Quote)
Problem with that Porcie is that its likely the TV revenues would probably be on a par with the likes of France and Holland if the likes of Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea weren’t in the league. Nice idea though…
Stuart79(Quote)
Craig Hope reckons NUFC are set to end their interest in Austin and look elsewhere if QPR don’t reduce their asking price. Think this is the right move. We can’t let this drag on. We need to start moulding the squad now and that means selling players.
Stuart79(Quote)
Yeah agreed Stu.Need to get ’em bedded in. We should be looking at a solid defender first though 👿
Shamrock(Quote)
Stu @ 24 Is it a bad thing if tv revenue drops? It’s money that is causing the current problem – that is, the nigh on impossibility for anyone to break into the top 4.
Getting back to honest competition would seem a good thing in my mind.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Porcie & Bris, I wrote an article a little while back suggesting that very thing. I still think there would be good money come into the PL even with the top 3 or 4 gone especially if the top English team get to replace any English team that is in the bottom 3 of the superleague.
kimtoon(Quote)
I want a CB in before another striker arrives and also someone to provide good service to Mitro , without decent service I think he could struggle .
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyway Steve said yesterday there hasn’t been contact, that should put the Austin saga to bed now.
kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/08/02/charlie-austin-clashes-with-rodney-marsh-on-twitter-over-transfe/
kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.holmesdale.net/page.php?id=106&tid=154154&page=6
kimtoon(Quote)
‘Development squad’ beaten by Gateshead.
http://www.gateshead-fc.com/5480/report-newcastle-united-u21-1-2-gateshead
DJG(Quote)
Our development squad has been poor for the last 10 years
Stuart79(Quote)
Looks like Steve put his arm around Colo and told him he is loved and Colo said he had always been loyal anyway 🙂 They must have gazed lovingly into each others’ eyes on that trip to Everton and pledged fidelity.
Colo will probably retain the Captaincy and if he does OK might even get a rolling 1 year extension like John Terry.
I would be surprised is we get another centre back in this window with 2 new ones to bed in.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good read Prem. FFP was a no go from the day it started, said as much. You can’t tell the rich how to spend their cash I’m afraid.
As I actually clicked on the headline instead taking it at face value, they weren’t at Goodison, it was a photo of them at York City 😉 …unless there’s another article somewhere.
richietoon(Quote)
So Abeid is in Germany over talks with some Düsseldorf outfit. That should be one out the door then.
Stuart79(Quote)
Richietoon: you are right – the headline said they were at Everton and the pic is York. Bloody Daily Mail.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric…Easy mistake, similar size club, same geographical area, same league, same club colours…according to the mail that is 😆
richietoon(Quote)
ERIC SYKES 35
you off ya nut a 1 year rolling contract indeed 😯 dint be winding me up over there he needs to be gone like yesterday 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
any 1 got a paper bag 😯 im hyperventlating over here at the thought of collo been offered any contract 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Abeid wouldnt have been my 1st out but looking at the squad with Wijnaldum, Sissoko, Colback, Anita & Tiote at the club (somewhere) were pretty well stocked.
Its probably best for all concerned; He gets more games to help his international chances, They get a useful ( but overhyped) player, We get one of our obsolete over 21 players gone and Ashley makes a bit of money on a player we signed on a free…
Everyones a winner
CC(Quote)
TAE: I didn’t say I wanted a rolling contract for Colo, but it looks like Steve wants him as the play-maker centre half. I couldn’t really believe Colo saying he wanted to finish his career at NUFC, Steve must have really turned on the charm.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Have we signed a defender yet,its a disgrace how can the management not see what every fan can see bloody candy floss defence
icedog(Quote)
Ice, we technically have signed 2 new cbs mate! 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Mangala was £32m last year. MYB flopped in the EPL. People are pinning their hopes on a new hopeful CB to replace Colo. Good luck with that.
premandup(Quote)
Here is Mackem Louise Taylor’s season preview for The Guardian. I would say she is being quite fair, but WTF Homeland has to do with NUFC beats me:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/aug/03/premier-league-2015-16-preview-newcastle-united
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Saw that earlier Eric. Agree.
premandup(Quote)
Getting the feeling that 3 in is all we are getting.
Old maccy did not seem confident at all on new signings.
Willo and Taylor at the back against Soton… 👿
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
If old maccy wants to trim the squad who will take the likes of Gouff, Willo, Elliott, Marveaux? No one is mad enough surely
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
There’s about 12 players not fit for the EPL in our squad. Need to farm out/loan/get rid asap. But where’s the bloody commanding CB we all know we need?!!!!
georgio(Quote)
Things are taking a familiar route…
Stuart79(Quote)
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/9933613/new-offside-rule-dermot-gallagher-backs-change-for-new-season
kimtoon(Quote)
Referees getting hammered for struggling to make split second decisions without the assistance of replays and now they not only need to determine if someone is marginally offside during fluid play, but also if they make a movement that effects an opponent from playing the ball and getting involved in the play. No way is that simple for a ref in such a fast paced game. Why make it so complicated? Just go back to the old rule!
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock, Gonna be fun this season with that new rule that’s for sure. Still I suppose it gives the panellist something to chew over 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/newcastle-star-named-one-of-10-best-young-players-on-planet
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM all we now is for jabba to live on this planet and get some bloody defenders in mate
icedog(Quote)
Ice@57 yep, could do with some good news
kimtoon(Quote)
Ronaldo gives his agent a Greek Island for a wedding present 😯
icedog(Quote)
Ice, That’s someone with way too much money.
kimtoon(Quote)
So far this is a little bit better than expected but not all that is needed. We look to have signed 3 decent players/prospects in areas of need. Wij was Dutch player of the year after all. There is a possibility of another I think but no more unless some are shipped out.
This was always going to be a more than one window fix. My guess is the plan was always to see how the injured players recover and fit in with McClaren, especially de Jong, Aarons and possibly Taylor. The only problem is our difficult start where we could easily be in the bottom 3 after 8 games. A win against Southampton would go a long way towards steadying nerves.
I don’t know if that was stating the obvious and I have been reading too much Ryder 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC please don’t get the Ryder bug one doe-heed is more than people can handle
icedog(Quote)
I can’t really see us doing much more
business now. We don’t do late day transfers, paying over the odds as often is the case late in the window.
I feel quite bitter sweet actually. Happy with our signings but feel it will be undone by the same old problems in defence and that will be very annoying. I’m also worried about the service Mitrovic will get. He’s said himself he likes crosses into the box and we don’t have too many good wingers in the squad to be honest.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, truth is they have known that backline needs sorting for a good 3 seasons, no excuse to be starting Willo and Taylor or a slowed down Colo and no point getting a good front man without securing a decent winger to supply him with the crosses he needs.
kimtoon(Quote)
Don’t know why they don’t let Colo go to CP and free up the wages to get a beast CB
kimtoon(Quote)
And pack Willo off to Leeds while they’re at it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well I think they are waiting to move Sisso on before bringing anyone else in seems Pool and MCity are looking at him at 17mil,and I for one won’t be sorry to see him go
icedog(Quote)
I see the papers have us linked with another lad from Anderlecht
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – there’s probably a good 10 players I’d rather see us move on before Sissoko personally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sissoko seems to play OK for France so maybe it was motivation and bad coaching? He does snatch at shots though, but most players that are not top strikers seem to do that as well. I would take the 17 mil but maybe if motivated he would do well for us and then move in January as he will not be Cup Tied and the real CL doesn’t start until after the Group Stages anyway?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Reckon Sissoko will be gone. Think he’s looking to leave and I wonder if we will really be any further forward at the end of this window.
Stuart79(Quote)
SHARPY me too but how many are worth big money (none) plus ime sick of him shouting on about wanting to move to bigger club and playing CL,not good for players at our club hearing him bleeting on,plus he blows hot and cold on the pitch,move him on I say I only want players at our club that want to play for us
icedog(Quote)
Eric – the season before last Sissoko was 3rd highest chance creator in the PL – behind only Silva & Hazard I think it was. Maybe the **** poor finishing from his colleagues has resulted in a lack of motivation. He was unplayable in some games last season, but others was a passenger. He’s still young and I’d love to get him in a 3 man midfield with Colback & Gini – 3 box to box midfielders. If those 3 could strike an understanding, then that could be very interesting to watch.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – I totally agree that £17m, we probably can’t turn that down. I just would love to see what this team could achieve if it kept its better players and cleared out the dead wood and strengthened those players first. Even if that means having to reduce the size of the squad a bit.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t want to build anybody’s hopes up but you know Southampton lost 3 of their best players – Alderwereld, Clyne and Schniderlin? In addition Koemen says Sunday is too early for Rodriguez.
The replacements are new to the PL just like our new signings and Caulker and Bertrand who are not that inspiring if you ask me.
Their team has been gutted in the past 2 seasons and they play in Europe on Thursday. Can Koeman do it 2 years in a row especially as they faded second half of last season?
They almost have as many questions as we do.
Eric Sykes(Quote)