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Why Our Youth Set-Up Is Great

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Many fans love it when a young lad progresses through the ranks at their football club as it shows that they have been nurtured and cared for by the club. It is often surprising these days, however, when a player in particular a locally born one, has a rise to the first team.

With Birmingham City, it is a constant turnover of young players making it to the first team. From the days when Redmond and Butland graced the St Andrews pitch, to the more recent young players of Gray, Viv and Arthur, we have seen a lot of youth players been given a chance.

I believe the progression was slightly halted in the Clark era due to his shine to getting young players on loan. Tyler Blackett, Lingard, Ibe were all great players and they did help us in terms of performances in order to gain points, but they obviously were not a long term plan unlike the academy set up. With Rowett at the helm, things seem to have changed for the better and this has been shown with Viv but also with Charlee Adams getting a shot at being in the first team squad.

Having read interviews from both Steve Spooner and Richard Beale, the managers for the U18 and U21 sides, it is clear that the philosophy of the club is being transmitted through the ranks. I have always thought that the word ‘philosophy’ is a bit of a cliché in football but actually it rings true here. The club want their players to work hard for themselves and each other. They want them to work hard both on the pitch and on the training ground. They also require players to maintain a humble attitude. All of these basic principles point to a club doing something right.

It is also noticeable, that our scouting system of young players is great. We often get a lot of talent from the local area at a very young age, maybe 9 or 10 year old. So we have targeted this as an option in order to develop players relationships but also personal attributes through their phases of growing up. It seems to have worked so far and it is a true reflection of the dedication that Birmingham City have shown towards nurturing young players.

In the not too distant future I can see several players getting involved in the first team set up. Harding, the young CB, looks to be progressing every game. We also have McDonald in midfield who will give anyone a run for their money in a few years time. Not to mention Jones, McFarlane and Popa in the coming years. It is a very exciting time to be a Birmingham City fan.

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