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Regardless of youth systems I can't see youth players flourishing unless we increase the league numbers. 12/10 is far too tight/competitive to blood youngsters. Managers are fearing for their jobs and will stick with experience over youth. Yes it makes for more excitement and intrigue. We have seen especially in the championship you can go from relegation candidates to having playoff potential after a couple of wins. This is great for fans but not for young players. A larger league and less risk of relegation would probably increase the game time afforded to younger players to gain said experience and allow them to develop. Until this happens all this 'projects' are a waste of time imo.

I entirely agree. When Scotland had two large national leagues the national team were constantly successful and competitive. Ever since the introduction of ten or twelve team divisions the number and quality of youngsters being brought through has diminished to the detriment of both the clubs and the national team. Reconstruction is sensible and long overdue. Unfortunately, however greed and narrow self interest means it's unlikely to happen.

He means Jackson Carlaw. The £7m refers to the paintings.

I agree fully with both posts above. Some clubs need to take a long hard look at themselves and realise that a different formula will be better for the game in this country. Some countries have larger leagues that split mid way through, so keep the interest going for fans. Something like that could be successful here if clubs can look at things with an enlightened, longer term view.

Thanks, I’ve read the full link and the last answer is enlightening too. A full review of youth development in this country is long overdue as it needs to look after the youngsters but also be sustainable and affordable for clubs. At present it seems to do neither.