I am not picking on Stoke City here. It is endemic across all clubs because of the way the under-21 leagues are structured.
The under-21 leagues were supposed to bridge the gap for players that have graduated from their scholarships but were not quite ready to play for the first team. However, it's clear these players who are too old to play for the under-18s and are not perceived as first team ready are not playing very much at all. It even encourages players to coast along, to become content with not playing every week.
This has hardly bridged a gap between us and other countries either. In Spain and Germany for example, top clubs still have the ability to give their youth real competitive week in, week out football by providing opportunities in their B teams in the lower leagues. It looks like in England we struggle to even give some of our most talented youngsters a youth level match or two a month. Seriously. Why is this not being reviewed?
Simply Sport client, Jordan Keane has gone on loan to Tamworth to gain experience.
In England, clearly to play week in, week out a player can't rely on the u21 leagues and hence must still go out on loan, outside the ethos of a club, outside of the development path many elite clubs desire for their players. Much like how Andros Townsend had to go on loan to 9 clubs before his recent breakthrough - aged 22. Townsend is an exception to the rule that he actually has come through and continued to develop and it is that point that is most important to remember.
The loan system has it's part to play in the development of players when used correctly. However, in England we need to stop developing leagues, regulations and the like that are merely paving over cracks and look at what we need to be doing so our youngsters are developing, playing regularly and are getting exposed to as much competitive football as possible.
I am for one an advocate of competitive league B teams for a start.
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