Football: Looking to the future
Manchester United took the unusual step on Monday of rebutting a report that Cristiano Ronaldo is to be paid £140,000 a week to keep the temptations of Real Madrid at bay. The player already has a contract the club say - but it’s surely only a matter of time. £140,000 a week? Perhaps more than £100,000 for Rio Ferdinand? What’s the difference?
United’s rebuttal came approximately an hour after Jim Cassell had climbed to his feet at the training facility across town which Manchester City share with the general public at Platt Lane. It's set, with no lack of symbolism, amid the working class back-to-backs near the old Maine Road ground. Cassell is the most successful youth team coach of the modern era, having seen 25 of his protegees through to the first team in a decade. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards are in their number.
Cassell set up City’s academy on next to no money in the Joe Royle era when City had dived into the third tier of British club football and, as academies go, it's still run on a near shoestring. Annual running costs: £2m a year. That’s just the matter of a few months wages for a £140,000-a-week footballer.
Listen to this thoughtful, gracious individual – a football man willing to stop and take the time to recount the back story of the game at youth level – and you’ll find the antidote to a game which is devouring itself. Search for the nine-year-olds in your locality, and you might just find the stars of the future he says, citing West Ham (Joe Cole, Lampard and – yes, Ferdinand), Liverpool (Owen) or Everton (Rooney).
Or perhaps the stars of England’s future. "As a nation we only take an interst in our national side when they don’t achieve," he told me. "We don’t really prepare properly to develop our game at the highest level."
Chelsea’s system is a microcosm of the club's senior set-up, with players bought - some costing millions - to create an off-the-shelf winning side. "The club has been totally invigorated under the ownership of Mr Abramovich and their view is that if they want to produce players for their first team at the level they want to play at then they have to trawl around Europe for the best," Cassell told me. "It will certainly produce a youth side. Whether it will produce players for the senior side remains to be seen.” Cassell was being tactful but Chelsea probably won’t produce players for the senior side. City’s ethos – built on patience, an eye for a future star and other apparently anachronistic values will do that job.
Shaun Wright-Phillips’ story shows the difference between Chelsea and Manchester City, who play each other in tonight’s FA Youth Cup Final. His talent was honed at Platt Lane before he was sold to Chelsea for £21m.
(Picture - Getty Images)
While the work of Jim Cassell is noble I have to ask if his approach will ever produce a Cristiano Ronaldo who we all know to currently be The Best Player In The World. I'm not so much worried about a Chelsea or a United getting a great player as I am interested in how English clubs could use all those coaching hours and academy dollars not to produce half-stars like Wright-Phillips but to create the big technical stars that Ronaldo's club Sporting has been able to produce....
Posted by: Best Player | 16 April 2008 at 08:52 PM
I am sure Jim Cassell is doing a fine job at City. But I don't think he has actually been down to Chelsea and seen what the club is trying to achieve with the local players in the area. To state that the club are buying in a youth system just highlights he doesn't know the whole story. It has been stated time and again by Peter Kenyon, Bruce Buck and all those involved in the youth teams that the Chelsea Academy is investing and planning for a long future of producing and nurturing local home grown English footballers to play at the top level.
Posted by: Blueboy | 16 April 2008 at 09:43 PM
Is there going to be any football tournaments with scout in in west london? Thank you.
Posted by: is there going to be any tournamets in west london any time soon. p.s is there going to be scouts. | 17 April 2008 at 12:25 PM
Gooddaysir,
we have some talented footballers in africa nigeria that we train they need ur help to play in europe,please if u are in interested please contact via email kasabubu7@yahoo.com ....so i can disclose everything for u.u wonldn,t be disappionted
thank u and God bless..
[reply]
Posted by: joseph | 13 May 2008 at 02:52 PM
i`m a nigerian,6.8 feet tall,a striker.am also obidient
Posted by: chijioke | 16 June 2008 at 05:26 PM
Hello,
My name is Elakhe Phillip i am 16 years old am a Nigeria.i saw your ads on the internet posted,am a young talented player in my community in which i play a lots of competition in Lagos State and i do traival from 1 state and other,i am willing to play football and i which to play in your club if my requst is granted i will be greatful Thanks.
Posted by: philip | 15 September 2008 at 11:14 AM
Hello,
My name is Segbefia Theophilus i am14 years of age i live in Ghana.i saw your address on the internet posted when i was searching for a foot ball club to play,am a young talented player in my community in which i play a lots of competition i play division one here in Ghana and i do travel to many places from one region to another i have been to under 15 in Ghana team before and other,i am willing to play football and i which to play in your club if my request is granted i will be grateful Thanks.If you are interested to me you canb conact me in this email address (the_ol_ove@yahoo.com)you can cotact me on 00233249669105.
Posted by: Theophilus Segbefia | 27 November 2008 at 09:22 PM
Dear sir,
am prosper from Ghana am 16years old looking for a football team in foreign country to improve my football nd i which to play in your club if my request is granted i will be grateful Thanks.If you are interested to me you can contact me in this email address(palata234@yahoo.com
Posted by: Prosper | 07 December 2008 at 04:49 PM
HELLO
ARSENAL FOOTBALL YOUTH TEAM RECRUITING
WE ARE RECRUTING AND SEEKING FOR YOUNG TALENTED AND CREATIVE FOOTBALLERs IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD....It gives US direct access to a comprehensive database of permanent, interim and contract opportunities from both the leading names in the FOOTBALL industry and many smaller niche players.
Search US for FOOTBALLING CAREER in areas such as ATTACKERS,MIDFIELDERS DEFENDERS AND GOAL KEEPERS. We will cover management footballing jobs across all sectors including and the public sector.
Recent footballing career available at arsenal football youth team
Countries that are accepted for trials are: united kingdom,the united state,france,switzerland,turkey,china,canada and europe We want you to pass this across to your community and any aspiring youth who is ready to show case his career in the footballing worldthese offer comes with an official apartment,AND your annual salary will be officially discussed. In order for us to process your setails .
have sent us your fully updated C.V this should include your full postal
address and telephone number. You must also attach a cover letter
detailing the role you are seeking ensuring to explain what
skills and experience you can offer to this team you will recieve a full application pack in the post within 5 working
days. Please ensure to complete all forms and sections within this pack
using black ink and returning to the Human Resources Department as soon
as possible. pls get back to the Head of Youth Development and Academy Director
of arsenal youth team to enable us process your curriculum vitae and see if you can match our afforementioned position yours faithfullyLiam Brady
arsenalyouthfootball@yahoo.com
+447024058544 Head of Youth Development and Academy Director
arsenal youth football team
http://www.arseweb.com/people/youth_squad_0506.html
http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/coaching-staff/liam-brady
Posted by: liam brady | 27 December 2008 at 12:35 PM
ATTENTION SIR.
I WISH TO APPLY IN YOUR CLUB AS A FOOT BALL GOAL KEEPER.
MY NAME ARE: CHIJOKE EJIOGU.
NATIONALITY: NIGERIA IMO STATE.
PREVIOUS CLUB FEATURE: DORPHY FOOTBALL CLUB OF PORTACOURT NIGERIA .
AGE: 19 YEARS.
PHONE NUMBER:+228-054-5385
PLEASE I WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR FEED BACK AND ANY RELEVANT INFORMATION IN RESPECT THIS.
THANKS
CHIJOKE EJIOGU
ejioguchijoke@yahoo.com
Posted by: CHIJOKE EJIOGU | 03 January 2009 at 12:29 PM
HELLO
ARSENAL FOOTBALL YOUTH TEAM RECRUITING
WE ARE RECRUTING AND SEEKING FOR YOUNG TALENTED AND CREATIVE FOOTBALLERs IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD....
It gives US direct access to a comprehensive database of permanent, interim and contract opportunities from both the leading names in the FOOTBALL industry and many smaller niche players.
Search US for FOOTBALLING CAREER in areas such as ATTACKERS,MIDFIELDERS DEFENDERS AND GOAL KEEPERS. We will cover management footballing jobs across all sectors including and the public sector.
Recent footballing career available at arsenal football youth team
Countries that are accepted for trials are: united kingdom,the united state,France,Switzerland,turkey,china,Canada,Europe,Asia AND AFRICA
We want you to pass this across to your community and any aspiring youth who is ready to show case his career in the footballing world In order for us to process your Details .
KINDLY send us your fully updated C.V this should include your full postal
address and telephone number.
You must also attach a cover letter detailing the role you are seeking ensuring to explain what skills and experience you can offer to this team
you will recieve a full application pack in the post within 5 working
days.
Please ensure to complete all forms and sections within this pack
using black ink and returning to the Human Resources Department as soon
as possible.
pls get back to the Head of Youth Development and Academy Director
of arsenal youth team
to enable us process your curriculum vitae and see if you can match our afforementioned position
yours faithfully
Liam Brady arsenalyouthfootball@yahoo.com
+447024058544 07024058544
Head of Youth Development and Academy Director
arsenal youth football team
Posted by: LIAM BRADY | 07 January 2009 at 11:41 AM
Hello &nbs p;
my names are stephen maria anakwe.I am 15 yrs old and I am a very skillfull footballer,i reside in lagos nigeria.
I will be very greatful if you can assist me in my football carreer.I am a left footer and a winger.I will be very happy if u can help me achieve my goal and dream of being a footballer.
god bless you
Posted by: anakwe stephen | 13 January 2009 at 03:35 PM
Hello sir, i am omeiza matthew from ogun state , i am 15 year of age,a talented footballer playing the role of a left winger, i will be very greatful if you can help me boost my football dream my cell number is:2348068890200.thanks
Posted by: matthew | 17 January 2009 at 08:29 AM
the Manchester academy is now recruiting .
you can email them at
manchester.academy@footballer.com
i just confirm it this morning..
timmy
Posted by: timmy | 24 January 2009 at 04:27 PM
PLS I DO PLAY FOOT BALL WELL AND I WILL LIKE YOU TO HELP ME IMPROVE MY SKILL GET ME ON(PETITETOO123@YAHOO.COM)
Posted by: FOSUR | 30 January 2009 at 06:42 PM
Hello Football player,
Am Rob syrett am into football agent/management here in London Uk.i wish to inform you that i am working with premiership clubs and coca cola championship which is 1st Division here in England so i would want you to send to me your CV and your international passport copy to us to enable us secure an invitation letter for you to come down for trails/transfer when fifa transfer window re-open.
Apart from England i can fix you in order european club REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN,UZBESKISTAN and CYPRUS,First you have to start your trails here in
England.
Meanwhile, i can as well get you a team in QATAR if you love to play in QATAR
league.
I wait to hear from you so we can start working immediately on your
trails/transfer.
Thank You.
Best Sporting Regards
Rob Syrett
Football Player's Agent
London England.
Mobile: +447045758327
E-mail: robsyrett_agentfootball@yahoo.com
E-mail: rs_agentfootball01@yahoo.com
E-mail: robsyrett@live.fr
Goodluck!!!!
Posted by: Rob Syrett | 10 February 2009 at 10:58 PM
please am kwameteper from ghana a citycalledkumasiand my realstateis fankyenbra am a footballer in my formal school who iwas to play in abroad and iwas not paying my schoolfees so i was sacked from the school some white mens as tyr as and i was pick and because of my fees iwas denied by my hesdteacher of my school so the white peoples go back to where they are so my interst is to play football am a right winger with ahigh spped like a cheater the fasterst anomal in the worls and i am the fasterst footballer with a high goasl in a toff match when there is no hope withiout me in aballl there is no hope for my supportest and others so pleas am hard and toff winger but i fails money and some teams or club i wish to play is manchesters academy ,arsenalacademy chealsea academy or any am happy too see more mesage in my inbos about managers and coaches my email is oppong123@hotmail.com or opponge@ymail.com contact me and u will see my show in playing in your team
Posted by: fabregasoppongteper | 01 March 2009 at 04:42 PM
please i want you to send me manchester postal address
Posted by: frederick | 05 March 2009 at 08:24 PM
My name is Paul Oduro Asare 16 years old and a foot baller currently playing for Real Raskid FC and want the opptunity to join your club.
Posted by: Paul Oduro Asare | 17 March 2009 at 01:45 PM
dear sir
here we have a football team in ghana but how about come down to accra and come see us to be in your football team thank you hope to hear from you soon thank you sr
Posted by: maruf | 18 March 2009 at 12:46 PM
my name is hadad. im 16 i play in midfeld.im looking forward to get any team in europe to continue my career.
my email is sharifhadadi@yahoo.com
Posted by: hadad | 21 March 2009 at 07:27 AM
How can i secure a football career for my brother in any of the academy. I am a nigerian please, send me link through me email. thanks. Yusuf
Posted by: yusuf | 25 March 2009 at 01:50 PM
hi,
l have got lot of professional footballers that l manage and supply to foreign football clubs and Academy.
am here for you anytime you need any african professional footballer.
Contact me:Abraham
e-mail: ftagent@yahoo.com
cell:002330242032412
Posted by: Abraham | 26 March 2009 at 10:04 AM
am a player in nigeria
Posted by: ojeaburu bankole james | 26 March 2009 at 12:56 PM
Hello Guys
The Manchester youth academy is recruiting into their academy.
I was there this morning. at their matt busby road venue, Manchester to confirm.
And i spoked with the director MIKE PHELAN on applying.
He said all applications should be forwarded to phelan.manchesteracademy@googlemail.com for screening.
I hope you all find this information usefull
Timmy..
Posted by: timmy | 04 April 2009 at 01:23 AM
i am a soccer star that disare to play soccer,i play attacking roll,14years,my mentor in soccer is lionel messi of barca,am from a christain home,nigerian,full off potential skills.i beleive that i can do even better than cristiano ronaldo bcos i am the choosen one from GOD,my greatest dream and disare is to bcom the lionel messi of nigeria in future i beleive GOD has made me great.sir i have some of my picture in trianing camp if you want it send me your mail i will do it.GOD bless u.MOSES LELEGBENE EBIMOBOWEI.
Posted by: LELEGBENE MOSES WBIMOBOWEI | 11 April 2009 at 12:40 AM
i am a fotballer in ghana ,amakom looking for team in world to jion please help me and menager too .postion 3.
Posted by: awotwe joseph babel | 15 April 2009 at 03:11 PM
I work with a top chinese football club, I am from England and i run an international academy for expatriates living in shanghai.
I would like to have contacts of academies interested in chinese players.
please contact
ifa_ssfc@yahoo.com
Posted by: nazee | 23 April 2009 at 02:23 AM
hello, ma name is MAHAMMED TANKO, and am a boy of 17 yrs old,pls i will like to join your tearm ,pls i am pleading with you to give me the chance , you will expect and unexpected , and am a yourg taleted footballer,and i no is a gift from god ,and one thin about me is that i don’t play with my training,so i will be happy if u invit me to your term,my dream is always deverlop my carrer in club, hope to hear from u very soon. sincerly,TANKO MOHAMMED. THANK YOU.
Posted by: BATURATANKO@YAHOO.COM | 24 April 2009 at 11:31 AM
Hi!My name is Samuel Okon Udoh,and iam 20 years old Football player from Nigeria.I would really appriciate if you could allow me to join your team to give me a chance to show myself.Iam a really good Striker,iam fast like lightening,i have strenght and a very good Goal sense.Iam willing to learn and i Respect people around me just the way i want them to Respect me.I dont want to talk much,the only thing i can say is that you will surely not regret if u will give me the oppurtunity to come and prove my words i just wrote down.Football is my life and my dream is to be one of the biggest Footballer in this World.So if u think u could work with me,i will be happy to read your mail.Thank you for your attention.My email is samuel_udoh20@yahoo.com
Posted by: samuel okon udoh | 24 April 2009 at 10:15 PM
Hilton Hotel London Metro Pole.
225 Edgware Road, London, United Kingdom W2 1JU
Tel: 0044 - 703-180-6628 .Fax: +44-20-7724 8866.
From Mrs Elaine Mary Hayes, Manager Hilton Hotel Metro pole London.
This Invitation mail is from Hilton Hotel London, Pls Hilton Hotel Needs Men And Women, Who Can Work And Live here In Hilton Hotel London. Hotel Will Pay For Your Ticket And The Visa Fee In Your Country,If You Are Interested kindly Contact Assistant Manager, Sir, Sherard Frank Coles, Via This E-mail Address Bellow;. infohiltonhotelslondonjob@yahoo.co.uk For More Information.
Cheers, Mrs Mary .E. Hayes General Manager Hilton London Metro pole.
Hours of Operation: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm CST, Monday - Sunday.
Posted by: mary | 11 May 2009 at 07:17 PM
I am called Mejang Jacob Ketchem age 18, a two footed football stricker. I was sellected in our under 17 National team here in Cameroon, Now I play with Achile FC football club here in Cameroon.
My tarlet I know I wish to have a test match in Europe or Canada where I can potray my scoring harbit
TRy me and see my email address is mevijama@lycos.com
In God I trust
Posted by: Mejang Jacob Kethcem | 15 May 2009 at 11:51 AM
am oni adedayo am a good strike i play for church here in my country nigeria, right now am willing to play for foreign club outside my country because i need exposure for my career.now i need very good manager or agent who is capable and reliable to help i will really apprecite that.
Posted by: oni adedayo | 20 May 2009 at 08:07 AM
Sir,
I want to play in your club becose Really believe in what I play am a very good player. becose i have the ability and the strenth to play in eny clunb in the world becose i have play local foothball in my country and am now looking farward to play a professional foothball becose i believed in what i can do to show the world that i have what it"s take to be a professional player cos am searching for a club very interested to responde to my mail but they don"t responce, because I want to play in a foreign club I need a right opportunity to be the best football player as like the famous football players of the world. I am sure that If I get this opportunity then I can make myself as a famous player but there is no facility in our country for a football player. Our country is too small that it is not famous for the football players. There is no communication the football club of the foreign country. Don’t worry about me that I am not a best football player. I need just a right opportunity for that I can bring more reword"s for your club and improve in my life. So I will hope that you will give the right opportunity and oblige there by. I can send my cv(resume) and international passport photograph.hope to read from u as soon as possible
Full Name........MICHEAL ILESAMI
Country..........NIGERIA
State oforigin....ONDO STATE
Sex..............MALE
Age..............20
Posittion.......MILLFIDER OR DIFFENSIVE MILLFIDER
club.............startlet
date.............20009/5/22
contact number +2347025402377 or+2348054285279
e-mail alvis.alen@yahoo.com
Reply to this comment
thanks"s
my regard
Posted by: mike | 05 July 2009 at 06:38 PM