K.D.D.D.D.Soc
Ian Walker
Yep each u21 squad has 25 players (not including those loaned out). That is a huge number of players each year released.
Some of them maybe late developers. Or just not really had a chance to show anyone what they can do. They get released and have to scratch around. At least clubs can say to them. Look you probably won't make it at spurs/palace/everton etc... but you'll have a place here if you are released.
This is one of my favourite bugbears, at 18 players need to be playing against men not kids the same age, they need the physical challenge and help from playing with a few experience players. I think we need a reserve league as there use to be, it was a step up from youth team football and teams were a mix of young players and experienced 1st teamers who can't get in team, it provided the young lads experience and kept players not in first team match fit. Premiership teams have 9 players on bench and probably a couple of extras with the team, this limits the number of players available who could be used in that sort of competition.