21 Aug 2014 19:06:14
Interesting article on the Daily Fail site about where big teams have their players loaned out.

For as long as I can remember we have always been the 'go to' team when it comes to commending squad depth. A lot of our success in the past has come not from having the strongest 11 - but the best squad in the league. It's been clear the past few years that that is no longer the case; but this article really shows just how far we've fallen both I terms of squad depth and young talent.

At the moment we have two players loaned out (one of whom is Nani - a player who is only out on loan because we can't sell him). Chelski have 17 (most of whom are at top flight clubs) and Manchester City have 14. I know we have a few promising players coming through and that there are still young players one expects will go out on loan and develop this season (Zaha, Powell, Keane and Keane being the prime candidates) - but until we build up our numbers with some promising young talent as well as a few world class players - I worry that we're going to continue to fall further and further being City and Chelski.

Bringing in big money through sponsorships is all well and good - but what use is having all that money if we're reluctant to spend it? If we're unable to break back into the top four over the next few years the appeal of the club will diminish to the point where sponsors aren't willing to pay silly money - and then we won't have money to spend.

1.) 21 Aug 2014
21 Aug 2014 19:26:36
Having loads of players out on loan means nothing. Out of the 31 players you mentions at City and Chelski how may do you reckon will make the first team? Zero would be a good guess.

If player is good enough i.e. Januzaj or the class of 92 they will go straight in the first team. Its players such Welbeck and Cleverly who are squad players at best that are more likely to be loan out.

2.) 21 Aug 2014
I'm assuming you don't watch much football outside of the Premier League? Thorgan Hazard had a fantastic season on loan last year and Lucas Piazon will be world class. Kalas isn't too far off the standard of Smalling and Jones despite being two or three years younger and I expect Atsu to have a big impact at Everton this year.

Other than Karim Rekik (a decent prospect) I'm not overly familiar with City's loanee's if I'm being honest - but given the strength of their squad I don't think they have too much to worry about.

3.) 21 Aug 2014
Redseven we will most likely have Keane Powell and Zaha on loan none of these are far of the chelsea players you mentioned

4.) 21 Aug 2014
More than anything, developing young players can be a profit center. The investment is relatively small and if they make it you've acquired a gem for nothing, and if they don't you can often sell them on for a bit of a profit anyway. While they're out on loan hopefully the team they're playing for is paying their wages.

I take your point though. As I suggested in an earlier post, I think the club has been run with a lack of vision and hubris over the last 5+ years. Let's add complacency.