Re: [ U23s / Development Squad ] Update
Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:23 am
Hi all
Just to touch on a few of the points raised above, the Academy, as mentioned, is fully self funded on that Academy money doesn't support the First Team and vice versa. Both have their own budget sheets and are managed independently. Within the academy budget, which is set long before the season or indeed pre season begins, the Development team is unfortunately unsustainable.
As suggested above, Part Owners should have a more in depth explanation of the reason behind this decision, although as Matt has mentioned, the sensitivity of some of these issues aren't appropriate for discussion on a public form, so with that in my mind, I'm happy to jump on to the Part Owners and provide a more comprehensive update on the reasoning behind the decision. I'll try and get that done this evening, but will be by tomorrow morning at the latest.
As a summary on this thread though, I'd add only that this decision has been a tough one to make. We've analysed and deliberated on it as a group, with substantial input from those involved in the management, ethos and delivery of the academy, as well as our financial controllers at board level, and the decision that we have reached is, I believe, the best course of action.
It is also worth mentioning that this decision was reached purely on business rather than football reasons and is by no means a reflection of the incredible hard work that so many people have put in to try and make the develop team a success.
We all remain absolutely committed to the pathway and the ability to provide a direct route to first team opportunities for those who have progressed through our development phase. A plan is in place to support the post 16 element of our pathway to rebuild organically over a short period of time.
Just to touch on a few of the points raised above, the Academy, as mentioned, is fully self funded on that Academy money doesn't support the First Team and vice versa. Both have their own budget sheets and are managed independently. Within the academy budget, which is set long before the season or indeed pre season begins, the Development team is unfortunately unsustainable.
As suggested above, Part Owners should have a more in depth explanation of the reason behind this decision, although as Matt has mentioned, the sensitivity of some of these issues aren't appropriate for discussion on a public form, so with that in my mind, I'm happy to jump on to the Part Owners and provide a more comprehensive update on the reasoning behind the decision. I'll try and get that done this evening, but will be by tomorrow morning at the latest.
As a summary on this thread though, I'd add only that this decision has been a tough one to make. We've analysed and deliberated on it as a group, with substantial input from those involved in the management, ethos and delivery of the academy, as well as our financial controllers at board level, and the decision that we have reached is, I believe, the best course of action.
It is also worth mentioning that this decision was reached purely on business rather than football reasons and is by no means a reflection of the incredible hard work that so many people have put in to try and make the develop team a success.
We all remain absolutely committed to the pathway and the ability to provide a direct route to first team opportunities for those who have progressed through our development phase. A plan is in place to support the post 16 element of our pathway to rebuild organically over a short period of time.