But then Brentford wouldn't get their financial benefits from selling players they have developed.

I think the Sorloth issue has been debated to death so I'm steering clear of that one !

Old, Ungifted and White

Our academy is far from pointless. AWB alone brought in the funds to run it for years. Now we have invested in it, we should hopefully see a rise in the number of graduates in the next decade. If we can regularly do that with our incredible catchment area that’s the secret to growing the club.

Personally and sadly, I think you’re right. AWB and Mitchell would not have been drafted in had it not been for an injury crisis. What chance Banks, Matthew’s in the 23’s or even Akinwale or Omilabu in the 18’s ever getting a chance under the current regime, especially as they’re forward players. I also fear for Eze. I have the utmost respect for Roy and the Exec at Palace and their methods have yielded a good few years in the Premier League, but they appear to be operating under the mantra of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’ That’s laudable, although my observation would be that the manager is in his 70’s and if we don’t start transitioning to a different strategy, it feels unlikely that we will find a manager to play the same way - at least as well. We also won’t have blooded these youngsters in and we could find ourselves in a rather precarious position, with no valuable and tested financial player assets to sell to enable us to purchase rapid experienced player options, should we need. And Freedman is not the answer.

I can't find the article so I am trusting your comments I am surprised that Man United are top. If you support one of the biggest and richest clubs in the world it is not delusional to expect to win trophies and have a certain arrogance about your team.

Delusional are fans like Newcastle who haven't won anything in 50 years or West Ham with their "academy" of football.

I despise Man United and their glory hunting fans but it is reasonable for the top 6 fans to expect success. Outside of that the rest of us hope for success but don't expect it those that do are the delusional ones.

One more point

Pele, 80 today, insists he is not signing for Crystal Palace.

He wants championship football next season.

He's our next, young, dynamic manager.

Red and Blue Army!