Yes, that is the crux of the problem, we waste too much money, whether its wages or fees, you can almost add Edouard to the list above, i dont see any point in wasting money in this window, the younger players need game time, yes a loan or two only

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

The debate about selection of players from the Academy goes back to the Hodgson era. And the answer is the same now as it was then. If they are considered good enough, they will get their chance.

I watch the majority of the U18 and U21 games. Collectively they are two decent teams, competing well in their leagues. Individually it's a different story. Players can be part of a good team but the players are developing at different paces from one another.

From what I've seen - and obviously only my opinion - Tayo Adaramola was rightly given some first team action last season but he doesn't seem to have pushed on this season. I like the look of John-Kymani Gordon, now on loan at Carlisle. Jack Wells-Morrison looks like he's coming along nicely. The stand out is David Ozoh. I think he looks a player.

Re the Academy, as Willo pointed out the other day, they will become mandatory anyway. There's no guarantees that it will produce a conveyor belt of players for the first team but in order to compete for the best talent, we have to have the facilities.

Old, Ungifted and White

I note that academy player Ryan Bartley, a defender has joined Eastbourne Borough on loan for the rest of the season.
The club are 8th in 'National League South'.
The very best of luck to the player.

I’m a big fan of PV. My anxiety is that he will get fed up with the failure to land his targets and walk. Not saying that’s imminent but I do think it’s a risk in the medium term.

For me, exactly this. And it IS a problem, even if not today. Vieira is patient and measured, but he's also ambitious. He probably accepts that we're not going to compete with the big six or seven, but at some point he won't accept failing to compete with Brighton, Brentford, Fulham, etc. He'll say he's done his part by improving the players we have; in his eyes, it's time for the board to do their part and improve the raw materials at his disposal.

When you've finally found a decent, reasonably successful manager who is broadly well-liked by the fans, as a board you're playing with fire if you risk losing him due to your lack of ambition. And Vieira's demands don't seem unreasonable either; he's not asking us to go out and sign Harry Kane. His targets broadly seem sensible and realistic but the club appears completely incapable of bringing them in while equivalent teams around us do their own business with relative ease in comparison.

Something needs to change, hopefully in the next five days.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

Of course Vieira has not named specific players, however he has said that he needed experience and physicality.