are we about to do a Southampton??

[Nick]

So could we in a sense do a Southampton?.... What I mean about this is-

Southampton have always had a great youth policy and that is the main/only reason they are doing so well now.... But for us we couldnt have been so fare away from that if we tried and any slightest sign of any talented youngster we had, for some reason we would rather get rid.... BUT since CR been here it feels like every day there seems to be a new name mentioned from the EDs whos about to or is breaking through into the 1st team (long may it continue). And from the few who have already stepped up it looks promising for the future.

So could we 1 day soon (next 1-3 seasons time) field a 1st team mainly of QPR blooded players?... If so these players will have a natural understanding/relationship with each other. we could be a real force to be reckoned with no matter what division we're in..... Just like Southampton.

[QPR1234]

thats the plan. but beware.. our club love to put a bit of spin on anything thats being tweeted negatively to fernandes. be it stadium, training ground, youth policy, managers etc. There is a lot of exposure for the EDS squad, more so than a year ago and that could be down to Harry's reluctance to try any of them.

Forgot to mention we're not close to southampton's academy. We're still a grade 2 academy compared to many due to our facilities etc.

[Hove Ranger]

will take alot longer than 1-3 seasons for these "plans" to come to fruition. Some serious investment is needed in the academy first

[Rangersw12]

Will take a lot longer than 1-3 seasons but good some of the U21 are already been given a chance

It will take a lot of patience from the fans and the board if they we are going to go down this route as we will more than likely go backwards to start with ( like Southampton did hopefully not that far though) for me we have already started to get a bit of pride back and if we have to rebuild and get the soul back in the Championship then so be it

[vblockranger]

will take alot longer than 1-3 seasons for these "plans" to come to fruition. Some serious investment is needed in the academy first

3 - 5 years away

[Awin]

At least the philosophy of the club appears to have changed.

What is needed is $h!t hot recruitment and then training or its all for nothing.

Spurs too did the same thing under comolli and as a results they got bale, walker, naughton, townsnd, huddlestone, bostock, parrett etc... Didn't do them any harm.. (Ok they failed with bostock and parrett)

Prefer this than pay out large and be treated with disinterest from those pocketing the dough

[surrey_hoop]

I've been saying for a while on here how good some of our youngsters are, and was met with a little resistance. The problem wasn't with the talent, but the lack of direction from age sides into the first team under the last 3-4 managers. Now that we have a clear vision of the future, I can see us "doing a Southampton" and relying on youth. We'll reduce wages significantly in the short term, bring in players that we know want to play for the club, and create a side with a huge mark-up in monetary value...it really is win win, and the future of football in this country (even though it is actually the traditional way of doing things, but still.)

[Nick]

Will take a lot longer than 1-3 seasons but good some of the U21 are already been given a chance

It will take a lot of patience from the fans and the board if they we are going to go down this route as we will more than likely go backwards to start with ( like Southampton did hopefully not that far though) for me we have already started to get a bit of pride back and if we have to rebuild and get the soul back in the Championship then so be it

Ok 1-3 season might be pushing it, but can still see a couple of new youth face being in the starting 11 in that period. Really hopeful of Reece Grego-Cox, think he's got a real natural eye for goal. But all about stepping up!!......

1 things for certain we're definitely going in the right direction, something that hasnt happened for 'years'!!.. Listening to Les the other week in an interview, he really wants to push the youth through and now we've got the right manager/coach in charge (hopefully for long term future) who's equally enthusiastic to give them a chance. We really could be on to something good.

[West Acton]

Think it very much depends on who the next manager is

[surrey_hoop]

Think it very much depends on who the next manager is

If it's Ramsay or Clement (as looks likely), I think it's a virtual certainty this is the route we'll go down. Ferdinand and Fernandes will be driving this as well.

[Bluehoop]

Remember that Southampton had to go backwards to move forwards - first season of their new stadium was spend in league 1 if I recall?

[Nick]

Think it very much depends on who the next manager is

Who ever the next manager is I think it'll be made loud and clear to them from the off, in the interview stages that this is the route we're 'going to go down'. Like surrey says Les and Fernandes will be driving this.... Also think Fernandes has turned a corner and finally seen that youth is the way forward, not big money buys.

[Nick]

Remember that Southampton had to go backwards to move forwards - first season of their new stadium was spend in league 1 if I recall?

All about patience.... and if its clear we're doing things right, giving the right people a chance then I think the fans will have the patience.

[Rangersw12]

Ok 1-3 season might be pushing it, but can still see a couple of new youth face being in the starting 11 in that period. Really hopeful of Reece Grego-Cox, think he's got a real natural eye for goal. But all about stepping up!!......

1 things for certain we're definitely going in the right direction, something that hasnt happened for 'years'!!.. Listening to Les the other week in an interview, he really wants to push the youth through and now we've got the right manager/coach in charge (hopefully for long term future) who's equally enthusiastic to give them a chance. We really could be on to something good.

Totally agree mate

[Bluehoop]

All about patience.... and if its clear we're doing things right, giving the right people a chance then I think the fans will have the patience.

I agree and I emphasise that I agree. I'm not so sure a lot of our fellow posters do though Nick.