We are just part of the food chain unfortunately.
We are entering the next few years were some of the better products of the academy are starting to come through.
A lot of work has been put in over the years for us to build good age groups, we are now getting to the stage were the age categories are starting to perform well in tournaments, win competitions and for several of them to be representing their country.
The best of the crop will always be cherry picked by the bigger clubs - Barry and Rogers being a couple, but we still have players that look capable of breaking into the first team set up. The likes of Tulloch, Ferguson, Soule all have high reputations within the academy, then the under 18's squad is littered with talent, some of which may make it, some who may not.
The academy is defiantly worth it, especially if we don't return to the premier league anytime soon. This summer we will already see a lot of Field, Harper, Leko, Edwards in pre season - alongside possibly Fitzwater, Wilson, O'Shea and the others, the academy has produced some good players.
Granted the compensation system does need to be looked at in regards to the Barry deal, but overall how anyone can suggest we scrap the academy baffles me.