Would be interested to know how many of our youth players, particularly home grown talent, from the last 10 years, have made it through to represent the first team. How many of those have then played on a regular basis? Teams in England, as a whole, seem to bring less and less home grown talent through the ranks. I appreciate that skill is considerably less prevalent than 30+ years ago and that the pitch is made big, demanding fitness above anything else, which seems to a employ a certain criteria of player......but surely there should be more home grown players coming through the ranks. The teams of the 70s/80s had numerous players, that then went on to play international football. I'm not sure what the point of the youth set up is if we are are just going to spend extravagant amounts on overhyped/over priced rubbish. Finidi George springs to mind as just one example(of many). Town need to acquire several players if they are to stand a chance of staying in the premiership. The comedy World Cup will only rocket transfer prices. Oh for some quality youth players coming through to take their chance.

Differentgravy, I sympathise with what you write and I would like to see more youngsters coming through. However, the world has changed. Managers have only very short times in office. If you only have 18 months then you are going to buy proven players rather than try to develop youngsters. With more overseas managers it is inevitable that they will tend to look for what they know, overseas players, rather than developing young British talent.

Good to see that Baggott gets a chance again.

Sad that ITFC are so far off youth development now. Sadder is the knowledge that KM grew up and learned a significant of his knowledge in a club that had a clear platform of squad homoligation: 4-6 senior players where nouse and experience just as good as physical stature .... 7-8 players in peak of career .... 7-8 players combining starting / off bench games as part of their professional development ..... 2-3 players stepping up from youth to full time, 1st team senior football.

Being attached to our youth system, I was quite excited by KM prospects and what he might bring for our youth like Gibbs, Humpries, Baggott, etc but very clear that he is happier trying to 'buy' success.

Thanks for the reply Ipswichbusiness. Tbf, I had taken the above into consideration and agree with your comments. Thats kind of my point though. These home grown lads are already professionally trained from a young age, regardless of the manager at the time. Sure, some of them wont make the grade/lose interest etc. But there will be a percentage that can step up and excel, evidenced by many seeking game time abroad and excelling in leagues like germany/holland/scandinavia/US etc.....coincidentally where foreign players are then purchased from for a ridiculous price. Bear in mind we hardly used any youth team players whilst in Division 1 (under british management)

Yes, the scouting does need to be extensive and the right players brought in, especially as we have another crack at the Premiership. But I think British clubs(and particularly Ipswich) need a new approach. Find a way get the best out of the home grown youth or why bother. Its almost like something of the exotic......as if a player comes from across the water it immediately make them any better........ahem......Adrian Paz. (Without realising, my god son built his FIFA team based solely on this approach).

Understand about managers short term in office but Manchester United hold the record of academy recruits coming through and they are under huge pressure so it can be done.

Kieran was part of that MU process so hopefully with our new training facilities and some solid time in the premier league he can work his magic with the youngsters.

Feel really sorry for Elkan. Sometimes feel that in Booby Robson's day he would have had a chance.