"Lescor"
There are arguments both ways as to whether it would be beneficial to football to instigate these changes. UEFA are not primarily concerned with cash for the bigboys. Moreover, they seem determined to bring these changes about.
There have been discussions between UEFA and the EU about this very point. The argument goes that new rules would not restrict employment per se, but merely eligibility for any given game. Neither would they discriminate on the basis of nationality, but instead the country of development of a player would be the critical factor. I agree that there are many different POV in terms of how the law would stand in respect to the proposed changes; at present nobody really knows the likely outcome, but it's a certainty that there are those who see it as their mission to drive these changes though one way or t'other.
All the more reason to have a bigger pool of talented kids. Another set of Owen, Carragher, Gerrard wouldn't be a bad return. Also, consider the mancs domination of the Premiership which was based on the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Nevilles and Giggs, all of whom came through their ranks. They are all similar ages and all came through to the first team at around the same time, which was a very important factor in the understanding and team spirit of that side.
Disagree. It's vital, especially since we can't afford to challenge Chelsea or even the Mancs for very top signings. It's also possible; like I said, if we produce quality like Gerrard, Owen and Carra plus perhaps 3 more of the same generation, then that's the nucleus of a side, which would also leave more cash available to strengthen where we have shortcomings with absolute top quality additions. Fewer signings means greater funding for better players.
-- Dan
