Manchester City,s youth academy

Just got home from watching my son play against Manchester City,s under 12s academy up in Manchester. What a set up they are producing up there, they are in the process of building a 7,500 bespoke football stadium next to the Etiad stadium for all academy matches at all levels that any league one or two club would dream of, as well a 20 full size 4G pitches to be used by both the academy and the first team, also for any kids of 12 years or above who are not already residing in or around the Manchester area and who join their academy, they are sent to the top private school in Manchester paid for by the club, and they are put up in a brand new hotel style 12 room dorm where they will live with all their team mates from abroad or from all over different parts of the UK and Ireland. Great facilities up there, breath taking, must have cost millions and millions, we played three 25 minute games, won one and lost two, all very close, great experience

The Arabs have not only bought into Manchester City but Manchester as a whole. I went to the Etihad stadium or CoMS as it was then some 7 years ago. There was a large area of wasteland near to the stadium which I imagine they are developing on. They really are fantastic owners and you rarely ever hear about the head poncho, think Tan could take a leaf out of their book.

One thing I have to say though, name one player that has come through the youth system at City since 2009? Excellent to have these facilities but rather pointless if you are just going to buy a ready made player for £35m.