Birmingham City replacing Academy with 'B' (and 'C') team

[Ealing Bee]

Brexit... Covid... overcrowded catchment area... need proper adult football competition... costing us a packet for little return now Bellingham's been sold etc etc etc


"As part of an ongoing review of the Football Club, the Board have recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of our Academy system and broader player recruitment process

As a direct response to the findings of the internal review, the Club will be looking at remodelling the Academy system and exploring a “B and C Team” model.

We believe that the reallocation of both staff and subsidy, will provide the Football Club with a unique and unrivalled programme, catered towards an elite group of young players who will regularly challenge for positions in the First Team squad.

This new and exciting direction will transform Birmingham City into a Club that gifted young footballers will aspire to join.

The Club acknowledge that the proposed changes will impact a number of current staff and players within the existing system."
More here: Club Statement - Academy Update


So, having taken some of our (ahem) best players, they're now taking some of our best ideas?

Good luck with that one!

 

[hanwellbee]

'unique and unrivalled programme'??? The bandwagon's reached the 'second city' has it?

 

[Ealing Bee]

'unique and unrivalled programme'??? The bandwagon's reached the 'second city' has it?

Well they had to get running water and indoor toilets installed first.


("We've got more canals than Venice, don't yow know")

 

[Peteseeger]

'will transform Birmingham City into a Club that gifted young footballers will aspire to join.' Blimey, they are truly deluded!

 

[badgerbee]

'will transform Birmingham City into a Club that gifted young footballers will aspire to join.' Blimey, they are truly deluded!

I think it's more of an acceptance that it's not currently a club that gifted young footballers would want to go anywhere near!!!

 

[JANORAK]

'will transform Birmingham City into a Club that gifted young footballers will aspire to join.'

- For about 30 or 40 games until the next available window....

 

[BFC1997]

Not sure it’s a very unique idea at all, and interesting timing given the recent sale of Bellingham.

Also strange timing given the impending changes around work permits potentially limiting the scope of recruitment at U21 level.

 

[Gee Bee]

I think it's more of an acceptance that it's not currently a club that gifted young footballers would want to go anywhere near!!!

They sold one for £25m in the summer.

 

[Gee Bee]

Not sure it’s a very unique idea at all, and interesting timing given the recent sale of Bellingham.

Also strange timing given the impending changes around work permits potentially limiting the scope of recruitment at U21 level.

They'll fish where we fish wont they, young internationals will still get work permits. Nearly all our recruits from overseas are internationals in their own countries age groups.