[spireitematt]

If we have no development plans we really have no future.  I've certainly got doubts as to whether copies of the academy model of top clubs is the way to go, but we need a method of recruiting younger players, developing them, getting them game time and bringing them through.

You might look at Yeovil as an example. When they reached the Championship they recognised how much it would stretch their limited resources. They scrapped academy, junior anything they could to afford a side capable of staying up. They made a reasonable fist of it, but still went down. Look where they ended up. Look where we got to with no reserve side and juniors who always turned into Matlock-level players. Torquay made it back to our level with nothing behind their first team, but they relied on Bristol City and their manager's son to perform that miracle. If you've no clear view of the future it's like not looking far enough ahead when you are driving - you keep hitting the kerb.

Why don't they create a development team and put it in the Hope Valley League. Would give the younger players experience at playing against other players who are older than then but also would help them with the physicality side of the game also.