Kier Mcmeekin to Man City

[BackOfTheNet]

Whether this boy does the business for us (or anyone else) depends entirely on two things: 1. The player himself and 2. His family/friends.

 

Story as old as time. If he’s a wee ned with a billy big baws attitude that has mates doing illegal drugs etc before the age of 18 that he stays loyal to, or a family that lead him down the wrong path (agent) and proclaim him to be the next Messi before he’s kicked a professional football, he’ll fail. As would all players. And unfortunately it’s more common in Scotland than most places around the world it seems.

 

If though, he has a good network around him and has been brought up right (see James Wilson) he could make it. Again, with us or anyone else. People can say talent will trump any other circumstances, but in this country especially with the ned, drinking, drug culture etc the chances of players making it are slim. No coincidence the players that do make it have either good networks around them or they’ve moved away from their network to clubs that deal with academy prospects properly. Or closer to home the likes of Ferguson and Lennon can be named, but it’s different being from a football family. They have the connections, but also people who can talk about how easy it is to not make it and can light a fire up their arse.

[Jambof3tornado]

On 13/08/2025 at 09:28, AlimOzturk said:

This was said about Harry Cochrane as well and he is now playing for Arbroath. 
 

Not wanting to shite on any young players potential and I genuinely hope he makes the breakthrough big time. However senior football is another thing altogether 

Correct. A tiny percentage make it to a high level. Plenty work needed before then.

[Batistuta9]

16 hours ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Unless Tony sees it as an unofficial way to plug more money into us. 

Does he need one? Can he just "invest" any time he wants? 

 

[BackOfTheNet]

 

[johnking123]

We seem to struggle to improve our youth and have for a while.  We do not handle step up to first team very well and have struggled with it for a while. 

[Diego10]

13 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

 

That's a terrible article.   Did it even have a point?

[chubby1973]

10 minutes ago, Diego10 said:

That's a terrible article.   Did it even have a point?

I'm guessing its because he didn't go to either of the cheeks.

[Footballfirst]

28 minutes ago, Diego10 said:

That's a terrible article.   Did it even have a point?

It highlights a number of general points that have been made on other threads.

 

Clubs' recruitment policies seemingly ignoring home grown players, teams selected with no Scots in them.  Then there's implied criticism of the structure of youth football to facilitate the transition into senior football. Yes, there are avenues available in U19 / B Team / Cooperation Agreements, but with clubs like Aberdeen and Dundee choosing which, if any, options they use, there is a dearth of fixtures / playing time.

 

Cost was the main issue behind Queen's Park closing their academy, while a mixture of cost and relocation issues resulted in Hamilton closing their academy. Their withdrawal from the new U17 and U19 elite setup means fewer games for the remaining clubs.

 

The SFA wanted to open up the pyramid to B teams, but the majority of clubs indicated that they didn't want to go down that path. Creating an U19 league which allowed the use of overage players and enabling cooperation agreements were seen as the next best options, but they actually work against one another as some clubs see loans as more appropriate for their best players than have their development limited to continued youth football.

 

It's well recognised that only a small percentage of kids will actually make it at their home club, so why do the SFA and the clubs want to retain so many players in their late teens when so few have a chance of having a career in the game.

[Diego10]

10 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

It highlights a number of general points that have been made on other threads.

 

Clubs' recruitment policies seemingly ignoring home grown players, teams selected with no Scots in them.  Then there's implied criticism of the structure of youth football to facilitate the transition into senior football. Yes, there are avenues available in U19 / B Team / Cooperation Agreements, but with clubs like Aberdeen and Dundee choosing which, if any, options they use, there is a dearth of fixtures / playing time.

 

Cost was the main issue behind Queen's Park closing their academy, while a mixture of cost and relocation issues resulted in Hamilton closing their academy. Their withdrawal from the new U17 and U19 elite setup means fewer games for the remaining clubs.

 

The SFA wanted to open up the pyramid to B teams, but the majority of clubs indicated that they didn't want to go down that path. Creating an U19 league which allowed the use of overage players and enabling cooperation agreements were seen as the next best options, but they actually work against one another as some clubs see loans as more appropriate for their best players than have their development limited to continued youth football.

 

It's well recognised that only a small percentage of kids will actually make it at their home club, so why do the SFA and the clubs want to retain so many players in their late teens when so few have a chance of having a career in the game.

I'm no saying there aren't any issues.   I just thought the article did nothing bar list a few issues,  but without having anything useful to say about it or any kind of coherent thread.   It's all over the place.

 

I appreciate it it's for the Daily Record but it's just a grab bag of lots of things that didn't hang together. 

[hmfc_liam06]

24 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Clubs' recruitment policies seemingly ignoring home grown players, teams selected with no Scots in them. 

 

The Old Firm have been neglecting youth for years but Dundee United do it once and all of a sudden it's a huge issue...

 

I hope the lad sticks around, the correlation between 100+ games at senior level in Scotland and having further success is no coincidence. Billy Gilmour is about the only one I can think of who's left for English youth leagues and made a significant career for himself.

[FIGJAM]

1 hour ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Whether this boy does the business for us (or anyone else) depends entirely on two things: 1. The player himself and 2. His family/friends.

 

Story as old as time. If he’s a wee ned with a billy big baws attitude that has mates doing illegal drugs etc before the age of 18 that he stays loyal to, or a family that lead him down the wrong path (agent) and proclaim him to be the next Messi before he’s kicked a professional football, he’ll fail. As would all players. And unfortunately it’s more common in Scotland than most places around the world it seems.

 

If though, he has a good network around him and has been brought up right (see James Wilson) he could make it. Again, with us or anyone else. People can say talent will trump any other circumstances, but in this country especially with the ned, drinking, drug culture etc the chances of players making it are slim. No coincidence the players that do make it have either good networks around them or they’ve moved away from their network to clubs that deal with academy prospects properly. Or closer to home the likes of Ferguson and Lennon can be named, but it’s different being from a football family. They have the connections, but also people who can talk about how easy it is to not make it and can light a fire up their arse.

I wouldn't disagree with both your points, but I think there is a third thing that is more important. That is the First Team Mgr.

I am said a few things already about this but the Academy is producing, has produced and will continue to produce. Once a footballer gets to 16 he can sign a Pro deal in Scotland. Many, if not all, are not good enough to go into the First Team. Hearts have been really lucky that under Naisy, Foxy and NC you had managers who gave youth a chance. I always thought Naisy was too harsh in having Tait on the bench 25 times before getting his first chance. I also thought Naisy was too slow giving a Pollock a chance last season as he was just ripping it up with the B Team. But Naisy gave Wilson his chance at Spartans in the Cup, when it was much easier to keep Tagawa on. NC really gave the boy his chance, maybe forced by the lack of options.

I would argue when a player gets his first professional contract it is manainly down to the First Team manager - because if you good enough, and lets face it you might get one every two or three years, it is the opportunity from the first team manager that for me makes the crucial difference.

As written by many, there is a pyramid in football and Hearts can not compete on money and other things. What is in their gift, is a fast track pathway to first team football for the right individual. If Keir meets the threshold, which by all accounts he does, then you hope it is the First Team manager doing what he can to make him stay.

It is well known in football circles DM has little history in this - Watson has much better than what he had and Wales was bounced from pillar to post under him. Would be delighted to be proven wrong, but sadly I don't see McMeekin or Kelloch staying as they won't be afforded the same opportunity. The size of the squad DM has so far built makes it even harder, although I do imagine there will be a lot of movement out the door in the next few weeks, which will help.

I do feel sorry for Andy Webster and his staff, as they can be the best and produce top top prospects like Keir, but to have any chance of keeping them, they need an accelerated pathway to First Team. Hopefully DM is that man.

[Der Kaiser]

Brighton interest now on the BBC gossip page.

 

Well done Kickback!

 

[BackOfTheNet]

42 minutes ago, FIGJAM said:

I wouldn't disagree with both your points, but I think there is a third thing that is more important. That is the First Team Mgr.

I am said a few things already about this but the Academy is producing, has produced and will continue to produce. Once a footballer gets to 16 he can sign a Pro deal in Scotland. Many, if not all, are not good enough to go into the First Team. Hearts have been really lucky that under Naisy, Foxy and NC you had managers who gave youth a chance. I always thought Naisy was too harsh in having Tait on the bench 25 times before getting his first chance. I also thought Naisy was too slow giving a Pollock a chance last season as he was just ripping it up with the B Team. But Naisy gave Wilson his chance at Spartans in the Cup, when it was much easier to keep Tagawa on. NC really gave the boy his chance, maybe forced by the lack of options.

I would argue when a player gets his first professional contract it is manainly down to the First Team manager - because if you good enough, and lets face it you might get one every two or three years, it is the opportunity from the first team manager that for me makes the crucial difference.

As written by many, there is a pyramid in football and Hearts can not compete on money and other things. What is in their gift, is a fast track pathway to first team football for the right individual. If Keir meets the threshold, which by all accounts he does, then you hope it is the First Team manager doing what he can to make him stay.

It is well known in football circles DM has little history in this - Watson has much better than what he had and Wales was bounced from pillar to post under him. Would be delighted to be proven wrong, but sadly I don't see McMeekin or Kelloch staying as they won't be afforded the same opportunity. The size of the squad DM has so far built makes it even harder, although I do imagine there will be a lot of movement out the door in the next few weeks, which will help.

I do feel sorry for Andy Webster and his staff, as they can be the best and produce top top prospects like Keir, but to have any chance of keeping them, they need an accelerated pathway to First Team. Hopefully DM is that man.

Fair point, McInnes hasn’t the best track record of bringing through youth and we’re already seeing Wilson being limited in minutes despite producing when he has played in the cup.

[Nookie Bear]

55 minutes ago, FIGJAM said:

I wouldn't disagree with both your points, but I think there is a third thing that is more important. That is the First Team Mgr.

I am said a few things already about this but the Academy is producing, has produced and will continue to produce. Once a footballer gets to 16 he can sign a Pro deal in Scotland. Many, if not all, are not good enough to go into the First Team. Hearts have been really lucky that under Naisy, Foxy and NC you had managers who gave youth a chance. I always thought Naisy was too harsh in having Tait on the bench 25 times before getting his first chance. I also thought Naisy was too slow giving a Pollock a chance last season as he was just ripping it up with the B Team. But Naisy gave Wilson his chance at Spartans in the Cup, when it was much easier to keep Tagawa on. NC really gave the boy his chance, maybe forced by the lack of options.

I would argue when a player gets his first professional contract it is manainly down to the First Team manager - because if you good enough, and lets face it you might get one every two or three years, it is the opportunity from the first team manager that for me makes the crucial difference.

As written by many, there is a pyramid in football and Hearts can not compete on money and other things. What is in their gift, is a fast track pathway to first team football for the right individual. If Keir meets the threshold, which by all accounts he does, then you hope it is the First Team manager doing what he can to make him stay.

It is well known in football circles DM has little history in this - Watson has much better than what he had and Wales was bounced from pillar to post under him. Would be delighted to be proven wrong, but sadly I don't see McMeekin or Kelloch staying as they won't be afforded the same opportunity. The size of the squad DM has so far built makes it even harder, although I do imagine there will be a lot of movement out the door in the next few weeks, which will help.

I do feel sorry for Andy Webster and his staff, as they can be the best and produce top top prospects like Keir, but to have any chance of keeping them, they need an accelerated pathway to First Team. Hopefully DM is that man.

 

True but i don't see McInness being here by the time Keir is 18 so he probably should't base his choice of team on the 1st team manager when he's still some way off.

 

(Simply based on the usual timeline of managers in the game, not because McInnes is under pressure)

[Bob Loblaw]

1 hour ago, Diego10 said:

Without having anything useful to say about it or any kind of coherent thread.   It's all over the place.

 

First time reading a Scott Burns article?

[BackOfTheNet]

Hoping this is just a bitter Killie fan and not something more ominous

 

 

[OTT]

15 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Hoping this is just a bitter Killie fan and not something more ominous

 

 

 

Watson played 42 times last season, 2550 minutes.

 

Wales played 34 times with 1691 minutes.

 

I can remember at one of the Killie games last season, their fans were screaming for Wales to come on. I'm honestly not sure Watson was under utilised, because that looks to be an average of 60 minutes a game. Wales obviously a lot less, but he's also just broke through that season, and give he immediately took the move to Swansea, I wonder if McInnes has clocked this, and not saw a future playing him? - Why give valuable minutes to a work in progress that is going to leave anyway? 

 

Not sure that clarifies much  - My gut feeling is that McInnes isn't charitable with minutes with youngsters, but he's also not Robbie Neilson either. If youngsters can demonstrate enough work ethic, they'll get an opportunity. Alfie Osborne was knocking on the door at the end of last season (not literally, before anyone starts rumours) so I'd assume he must be close to getting that debut appearance once McInnes has bedded in the newer guys. On paper he'd be a great sub option for McEntee (both big physical midfielders). 

[Chuck Berry]

12 hours ago, FIGJAM said:

I wouldn't disagree with both your points, but I think there is a third thing that is more important. That is the First Team Mgr.

I am said a few things already about this but the Academy is producing, has produced and will continue to produce. Once a footballer gets to 16 he can sign a Pro deal in Scotland. Many, if not all, are not good enough to go into the First Team. Hearts have been really lucky that under Naisy, Foxy and NC you had managers who gave youth a chance. I always thought Naisy was too harsh in having Tait on the bench 25 times before getting his first chance. I also thought Naisy was too slow giving a Pollock a chance last season as he was just ripping it up with the B Team. But Naisy gave Wilson his chance at Spartans in the Cup, when it was much easier to keep Tagawa on. NC really gave the boy his chance, maybe forced by the lack of options.

I would argue when a player gets his first professional contract it is manainly down to the First Team manager - because if you good enough, and lets face it you might get one every two or three years, it is the opportunity from the first team manager that for me makes the crucial difference.

As written by many, there is a pyramid in football and Hearts can not compete on money and other things. What is in their gift, is a fast track pathway to first team football for the right individual. If Keir meets the threshold, which by all accounts he does, then you hope it is the First Team manager doing what he can to make him stay.

It is well known in football circles DM has little history in this - Watson has much better than what he had and Wales was bounced from pillar to post under him. Would be delighted to be proven wrong, but sadly I don't see McMeekin or Kelloch staying as they won't be afforded the same opportunity. The size of the squad DM has so far built makes it even harder, although I do imagine there will be a lot of movement out the door in the next few weeks, which will help.

I do feel sorry for Andy Webster and his staff, as they can be the best and produce top top prospects like Keir, but to have any chance of keeping them, they need an accelerated pathway to First Team. Hopefully DM is that man.

 

You banging the "DM doesn't give youth a chance" drum again?

[Marco1984]

16 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Watson played 42 times last season, 2550 minutes.

 

Wales played 34 times with 1691 minutes.

 

I can remember at one of the Killie games last season, their fans were screaming for Wales to come on. I'm honestly not sure Watson was under utilised, because that looks to be an average of 60 minutes a game. Wales obviously a lot less, but he's also just broke through that season, and give he immediately took the move to Swansea, I wonder if McInnes has clocked this, and not saw a future playing him? - Why give valuable minutes to a work in progress that is going to leave anyway? 

 

Not sure that clarifies much  - My gut feeling is that McInnes isn't charitable with minutes with youngsters, but he's also not Robbie Neilson either. If youngsters can demonstrate enough work ethic, they'll get an opportunity. Alfie Osborne was knocking on the door at the end of last season (not literally, before anyone starts rumours) so I'd assume he must be close to getting that debut appearance once McInnes has bedded in the newer guys. On paper he'd be a great sub option for McEntee (both big physical midfielders). 

 

I remember when they beat us down there with ten men. Pretty sure Wales started and was sacrificed after the red..........fans were audibly not happy!! Panned out to be the right call by Delboy that day.

[comradejambo]

Apologies if already seen but saw the attached. Deflating if true! Makes you question the point of the academy (and yes I get some may stay) 
 

https://www.instagram.com/share/p/_ixVwmCpu

[Locky]

Is this the laddie we weren't supposed to talk about incase big clubs scouts read JKB?

 

Bugger, I guess they were right.

[Jamboross]

25 minutes ago, comradejambo said:

Apologies if already seen but saw the attached. Deflating if true! Makes you question the point of the academy (and yes I get some may stay) 
 

https://www.instagram.com/share/p/_ixVwmCpu

 

Does it not prove the academy works if it's producing players that are being targeted by elite clubs? It's frustrating that so many choose to go to, and likely get lost in, the English youth system rather than try and break into our senior team but there's not really much the club can do about that and it's certainly not a reason to just pack it in. If the club can grow under Bloom and become more successful then you'd hope that sticking around and taking the Hickey (and potentially Wilson) route would become a more attractive proposition for the youngsters. 

[comradejambo]

4 minutes ago, Jamboross said:

 

Does it not prove the academy works if it's producing players that are being targeted by elite clubs? It's frustrating that so many choose to go to, and likely get lost in, the English youth system rather than try and break into our senior team but there's not really much the club can do about that and it's certainly not a reason to just pack it in. If the club can grow under Bloom and become more successful then you'd hope that sticking around and taking the Hickey (and potentially Wilson) route would become a more attractive proposition for the youngsters. 

Yep you are right! Very frustrating if the best ones go before we can benefit significantly though! 

[brownkg]

Another Brexit bonus whereby English clubs are unable to target European youngsters and are more focused on the domestic markets thus hoovering up young talent before it can get established in Scottish football.
Hope it works out for the lad and he goes on to have a good career.. Sadly HMFC will not really benefit from it.

[Smithian]

2 hours ago, Jamboross said:

 

Does it not prove the academy works if it's producing players that are being targeted by elite clubs? It's frustrating that so many choose to go to, and likely get lost in, the English youth system rather than try and break into our senior team but there's not really much the club can do about that and it's certainly not a reason to just pack it in. If the club can grow under Bloom and become more successful then you'd hope that sticking around and taking the Hickey (and potentially Wilson) route would become a more attractive proposition for the youngsters. 

This is a brutal loss if true, and I still agree with you. 

 

"We will produce players Man City want" is a great endorsement of the academy

 

Hearts just have to keep growing as a club to narrow gap. I don't think we can realistically ever hope to hold off City Football Group, but we can grow to keep having a better shot fighting off lower EPL clubs

Edited September 23, 2025 by Smithian

[kingantti1874]

It’s very annoying. Of course we want to see these lads come go on to great things but not before a single first team appearance.  Financially we’d be better throwing £2m per annum at Jamestown signings.  There should be a limit on players a club can sign to stop teams like city hoovering up everyone. 

[Craig_]

5 hours ago, Locky said:

Is this the laddie we weren't supposed to talk about incase big clubs scouts read JKB?

 

Bugger, I guess they were right.

 

No, that was a different player. 

[boag1874]

Very frustrating if true, doesn’t sound like we’ve much chance this time. Hope he doesn’t get lost in the English system like so many others 

[SIWYPod]

5 hours ago, Jamboross said:

 

Does it not prove the academy works if it's producing players that are being targeted by elite clubs? It's frustrating that so many choose to go to, and likely get lost in, the English youth system rather than try and break into our senior team but there's not really much the club can do about that and it's certainly not a reason to just pack it in. If the club can grow under Bloom and become more successful then you'd hope that sticking around and taking the Hickey (and potentially Wilson) route would become a more attractive proposition for the youngsters. 

 

This is exactly the point of an academy.  Not every player will make the first team breakthrough with us.  Some will, but the majority will either drop down the Scottish football pyramid, or head down South and do the same there.  Issue he'll face with going to City is there will be players at that level that are twice the player he is at his age. 

 

However I'm sure the financial benefits (albeit not on a full time professional contract basis) will be huge for his family - Max Dowman of Arsenal - he's 15, doesn't get paid a wage by the club, however the club pay all his expenses and give his family an "allowance" type of setup - even with that I'd assume Keir would be getting far more than what we offer financially. 

 

Say he goes there and signs a youth contract for 3 years? by 18 he'll either have made the breakthrough (unlikely due to their record with youth players - although in fairness it seems to have got better the last couple of seasons) or he'll get released and drop to a more suitable level for him.  Annoying thing about that scenario is we'd get heehaw in terms of sell on clauses as he'd be a free agent. 

 

I get some peoples frustrations about the academy "what's the point if it doesn't have a pathway to first team football" etc... fact is, a majority of players that come out of the academy and find first team football at some level - just not necessarily with us. Is it annoying to hear a young highly thought of player is leaving before we get a chance to see him actually play? Yes... but it happens every year.  As you say with the potential for us to grow, you'd hope that these youngsters want to stick around for a little bit prior to making that jump - Wilson a prime example (however personally I don't think he'll go on to hit the heights that some believe he will). 

[Mikey1874]

33 minutes ago, SIWYPod said:

 

This is exactly the point of an academy.  Not every player will make the first team breakthrough with us.  Some will, but the majority will either drop down the Scottish football pyramid, or head down South and do the same there.  Issue he'll face with going to City is there will be players at that level that are twice the player he is at his age. 

 

However I'm sure the financial benefits (albeit not on a full time professional contract basis) will be huge for his family - Max Dowman of Arsenal - he's 15, doesn't get paid a wage by the club, however the club pay all his expenses and give his family an "allowance" type of setup - even with that I'd assume Keir would be getting far more than what we offer financially. 

 

Say he goes there and signs a youth contract for 3 years? by 18 he'll either have made the breakthrough (unlikely due to their record with youth players - although in fairness it seems to have got better the last couple of seasons) or he'll get released and drop to a more suitable level for him.  Annoying thing about that scenario is we'd get heehaw in terms of sell on clauses as he'd be a free agent. 

 

I get some peoples frustrations about the academy "what's the point if it doesn't have a pathway to first team football" etc... fact is, a majority of players that come out of the academy and find first team football at some level - just not necessarily with us. Is it annoying to hear a young highly thought of player is leaving before we get a chance to see him actually play? Yes... but it happens every year.  As you say with the potential for us to grow, you'd hope that these youngsters want to stick around for a little bit prior to making that jump - Wilson a prime example (however personally I don't think he'll go on to hit the heights that some believe he will). 

 

Man City's approach (see also Chelsea) is mass of young players they hopefully sell later. Even £1 million fee makes it worth it for them. Not taking him thinking he'll ever play for them. 

[bigdav]

Just now, Mikey1874 said:

 

Man City's approach (see also Chelsea) is mass of young players they hopefully sell later. Even £1 million fee makes it worth it for them. Not taking him thinking he'll ever play for them. 

That's why it's better going down the Hickey and Wilson route- get established- good few games under your belt and get a decent move- compare to Marc Leonard- had one season with Northampton- now on the periphery at Birmingham. 

[spacerjoe]

1 hour ago, kingantti1874 said:

It’s very annoying. Of course we want to see these lads come go on to great things but not before a single first team appearance.  Financially we’d be better throwing £2m per annum at Jamestown signings.  There should be a limit on players a club can sign to stop teams like city hoovering up everyone. 

The academy is part of the club's soul - Bloom gets that.

 

We need to get successful enough that staying with us becomes a more viable option.

 

We keep producing this level of talent and eventually some will break through to our first team earlier - but we also need to be prepared to play them. Hickey is a great example. Levein, for all his faults, was good at believing in young players.

 

It's all progress. Developing the standard we need is just the first step.

 

 

 

 

[Captain Sausage]

How much do we spent per annum on the youth team? Coach salaries, scouting costs, player allowances, overheads associated with the youth team (pitch hire, facility hire, catering, etc.)?

 

I get the argument that it's good for the community for us to provide a youth team, but the reality is that any half-decent player is almost certain to head south at the first opportunity. Look at Hibs youth team that had that Euro run a couple of years ago, the team was basically stripped by Premier League teams for a pittance.

 

So if any potential youth player good enough to play for the first team is taken by English youth teams, it leaves us with players who will not play at a level above Hearts (Tait, Forrester, Cochrane, etc.) with the very occasional breakthrough player (like Hickey, Wilson). Although I'd argue, in the case of the latter, he's simply not going to be good enough to dislodge the improving cast of JTA incomers.

 

That should leave us with a very genuine question - why bother? Spend the (I assume) seven figure sum we invest in better players for the first team...

 

Otherwise, is it a case that the FoH monies are effectively covering the youth team?

[davemclaren]

1 hour ago, Craig_ said:

 

No, that was a different player. 

Ssshh, don't tell him Pike. 

[Footballfirst]

Re the other lad mentioned in the Instagram post, Caelan Cadamarteri, Man City paid Sheffield Wednesday £1.5m for him. He is slightly older than Keir (Nov 2009 as opposed to Feb 2010).

Edited September 23, 2025 by Footballfirst

[SIWYPod]

23 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

 

Man City's approach (see also Chelsea) is mass of young players they hopefully sell later. Even £1 million fee makes it worth it for them. Not taking him thinking he'll ever play for them. 

Agreed, however for every player that they sell for even £1million (which is pocket change for them) there are 5-6 that don't make it and inevitably get released. I'm just looking at it from our perspective.  We'll get pennies of compensation when he moves on now, you'd ideally want some sort of sell on % so if Man City do sell him, we at least see some comeback from that - however if he is in the bracket of players that don't make the cut and end up released, we'll see nothing. 

[LSC]

If he ever plays for Man City I’ll show my arse in the hearts shop window 

[JimmyCant]

25 minutes ago, spacerjoe said:

The academy is part of the club's soul - Bloom gets that.

 

We need to get successful enough that staying with us becomes a more viable option.

 

We keep producing this level of talent and eventually some will break through to our first team earlier - but we also need to be prepared to play them. Hickey is a great example. Levein, for all his faults, was good at believing in young players.

 

It's all progress. Developing the standard we need is just the first step.

 

 

 

 

For me, JTA has completely cut off any route that might have existed for a young player to establish himself in Hearts first team. Look at Wilson for an example of what I mean. On the verge of being an automatic choice not so long ago he’s been usurped by 3 or 4 players we’ve signed and he’s gone backwards significantly in the pecking order, so much so that I believe he’ll let his contract run out and go somewhere else for nothing.(development fees apart) 

 

There is no benefit whatever to the club in developing young players when the priority at the club is the JTA  model as we’re using it. We don’t gain financially and we don’t grow our own first team players.

 

It might be temporary of course but the structure of Scottish football below first team level isn’t helping either. The leap from age group football to first team football is huge and the loan system isn’t working either. See Kirk and Tait as examples of that. Both had very good loan spells but came back still nowhere near the first team

 

Ive advocated scrapping the academy for a good few years now. It’s a complete and utter waste of money, especially now with what we’re doing with JTA

Edited September 23, 2025 by JimmyCant

[Martin_T]

14 minutes ago, LSC said:

If he ever plays for Man City I’ll show my arse in the hearts shop window 

Problem is that the young lad and his family are probably financially secure for life, without him ever needing to play a first team minute for Manchester City.

 

He could stay with Hearts and only be a bad injury away from never making it anyway. It's very difficult for young guys when put in this situation. 

[Mikey1874]

2 minutes ago, JimmyCant said:

For me, JTA has completely cut off any route that might have existed for a young player to establish himself in Hearts first team. Look at Wilson for an example of what I mean. On the verge of being an automatic choice not so long ago he’s been usurped by 3 or 4 players we’ve signed and he’s gone backwards significantly in the pecking order, so much so that I believe he’ll let his contract run out and go somewhere else for nothing.

 

There is no benefit whatever to the club in developing young players when the priority at the club is the JTA  model as we’re using it. We don’t gain financially and we don’t grow our own first team players.

 

It might be temporary of course but the structure of Scottish football below first team level isn’t helping either. The leap from age group football to first team football is huge and the loan system isn’t working either. See Kirk and Tait as examples of that. Both had very good loan spells but came back still nowhere near the first team

 

Ive advocated scrapping the academy for a good few years now. It’s a complete and utter waste of money, especially now with what we’re doing with JTA

 

Brighton & Hove Albion's youth academy (often referred to as the "Seagulls" academy) has a strong reputation for developing talent, particularly since the opening of their Category 1 academy at Lancing in 2014. Many graduates have progressed to first-team appearances in competitive matches (Premier League, Championship, cups, etc.). Below is a list of notable ones, focusing on those with significant impact or recent prominence, sorted roughly by debut year (descending). This is not exhaustive, as there are dozens over the club's history, but it highlights key players based on appearances and achievements. Data draws from club records, Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, and recent reports.

 

Players like White, Lamptey, and Sánchez have fetched over £100m in transfer fees combined, funding the club's model of buying low and selling high.

Tariq Lamptey
Right-back
2020
Joined academy at 8; 36 appearances for Brighton; known for pace and versatility; England youth international.
Newcastle United (transferred 2024)

 

Ben White
Centre-back
2019
Academy from age 7; 53 appearances; key in promotion to PL; sold for £50m.
Arsenal (transferred 2021)

 

Aaron Connolly
Forward
2019
Joined at 9; 49 appearances, 13 goals; Ireland international.
VVV-Venlo (on loan from Hull City)

 

Dan Burn
Centre-back
2019
Academy product; 62 appearances; physical presence in defense.
Newcastle United (transferred 2022)

 

Robert Sánchez
Goalkeeper
2018
Joined at 17; 59 appearances; Spain international; sold for £25m.
Chelsea (transferred 2023)
Ezequiel Schelotto
Right-back
2018
Brief academy stint; 10 appearances; versatile wing-back.
Independiente (transferred 2019)

 

Leo Ostigard
Centre-back
2021
Academy from 2017; 35 appearances; Norway international.
Rennes (transferred 2024)
 

Jack Hinshelwood
Midfielder/Defender
2023
Son of former player Paul; debuted at 18; 20+ appearances; England U21.
Brighton (first team)

 

Facundo Buonanotte
Attacking Midfielder
2023
Joined academy 2021; 30+ appearances; Argentina U20.
Leicester City (on loan from Brighton)

 

Evan Ferguson
Forward
2023
Academy from age 9; 60+ appearances, 15 goals; Ireland international.
Brighton (first team)

 

João Pedro
Forward
2023
Brief academy integration post-transfer; 50+ appearances (debuted shortly after joining).
Brighton (first team)

 

Valentin Barco
Left-back
2024
Joined as teen; quick first-team integration; Argentina U23.
Brighton (first team)

 

Julio Enciso
Forward
2022
Paraguay international; 40+ appearances, known for flair.
Brighton (first team)

 

James Furlong
Left-back
2022
Academy graduate; 5+ appearances; Ireland U21.
Brighton (first team/loans)

 

Jack Hinchy
Goalkeeper
2022
Debut in EFL Cup; promising backup.
Brighton (first team)

 

Cameron Peupion
Midfielder
2022
Australia U23; 10+ appearances off the bench.
Brighton (first team/loans)

 

Jarrad Branthwaite
Centre-back
2020
Everton (transferred 2020)

 

Romell Quiot
Forward
2024
French youth international; recent debut.
Brighton (first team)

 

Caiden Owen
Winger
2024
Wales U19; cup debut.
Brighton (first team)
 

 

 

[jock _turd]

Sadly the Hearts academy is a waste of club resources. We have had so few come through and actually stay on and play for the team. Any normal business would have stopped ploughing money in long ago. On the other hand is it just a merry go round ? I am sure that we will have taken players from other teams academies so maybe there is a function there after all?

[OTT]

This is killing our national team 

[RudiSkacelsLeftPeg]

7 hours ago, Locky said:

Is this the laddie we weren't supposed to talk about incase big clubs scouts read JKB?

 

Bugger, I guess they were right.

😂😂😂😂 

 

This place! 😂

[Fraggle]

That's the cut throat nature of youth football, unfortunately. Personally, I'd scrap the Academy, just fighting an ever losing battle with the OF and English clubs. 

[westbow]

Man City and Chelsea seem to be among the worst offenders. Buy cheap, hoard talent, profit later. Individuals after a few years , if they are good, join the loan army, if very good get sold at a profit or kept on. The teams they are hoovered up from get small compensation. 

[Shanks]

Be the last we hear of that name then. Bye bye. 

[stuart500]

I thought he was linked with Brighton at one point? Maybe just paper chat because of the Bloom connection. 

 

I suppose him going to Brighton might have given us more chance of seeing the laddie in a Hearts first team strip if we could get a loan deal in a year or so.

 

Ah well 🥺

[Craig_]

18 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

 

Brighton & Hove Albion's youth academy (often referred to as the "Seagulls" academy) has a strong reputation for developing talent, particularly since the opening of their Category 1 academy at Lancing in 2014. Many graduates have progressed to first-team appearances in competitive matches (Premier League, Championship, cups, etc.). Below is a list of notable ones, focusing on those with significant impact or recent prominence, sorted roughly by debut year (descending). This is not exhaustive, as there are dozens over the club's history, but it highlights key players based on appearances and achievements. Data draws from club records, Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, and recent reports.

 

Players like White, Lamptey, and Sánchez have fetched over £100m in transfer fees combined, funding the club's model of buying low and selling high.

Tariq Lamptey
Right-back
2020
Joined academy at 8; 36 appearances for Brighton; known for pace and versatility; England youth international.
Newcastle United (transferred 2024)

 

Ben White
Centre-back
2019
Academy from age 7; 53 appearances; key in promotion to PL; sold for £50m.
Arsenal (transferred 2021)

 

Aaron Connolly
Forward
2019
Joined at 9; 49 appearances, 13 goals; Ireland international.
VVV-Venlo (on loan from Hull City)

 

Dan Burn
Centre-back
2019
Academy product; 62 appearances; physical presence in defense.
Newcastle United (transferred 2022)

 

Robert Sánchez
Goalkeeper
2018
Joined at 17; 59 appearances; Spain international; sold for £25m.
Chelsea (transferred 2023)
Ezequiel Schelotto
Right-back
2018
Brief academy stint; 10 appearances; versatile wing-back.
Independiente (transferred 2019)

 

Leo Ostigard
Centre-back
2021
Academy from 2017; 35 appearances; Norway international.
Rennes (transferred 2024)
 

Jack Hinshelwood
Midfielder/Defender
2023
Son of former player Paul; debuted at 18; 20+ appearances; England U21.
Brighton (first team)

 

Facundo Buonanotte
Attacking Midfielder
2023
Joined academy 2021; 30+ appearances; Argentina U20.
Leicester City (on loan from Brighton)

 

Evan Ferguson
Forward
2023
Academy from age 9; 60+ appearances, 15 goals; Ireland international.
Brighton (first team)

 

João Pedro
Forward
2023
Brief academy integration post-transfer; 50+ appearances (debuted shortly after joining).
Brighton (first team)

 

Valentin Barco
Left-back
2024
Joined as teen; quick first-team integration; Argentina U23.
Brighton (first team)

 

Julio Enciso
Forward
2022
Paraguay international; 40+ appearances, known for flair.
Brighton (first team)

 

James Furlong
Left-back
2022
Academy graduate; 5+ appearances; Ireland U21.
Brighton (first team/loans)

 

Jack Hinchy
Goalkeeper
2022
Debut in EFL Cup; promising backup.
Brighton (first team)

 

Cameron Peupion
Midfielder
2022
Australia U23; 10+ appearances off the bench.
Brighton (first team/loans)

 

Jarrad Branthwaite
Centre-back
2020
Everton (transferred 2020)

 

Romell Quiot
Forward
2024
French youth international; recent debut.
Brighton (first team)

 

Caiden Owen
Winger
2024
Wales U19; cup debut.
Brighton (first team)
 

 

 

 

So £75m+ in the bank and several first teamers? Sounds like a decent return on investment.

 

What we need to do as a club is ensure we become an attractive enough option for young players to stay on, so surely the key is to develop the academy's facilities and make sure we're producing young players who're good enough for the first team.

 

Besides, both Tony Bloom and James Anderson are massively focused on the community aspect of the club, so closing the academy is never going to happen.

[westbow]

So I guess the only way we can benefit from the academy  is by sticking by youth players the bigger teams don’t fancy and turn out to be late bloomers. 

[Mikey1874]

1 minute ago, Craig_ said:

 

So £75m+ in the bank and several first teamers? Sounds like a decent return on investment.

 

What we need to do as a club is ensure we become an attractive enough option for young players to stay on, so surely the key is to develop the academy's facilities and make sure we're producing young players who're good enough for the first team.

 

Besides, both Tony Bloom and James Anderson are massively focused on the community aspect of the club, so closing the academy is never going to happen.

 

To be fair USG's recent success has involved less use of their academy and more reliance on international signings.