‘A lot of work to do’ – Postecoglou discusses plans for the Tottenham academy

In his latest press conference, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has praised the work of the club’s academy director, Simon Davies, but insists there is still a long way to go before Spurs will have the kind of production line of talent it needs and deserves.

Over the years, the Spurs academy has produced a number of players that have made it through to the first team: Ledley King, Harry Winks, Harry Kane, and of course, current senior squad player, Oliver Skipp.

The Lilywhites also have highly rated youngsters like Dane Scarlett, Jamie Donley, and Alfie Dorrington coming through of late, all of whom appear to have bright futures at the club.

However, it cannot be ignored that Tottenham have had to dip into the transfer market to supplement that talent pool. Alfie Devine was signed at a young age from Wigan, while more recently, the likes of Ashley Phillips, Jude Soonsup-Bell, and Will Lankshear have all joined from outside.

Postecoglou wants more from the Spurs academy

Speaking to the press today (via Football.London), Ange Postecoglou touched on the situation regarding the club’s academy, and while he is happy enough with the work being put in, he makes it clear there is more to be done, and he also revealed how willing he is to give youth a chance at the very top.

He said: “I think we have a lot of work to do in our academy. Simon Davies has put a lot of emphasis there, I don’t think we have the current production line that other top clubs have and that’s why we are investing in other young players.

“My brief is around building first-team but you can do that while giving opportunities to others. We still have a lot of work to do at academy level but we have a great man there in Simon, he knows what is needed.

“This year has been better but in terms of a production line of young players, we’re still well behind other top clubs. Some of it is around methodology and also opportunity. If young players don’t get an opportunity, they might not come.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I think there has definitely been an improvement in the youth sides of late, but the balance of talent being grown at the club as opposed to importing players from other academies is still off and that needs to be rectified.