COMMENTARY
Tottenham fans will already feel they are facing an uphill battle when it comes to snapping up future stars with the amount of competition on their doorstep in London – which is why the report from the Sun claiming Manchester City are planning a capital-based training ground has them fuming on Twitter. While there is no confirmation over whether it will be used solely for the senior team or whether it will offer youth facilities too, there is a fear that the reigning Premier League champions could start to poach the top young talent from under the noses of the London clubs which would obviously distort youth development across the country. There are few clubs who can compete with City financially and as such a training ground away from Manchester would potentially give them a huge advantage which cannot be copied. Rival clubs may echo the thoughts of the Spurs fans if plans are put forward and the Premier League and FA will have to decide whether it should be green lighted.
Absolutely nothing to do with being somewhere to stay when playing away and all about trying to poach the best youth talent from the South. Major selling point to parents that family won’t have to completely relocate up North when agreeing to join City. https://t.co/74kfBGRjEe
— Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite_Rose) November 26, 2018
I hate it. Hale End is 2 miles from WHL, our manor, a blatant attempt to tap into a tried and tested area. But swings and roundabouts, there is a strong argument that not having their academy in the same location as the Snr's is negative for creating a visible/tangible pathway.
— Guy Shelton (@GUYSHELTON) November 26, 2018
+ attracting some of the top talent in football who don’t like the idea of living in Manchester & see London as more attractive. All pro clubs in London would be at risk of losing their players, as train in London during week, only go to Manchester for game. Been discussed before
— Wozza (@wozza_step) November 27, 2018
Yep. It shouldn’t be allowed. It’s obvious what they are trying to do.
— Charlespurs (@Charlespurs) November 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/melwheeler1882/status/1067111068802183168
On the grounds of ethical fair play, the FA should threaten to ban the club from signing youth players within 180 miles radius.
— Spiggy ??????? (@SpiggyTope) November 26, 2018
So transparent. Really do have complete UK domination in their sights…
— SP (@Sach_PTL) November 26, 2018