Originally posted by David Votoupal
Players like Darren Fletcher, Michael Stewart, Gareth Williams and James McFadden might suggest otherwise.
Note they all play in England, true the future of Scottish Soccer isn't that bad, but at the moment we are going though a stage of rebuilding, which hasn't been helped by the amount of overseas players in the SPL. In the past Rangers and Celtic either built from within or brought the best Scottish talent available at the other Scottish Clubs. In the late 80's and early 90's saw the arrival of the big name internationals and the young Scottish talent hardly got the chance they once got.
In the past 5 years however while the % of Scots playing the SPL hasn't improved, things off the field are forcing the smaller clubs into promoting the Scottish Youth. In the last 2 years both Rangers and Celtic have seen the need to invest in youth once again because both club have high debt. 3 years ago Rangers opened Murray Park, our multi million pound training and youth development centre and have hired the best available staff to coach the youth coming though.
Rangers have now got one of the best state of the art training grounds in Europe and are starting to see the youth come though into the 1st team. Celtic have plans to build a training ground/centre soon in a partnership with the Glasgow City Council (read the Council foot most of the cost involved while Celtic enjoy the benefits) however when that gets started is anyones guess with that mob.
Its also hearting that the SFA have finally decided to invest more cash into junior development than ever before and in the last year the smaller clubs have improved the youth development programs. We are starting to see the benefit of all this investment with the Under 21 team into the European U21 Championships Play off, for the first in a very long time.
The youth is impressive along with the above McFadden, Williams, Fletcher and Stewart. You have Ross, Neysmith, Webster, Liam Miller, Kenny Miller and a few others. Hopefully the amount of Scots at the big English clubs rises to what it once was, the Old Firm contiue to give the youth every chance to get into the 1st team, Scotland will improve.