Home-Grown Quota; Success or Not for the Toffees?

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore has introduced a quota on home-grown players from next season, ultimately focusing on the development of the youth to filter the national team in the coming years.

In agreeing to a quota from the beginning of the 2010-11 season, Premier League clubs have been guided by Uefa’s interest in the development of young players.

“As of next season clubs will be required to have a squad named of up to 25 players, of which no more than 17 can be over the age of 21 and not home grown,” said Scudamore.

“The definition of home grown is trained for three years under the age of 21 by somebody in the English and Welsh professional system.

“Clubs will have to declare their 25 at the end of August when the window shuts and then again at the end of January.”

I argue that its greatest benefactors will be sides such as Everton, who continue to produce and promote local gems. The fostering of academy graduates, in an environment where they have been given the opportunity to excel, will now pay dividends.

A view that Scudamore seems to share, “It’s a rule which we think will give clubs an extra incentive to develop players, and to make a better return from their investment in youth.

“Make, rather than buy, is our intention.”

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe also chimed in on the debate and threw his support behind the new ruling.

“These moves will encourage clubs to develop and bring through young talent and help ensure clubs are financially stable,” he said.

According to a recent poll from the Professional Football Players’ Observatory, English clubs employ the highest proportion of expatriate players, with 59.2% coming from abroad.

Merseyside rivals Liverpool have the highest percentage in Europe of expatriate players within their squad, measuring a staggering 90%.

And with reports suggesting a few years more of limited financial activity on the horizon at Anfield, the bigger clubs may suffer the consequences of a policy that was centred on investing money on youth from abroad rather than having faith in Britain’s best.

A glance at Everton’s current squad shows that the Toffees would comfortably fit within the new rules. In addition to the 25-strong squad, clubs can also field any player under 21 years of age on 1 January in the year in which the season concerned commences (i.e. 2010).

Once named, the squad can be changed during transfer windows to cater for any new arrivals.

Currently, manager David Moyes has the rare luxury of considering the majority of his squad ‘Home-Grown’ talent, providing the real nucleus of the side.

Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, James Vaughan, Victor Anichebe, Dan Gosling, Phil Neville, Jack Rodwell and James Wallace make up a list of 11 players that automatically fall under this category.

Interestingly enough the Aussie pairing of Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill also qualify as they both served at least 3 years of apprenticeship in England before the age of 21. (This is of course my understanding of the new rule however I cannot guarantee they actually do qualify).      .

And the likes of youngsters Jose Baxter, Kieran Agard and even teenage imports Shkodran Mustafi and Shane Duffy will likely fit the criteria. This amasses a possible total of 17 ‘Home-Grown’ players, out of a squad of 25, meaning the Gaffer has plenty of options to work with next season, considering the Premier League insists on only eight ‘Home-Grown’ squad members.

Without harping on bitter rivals Liverpool too much, Goodison youngsters are not only there to make up the numbers, with the likes of Baines, Rodwell, Gosling, Anichebe, Vaughan proving crucial members in the Toffees success. Whereas conversely, Liverpool equivalent Stephen Darby, Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Nathan Eccleston and David Amoo have a combined total of zero starts in the Premier League.

All bodes well for those who adhere to the pleas from home for the continual emphasis on local talent over international poaching.

And considering this modification, perhaps there will also be a change in status next year, as the chasing pack look to bridge the gap on the ‘expatriate’ elite.