Shez fears for the future of young talent
Reporter: Michael Yarwood
Date published: 09 September 2008
JOHN SHERIDAN has warned that the millions pouring into Athletic’s near neighbours Manchester City could cause long-term damage to the English game.
Sheridan fears the takeover by a mega-rich Abu Dhabi consortium will jeopardise the future of young domestic talent.
He explained: “City won the FA Youth Cup last season, so they’ve proved they have the best set-up in the country.
“The problem now is, if they want a first-team player they will just go out and buy one instead of looking at their own young lads.
“You can’t blame City for getting involved with this sort of money, but I can’t see their young players getting a chance.
“It might stand us in good stead here if we pick up one or two of their players, but in the long run it’s a worry.
“Do I think this sort of money is good for the game? No, it’s ridiculous, but I can see other clubs going the same way.
“I can see more billionaires coming into football, so it won’t end at Man City. There could be 10 more clubs taken over like this – and that’s not good.”
City, whose ground is less than eight miles from Boundary Park, have already smashed the British transfer record by signing Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5million.
And they are said to want an incredible list of stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres.
Athletic will be watching the situation closely as they have a vested interest through England defender Micah Richards, who has previously been linked with a move away from Eastlands.
Richards was in Athletic’s youth system until his early teens and they would receive 20-per-cent of any transfer fee – a potential windfall of at least £3million for the Boundary Park club.
OLDHAM Athletic Supporters’ Association are selling executive box places for the two Manchester Senior Cup ties at home to Stockport (on Wednesday September 24) and Bolton (September 30).
Both games kick off at 7pm and tickets costing £5, including potato pie supper, are available from Jeff Vernon (0161 678 9559) or the Athletic club shop.
