This has nothing to do with Stubbins, it's a club culture thing, longer than just GvE, or even Middleby. We have in the past continually signed aleague journeymen or other clubs unwanted players, rather than promote our own youngsters. I recognise that Chilli, Pepper, Hoole, Regz and Galloway have come from there, but it's the signing of players like Gibbs especially, when we could have promoted Bradbury (for example) who would have been both a local junior and not a coastie, plus wouldn't have cost us as much. We may not have an as good CB in the youth as whoever we're looking at, but surely the question should be asked, "Why aren't we producing as many players to supplement the first grade team as required?"
My point is why have a youth team if you're just going to ignore any players with potential and just sign journeymen to fill in the backup roles? I know that it's FFA mandated, but just seems like a waste. The youth team should be supplying these backup players, and if they're not, why not?







