HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR YOUNG TALENT?

From the Echo......

ARSENE Wenger has paid tribute to the Saints academy system that produced Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.

The much respected Arsenal manager swooped for one of Saints’ hottest ever prospects in Walcott, paying what proved to be a total of £9.1m for him, and also admitted he was interested in Bale before he moved to North London rivals Spurs.

Walcott has gone on to establish himself as an England international and is now a regular member of the Gunners first team as they challenge for the Premier League title.

Bale’s performances for Spurs, particularly in the Champions League this season, have also made him one of the hottest prospects in world football.

Wenger praised the Saints academy system for producing the players and admitted he felt sorry for the club that they were not able to take advantage of the talent they helped create in their own team for a sustained period of time.

I think all the club can do is try and prevent young players' heads being turned, sit them down, talk to them, impress on them the importance of not doing too much too soon and telling 'big clubs' the player is not for sale at any price because Saints don't need the money.
However, if the young player in question - and/or his agent/parents - is adamant he will leave, then I don't think there is an awful lot the club can do except try and screw as much money out of the bigger club for the player as possible.

Have to agree there is not a lot the club can do especially with Agents whose own salary/income is dictated by transfer fees and players salaries. Surman will be a good example bound to be earning far more than Lallana but failed at Wolves with few opportunities (games total 4 as sub) and has played 4 games at Norwich. bet though he has earnt a fair bit in the 2 years since he left saints compared to Lallana.

Think all we can do is try and get to sign contracts early, renewing every year so always 2 years running so if/when we sell we get as much as we can. The other good point is we are known for our Academy so that will hopefully encourage more to come here.

For me that has to be the answer. Sign them as often as is necessary to keep them with lengthy contracts and pray that comments like those from Wenger keep youngsters wanting to come to us.