By Matt Smith
May 18 2015

Last week Massimo Cellino launched an attack on Leeds United's academy system, calling it too expensive saying that £1.2 million had been spent on paying academy players this year alone. That may be the case, but this threat to the system that created Gary Speed, Alan Smith, James Milner, Danny Rose and many, many more cannot be taken lightly. Neil Redfearn gave youth a chance this season and the repayed the favour by guiding Leeds to safety. We're going to look at how the Academy at Thorpe Arch saved Leeds United.

Sam Byram

The already established defender became undroppable this season, making 39 appearances and chipping in with three goals. The right-back, who was the subject of a £4.5 million bid from Southampton in August, was given the number 2 shirt this season and showed how much he deserved it with near-perfect performances. Liverpool are rumoured to be preparing an £8 million bid for the 21-year-old, with Redfearn begging United to fight to keep it's young starlets.

Lewis Cook

The Football League Young Apprentice of the Year and Leeds United Young Player of the Year has had an outstanding season in the famous white shirt. After making his debut against Millwall early on in the 2014-15 season Cook went from strength to strength, making 37 appearances for the first team. The central midfielder is reportedly the subject of a battle between the Premier League big dogs for his signature however last week he signed a 2 year contract extension and says he is more than happy at Elland Road. Hopefully he'll stick around!

Charlie Taylor

The 21-year-old established his place in the first team following the sale of Stephen Warnock in January. The left-back come left-winger made 22 appearances this season, scoring twice including one in the win over Sheffield Wednesday. Cellino has tried to take credit for his breakthrough to the first-team after claiming he sold Warnock without telling Redfearn. Charlie has stepped up to the plate and put in some very solid performances to cement his spot in the starting 11 and it seems Cellino is desperate to keep hold of him.

Alex Mowatt

This season's real stand out performer, Alex Mowatt, is another one of our outstanding Academy graduates. The first name on the team sheet nowadays, the 20-year-old made 38 appearances this season and was our second top scorer with 9 goals in the league. This season's Player of the Year will surely be the hardest of the lot to keep hold of, with reported interest from Hull City, who are reportedly preparing a £7 million bid should they remain in the Premier League which, fortunately, appears unlikely. 

Neil Redfearn 

The former Academy boss and current Head Coach has been at the helm of the Academy and helped the aforementioned players towards the first team. He ensured that the graduates were given a run in the first team and allowed to establish themselves. His trust was repaid as the lads ensured the clubs Championship status. It is looking increasingly unlikely that he'll be allowed to continue in his role or return to Thorpe Arch, but his work will not be forgotten.

How Cellino can attack the Academy is baffling given it's success in creating excellent players. The Yorkshire Evening Post described it as the 'heartbeat of the club', and at the Football Network we're inclined to agree.

The Academy helped to save our season and league status, now we have to save it.

How the Academy saved Leeds United

Discussion started by The Mighty Whites (IP Logged), 18/05/2015 15:54

The Mighty Whites
18/05/2015 15:54

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