Another one who left us on a free due to the lack of a clear pathway is Mika Biereth. Very few people on this forum may know him, but he has broken several records in Ligue 1 — including becoming the first player in 70 years to score three hat-tricks in his first seven games. He also surpassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record for the most goals scored in his first seven Ligue 1 appearances, reaching 10 goals. Additionally, Biereth is currently the top scorer across the top five European leagues in 2025.
It feels pointless to invest in a great academy if we have a manager who doesn’t give young players a proper opportunity. In that context, can we really demand loyalty?
I still remember a moment from two seasons ago — Fulham vs already-relegated Leicester. Fulham were mid-table, playing for nothing, 4–1 up with around 10 minutes to go. Marco Silva brought on Shane Duffy, a 31-year-old defender on loan who had already confirmed he wouldn’t be staying beyond the season. Meanwhile, two academy boys remained unused on the bench. That sent a strong — and frankly disheartening — message to every young player in the academy.
It’s frankly embarrassing when people complain about players leaving for free, yet fail to recognise the environment that pushes them away.
Replies
Very few of the players from our academy become consistent starters in other teams. Our young players are just not good enough.
posted by The Time Is Now - Monday 12th May 2025, 4:37 PM
The Time Is Now .... I once heard an ex-Brazilian player and former football director say that people misunderstand the role of the academy. The main goal of the academy is actually to produce squad players, so the club doesn't need to spend money on transfer fees and high wages for average players. The money saved can then be used to improve the first eleven with higher-quality signings.
posted by Morpheus (Guest) - Monday 12th May 2025, 7:26 PM
Young players given a chance must come in and hit the ground running i think and really make an impact in the time they are on the pitch. Josh King and Godo spring to mind and Marco has used these two in limited game time. If a manager debut you on in the 85th minute you know you got 5 minutes to make an impact and this has never changed. If you are a slow burner and you need more time, then unfortunately your skills and talent will come out later rather than sooner. Wayne Rooney is a perfect example at Everton and it didn't take a long time to know Rooney was a lot more than ordinary.
posted by OWEN - Monday 12th May 2025, 10:59 PM
Never heard of him but quick check, it appears he’s just another Havey Elliot, who decided to dump Fulham for a bigger club for his first professional contract. I agree in principle, our records of losing great youth potential is not good but what can Fulham do when these so called big clubs come with a big contract offer to these blue eye kids. Sadly, we are a selling club and just a step in a steep ladder to the players and kids.
posted by JohnC (Guest) - Tuesday 13th May 2025, 8:30 AM
Let me be clear.
I am NOT a bees supporter.
Went to Henry Compton.
But the Bees don't have an academy and seem to have a knack of consistently plundering other clubs for exceptional players.
There is a long list of such players.
What we should consider is scrapping our academy and setting up a decent scouting team.
Talbot is clearly not up to it.
We will continue to lose our best young players to the Liverpools of this world.
We are nothing but a nursery for the big boys.
posted by Aussie Mal (Guest) - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 4:51 AM
Aussie Mal ... That is not correct. Brentford have re-established their academy. I’m also not sure if you are aware, but in order to participate in any UEFA competition, it is mandatory for a club to operate an academy; otherwise, they are not permitted to take part. I believe this regulation was introduced specifically to discourage owners and clubs from acting purely out of self-interest, without contributing to the wider football pyramid.
Let us not forget that our Under-21 side used to defeat Brentford’s team quite comfortably, on one occasion, Fulham won 6–1. I am therefore not entirely convinced of the quality of Brentford B. In fact, they did not even compete in a formal league; they only played friendlies, which is hardly the ideal system for developing young talent.
posted by Morpheus (Guest) - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 8:31 AM
JohnC ... Larger clubs typically compete in more competitions and tend to rotate their squads more frequently. They also provide significant playing time to younger players, particularly in less important fixtures or early rounds of cup competitions.
Fulham, however, appears reluctant to offer such opportunities, even in matches of lesser importance as demonstrated in the previously mentioned fixture against Leicester. Unfortunately, Fulham has one of the worst records when it comes to giving minutes to young players. In fact, it seems that not only within the Premier League, but across all European leagues, Fulham ranks among the lowest in terms of playing time allocated to academy graduates.
Given these circumstances, I personally find it difficult to blame young players for seeking opportunities elsewhere — even at bigger clubs, where they are more likely to gain valuable first-team experience.
posted by Morpheus (Guest) - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 9:04 AM
AUSSI MAL, you went to henries holiday camp , as did myself and Morty, what years??.
posted by the real arch bishop (Guest) - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 10:49 AM
It’s quite strange about biereth he was in our under 18s side what won the league forward line was very good we played 3 upfront with stanfield playing deep scored only about 8 but he was more a provider biereth played right centre scored 23 and Bowie played left centre scored 15. Biereth turned down our contract went to arsenal had l year in 21s the following year went to Motherwell on loan at some point arsenal released him .Silva would have done the same too young.
posted by Mick The Beard (Guest) - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 11:53 PM
Mick The Beard .... Actually, he was not released. Arsenal sold him to Sturm Graz for £9 million, and Sturm Graz then sold him to Monaco for £13 million. After being named the best signing in the French league, he is now worth more than £25 million. Let's face it — he is worth more than any forward Fulham currently has. In fact, he's more expensive than three of Fulham's first-team forwards combined. Do you think it's right that there was no pathway for him to the first team?
posted by Morpheus (Guest) - Saturday 17th May 2025, 3:27 PM