Quick question... how much scouting of NZ players occurs here?
We have seen an increasing amount of young players head overseas, and a far better standard of player than previous generations, technically at least.
So are more teams/scouts coming here and having a look?
Would have to say that there are generally people out this way looking over us and trying to unearth young talent for clubs abroad. But by far and away our biggest exposure is players moving abroad after being scouted at youth World Cups/Olympics. Don't have the source, but I'm pretty sure that's how Bayern came knocking for Singh.
I'm sure there are others in the exact same boat, but that one springs to mind.
What also works for us is basement bargain prices - Again I'll use the example of Singh to Bayern for €750,000 (Approx) Thats absolutely nothing over there. Be the same for the likes of Cacace to Empoli if he gets signed at seasons end, or Bell to Brøndby. Such cheap deals for talented kids.
Wouldn't be surprised if more clubs come for a look out these ways over the next few years ala St Mirren taking a punt on Alex Grieve through club partnerships.
Id imagine as well that clubs over in Europe are smart enough that they'd be taking note of moves from clubs like the Nix - Bell, Cacace, Singh, Devlin to name a few - It shows we're doing something right in terms of development, and I'm sure there will be some people casting their eyes over the current squad to see if they can unearth another cheap gem of a player.
How much were we involved with Bell? He wasn’t in any other academy before going to the US?
Brought him in at 14 from Nomads, was at Ferrymead before that. We were his first and only real academy, but they'll still take their cut of any fees he generates. Same with Libby and Island Bay, Singh and Onehunga, Boyd and Melville etc.
