Lawrie McMenemy: Grimsby Town must produce own talent
LAWRIE McMenemy has called on the community to do all they can to support Grimsby Town's Youth set-up.
The legendary manager (pictured) of the famed league-winning side of 1972 says a strong youth system is crucial to the success of any club. And he should know all about developing young talent.
Not only did he build a highly successful Southampton side using "a blend" of youth and experience, he was also in charge of an England Under-21 side that included the likes of Darren Anderton and Steve McManaman.
Speaking as the club launched The Century Club – a new initiative designed to gather support for the Youth team from local businesses – McMenemy said: "The funding for a Youth policy finishes when you get relegated and so support is needed to keep them going.
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"Every club, particularly those at Grimsby's level needs their Youth set-up.
"At one of my other clubs, Southampton, I had a strong Youth policy, because, we were similar to Grimsby in that we didn't have the money where we could just go out and buy players.
"So I brought in senior players such as Peter Osgood and Alan Ball to mix old heads with young legs. That was the beauty of it – getting the blend.
He added: "You cannot go out and buy as much anymore because the wages and the transfer fees are so high these days.
"Today, perhaps more than ever, clubs have to be producing their own young players."
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