My thanks to the Academy Football Network for this thoughtful interview which provides a useful insight into both clubs’ thinking.
Richard Allen (former head of academy recruitment at White Hart Lane) explains why it is important that an Academy has a philosophy that is not dependent on the 1st team but should reflect the Club’s ethos. Richard highlights the difference between Arsenal and Spurs’ Academy only to demonstrate that difference is not an issue, what matters is the conviction to those principles.
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