West Brom fifth bottom for using youth products
Albion were ranked fifth from bottom in a survey highlighting Premier League sides which offered best opportunities to players their own academies.
The Baggies handed Premier League game-time two just two academy products last season – Sam Field and Rekeem Harper – totalling just 598 minutes.
That compares to Arsenal, who cemented their position as the top flight side offering most opportunities to their youngsters as Arsene Wenger left a long-term legacy in his final season in charge.
However, the Baggies fared much better than bottom-ranked side Burnley – who handed just one academy product any Premier League game time with Dwight McNeil appearing for just two minutes of the entire season.
Albion youngsters suffered in their quest for first team chances as the side fought in vain to avoid the Premier League trapdoor.
Axed boss Alan Pardew, who replaced Tony Pulis midway through the campaign, made no bones about stating he wanted to use players with experience like Gareth Barry – to the cost of youth products.
He said: “Gareth Barry – the player with the most Premier League appearances – I’m not going to treat him the same as young Sam.
“That doesn’t mean to say I won’t pick Sam over him but that’s how I manage.”
