Heighway concerned at impact of foreign stars
Jan 12 2007
By Alan Easel, Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool Academy Director Steve Heighway
STEVE HEIGHWAY yesterday claimed only top-flight managers believe there shouldn't be a curb on the number of foreign imports.
And the Liverpool Academy Director has accused many involved in football of hypocrisy over the sensitive issue.
Heighway, who led Liverpool's under-18 side to their Youth Cup triumph last year, has spoken about the difficulties of bringing players through the ranks in light of recent criticisms of the club's youth development.
Rafael Benitez says there is a "flaw" in the Academy set-up, while others have questioned the quality of player that is being produced compared to the likes of Arsenal, whose youthful side hammered a second-string Liverpool 6-3 on Tuesday.
But Heighway is insistent the Premiership's overseas invasion is the reason the progress of young English footballers is being hampered - with many top clubs junior ranks now filled with signings from abroad.
Asked if there should be a limit on foreign arrivals, Heighway said: "There is no-one in the English game other than the managers who wouldn't be in favour of that.
"Equally, there is no one who believes it can happen, so it's hardly worth looking down that road.
"You can't change European community law. But ask anyone in my job, they'll say any way of giving more opportunities to local players is preferable.
"The trouble with English football is no-one tells the truth. If someone is asked this question on Sky TV, they'll say of course foreign players have been good for the English game, but everyone knows that's not necessarily the truth.
"Pundits are earning money by promoting the game, not by telling the truth.
"Even UEFA are asking what effect foreign players are having on the development of young players in each country. They've discussed quotas, but know how difficult it is to impose."
Heighway, who revealed he has no immediate plans to quit his post, added: "I'm saying it's harder for any English boy to play for a Premiership club. If you're Gerrard or Owen, you will always play. The gift is so massive. They're obvious.
"After that, you're dealing with players where you're not sure how good they'll become.
"We've always had the players here, but the frustration is you don't know how good they can be if they haven't got the opportunity.
"How far they get is not only down to how good they are, but how many opportunities they get. I'm not sure if even I'd get through with things how they are now, and we were speaking to Jamie Carragher recently and he made the same point.
"English football has to take a long hard look at this. Football isn't about the Rooneys and Owens. It's about the group just below that who become top players."
Heighway dismissed any suggestion of a rift with Benitez, but revealed he had found it difficult at times to work alongside the Spaniard's predecessor, Gerard Houllier.
"Managers don't have time to run youth departments," said Heighway. "If you speak to all the other clubs, you'll find the Academy directors are trusted to get on with the job.
"What they want to know is who around the 16 or 17-year-old mark is close to being ready. I've always had to be careful because I worked with a French manager here who had some very strange views of the game, didn't like anyone disagreeing with him, who bought 14 French players who all had to be sold when a new man came in.
"Rafa and I chat all the time. The crux of it is there is nothing stopping the better players becoming what they can be.
"At most top clubs there will always be friction somewhere because the first team is all that matters. In some ways it's good we can keep out from under their feet. The manager doesn't have to worry what's going on here. He just needs to know there will be some good players to choose from."
Comment