Steve Hunter 24 February 2009 [liverpoolfc.tv]
Gary Ablett has called for a restructuring of the Barclays Premier Reserve League because of the lack of games for his young squad.
With the current format consisting of just 20 teams in the league, the second string don't play again in the league until March 12, when they entertain Manchester United.
During Ablett's days as a youngster in the reserve team at Anfield, the reserves used to play a 34-game season.
With over 40 players used so far this term, Ablett claims more games are essential for the development of his squad.
"We worked it out that, including the mini-derby, we would only play three games in around 63 days, which is just ridiculous," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We want to see our young boys progress and to do that they need to play as much football as they can with us.
"A lack of games has really hindered our progress. I know we have had a few postponements but that's because of the weather which you can't do anything about.
"They need to look at the format of the league. Why not give us 30 games instead of 20, which would make such a big difference?
"The whole reserve structure needs looking at in a massive way. We need to get together with the Premier League and look at this and try to put it right."
Ablett insists the other clubs in the reserve league have similar views, adding: "I think we all share the same concerns.
"I know the first team is the most important thing and Academy football is also very well looked after in terms of their games per season programme, but I think there is a massive chunk missing in terms of boys aged 18 to 22 who are too old to play Academy football but aren't quite ready to progress to the first team.
"They need to play competitive games in order to progress. We played 18 competitive matches last season in eight months and now this campaign it has been extended to 20, but that just isn't good enough.
"We have tried to organise some friendly games but it's not always easy because clubs don't want their players getting injured.
"We also play regular games at Melwood when we divide into two teams and bring some boys in from the Academy to have a look at them.
"That still doesn't compare to playing competitive games and testing the lads out against another club in a different environment at a higher level.
"I am trying to give a chance to some of Hughie McAuley's under-18 squad in the reserve side but there are just not enough games."
Ablett's side are still in the Liverpool Senior Cup and travel to Formby tonight in their quarter-final tie. Kick-off at Altcar Road is at 7.45pm GMT and the tie has to be decided on the night with extra-time and penalties if necessary.
"The plan was to use a couple of boys from Hughie's team against Formby, but we won't do that now because they will be playing in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield on Friday," he added.
"Formby will be a difficult game and a test for our lads against a competitive team in a different environment to what they are used to."
Gary Ablett has called for a restructuring of the Barclays Premier Reserve League because of the lack of games for his young squad.
With the current format consisting of just 20 teams in the league, the second string don't play again in the league until March 12, when they entertain Manchester United.
During Ablett's days as a youngster in the reserve team at Anfield, the reserves used to play a 34-game season.
With over 40 players used so far this term, Ablett claims more games are essential for the development of his squad.
"We worked it out that, including the mini-derby, we would only play three games in around 63 days, which is just ridiculous," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We want to see our young boys progress and to do that they need to play as much football as they can with us.
"A lack of games has really hindered our progress. I know we have had a few postponements but that's because of the weather which you can't do anything about.
"They need to look at the format of the league. Why not give us 30 games instead of 20, which would make such a big difference?
"The whole reserve structure needs looking at in a massive way. We need to get together with the Premier League and look at this and try to put it right."
Ablett insists the other clubs in the reserve league have similar views, adding: "I think we all share the same concerns.
"I know the first team is the most important thing and Academy football is also very well looked after in terms of their games per season programme, but I think there is a massive chunk missing in terms of boys aged 18 to 22 who are too old to play Academy football but aren't quite ready to progress to the first team.
"They need to play competitive games in order to progress. We played 18 competitive matches last season in eight months and now this campaign it has been extended to 20, but that just isn't good enough.
"We have tried to organise some friendly games but it's not always easy because clubs don't want their players getting injured.
"We also play regular games at Melwood when we divide into two teams and bring some boys in from the Academy to have a look at them.
"That still doesn't compare to playing competitive games and testing the lads out against another club in a different environment at a higher level.
"I am trying to give a chance to some of Hughie McAuley's under-18 squad in the reserve side but there are just not enough games."
Ablett's side are still in the Liverpool Senior Cup and travel to Formby tonight in their quarter-final tie. Kick-off at Altcar Road is at 7.45pm GMT and the tie has to be decided on the night with extra-time and penalties if necessary.
"The plan was to use a couple of boys from Hughie's team against Formby, but we won't do that now because they will be playing in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield on Friday," he added.
"Formby will be a difficult game and a test for our lads against a competitive team in a different environment to what they are used to."
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