Take the money and run?

So, Dundee United's highly-rated Scott Allan has refused a new deal on much improved terms from his current situation at Tannadice.

His manager Peter Houston says the youngster, who has come right through the United youth system, has had poor advice from his agent.

The case points to a dilemma for clubs who invest heavily in their youth systems.

While an agreed form of compensation is in place for young players who leave after having been at a club for a certain length of time, it does not offer the same rewards as a decent transfer fee for an up-and-coming player.

In the past I have suggested that young players should take the money and run.

But, I must admit I was thinking at the time of young players who had at least climbed the foothills of the first team, as opposed to merely planting a boot on the pitch for a brief excursion.

Allan has played three times for United in the Scottish Premier League, yet the Tannadice club claim he wants parity with some of the higher earners at the club.
Who then is in the right?

Is the player being greedy or is he entitled to test the market for his own worth?
United feel they have stood by the player through a catalogue of illness and other troubles and that he owes them something in return.

They will tell you David Goodwillie is a case in point.

The striker, now at Blackburn, was also a product of United's youth system and could have refused a new deal and left under freedom of contract.

But he signed on again and allowed United the benefit of a large transfer fee which enables the club to continue funding the development of new talent.

The constant cry is to give youth a chance, but will clubs continue to fund expensive youth systems if, at the first opportunity, the cream of the crop jump ship.

For every youngster who makes the grade, there are countless others who do not.
Clubs take a gamble with youth investment, sometimes it pays sometimes it does not.

Players, clubs and agents need to see the bigger picture in these situations.

We often hear from chairman that they are only the guardians of the club for a period of time.

But in many respects we are all guardians of our clubs.

That should allow for the continuation of the institution into the future.

Clubs need to treat players fairly and with respect, but players too have to give something back for the next generation of youngsters looking for their big chance.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jimspence/2011/09/take_the_money_and_run.html

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