Southgate praises Palace's academy set-up (From Croydon Guardian)

Southgate praises Palace's academy set-up

11:14am Monday 30th January 2012 in Eagles News

Gareth Southgate has added his voice to the long-list of admirers of Crystal Palace’s youth academy.

Speaking at a Carlsberg Pub Cup event, he praised manager Dougie Freedman’s willingness to give the younger players a chance, a philosophy which this season has taken Palace to the brink of the League Cup final as well as respectability in the Championship, having flirted with relegation in recent seasons.

“Crystal Palace have always had a very well-run academy, going back to when I was there as a player – we had Powell and Salako, there has always been a lot of talent coming from the club’s catchment area in south London,” said Southgate – who played more than 150 times for the Eagles.

“The club have always given youth its chance and credit to Freedman, he is letting the youngsters play now and they are reaping the benefits.

“The academy in Beckenham is well run, they have a good programme and that is why you are seeing the likes of Sean Scannell coming through and putting in that kind of performance on Wednesday night. “Most Championship clubs now try to produce their own talent for financial reasons, through necessity, but with Crystal Palace it has always been the philosophy of the club and this is happening this season - the future looks good for Crystal Palace.”

Gareth Southgate was speaking at a Carlsberg Pub Cup event. Represent your pub and country – register your five aside team now at carlsberg.co.uk/pubcup