ABERDEEN manager Willie Miller believes the current crop of youngsters
on the Pittodrie conveyor belt are as good as he has seen in more than
20 years with the club.
He pointed yesterday to the pole positions his three teams occupy in
their respective leagues as proof that the most prolific youth policy in
the country is again in full swing.
Miller, who has had to mount the main challenge to Rangers' monopoly
on a mini-budget, is even more optimistic about the future. He said:
''It is pleasing we share top spot with Rangers in the premier division
and lead both the reserve and under-18 leagues, but I will be even
happier if we can stay there.
''This club has always been known for its development of young
players, and the present group are as good as I have ever seen. There
are a few players more than capable of becoming the next generation of
stars, but it is up to them to push themselves to their limits.
''The way the finances of the game have gone, I will not be able to
spend big money for the foreseeable future. It is imperative that these
youngsters are in place to break through.''
Miller has added new scouts to the Pittodrie network to ensure they
star trek continues north. He has also farmed out 16 youngsters to
junior clubs to broaden their experience.
He added: ''What excites me is the under-18 league. This was a very
important addition to the scene this season and a big step forward. At
the moment it is played on a friendly basis, but next season it will be
competitive.''
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