The man who helped develop Gareth Barry's career has quit with a broadside at the Football Association
Les Rogers is retiring after 25 years coaching at Albion's centre of excellence.
Rogers has been at the forefront when it comes to unearthing and developing young players in Sussex.
He helped bring through talent like Michael Standing, Joel Lynch, Scott Ramsay, Joe Gatting and Tommy Fraser.
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Rogers had Barry under his wing for five years when the Seagulls took on other Academy sides like Crystal Palace, Charlton and Millwall.
But the FA banned centre of excellence sides from playing academy opposition the season after Barry left for Aston Villa in 1996.
Barry has gone on to become a key member of Fabio Capello's England squad and been linked with moves to Liverpool and Chelsea.
But Rogers believes finding more players like Barry has been hampered by the FA's decision.
He said: "The FA should do more to help with the development of our players by allowing them to take on Academy teams.
"Banning them from doing so amounts to discrimination.
"If Albion were allowed to play them, they would have a fixture list of Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Southend, QPR, Colchester and Brentford. That would provide good competition with a limited amount of travelling.
"That is without mentioning the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal, who I am sure we would be capable of competing with.
"I saw Gareth recently at his old school at William Parker in Hastings and he is grateful for the part Albion played in his development.
"He was able to play against strong Academy teams every week.
"Now our nine to 16-year-olds travel to places like Rushden and Diamonds, Peterborough and Northampton, which means an early start and a five to six-hour round trip."
Rogers says Barry did not stand out as an 11-year-old.
He said: "Gareth had natural ability and potential but I didn't pick him out as an extra special player. Michael Standing, who went with Gareth to Villa, was the one who attracted more attention, playing for English Schools.
"But Gareth blossomed when he reached under-15s. It was clear he was destined for big things because of the ability, technique and fitness he displayed, along with a good attitude and composed approach.
"At Villa, John Gregory threw him in at a very young age and England did something similar. But he has always been able to cope.
"He keeps his feet on the ground and is very much a family man.
"It is no surprise to me that he has achieved so much at England and club level.
"Gareth has told me how happy he has been with his form this season with Villa and a move to Liverpool, which is being rumoured at the moment, would be another step up for him."
Rogers said: "I'm proud of all the players I have helped.
"We instill good habits into all of them and have an excellent record of producing young players.
"The first team squad has lots of them and many others have gone on to top Sussex non-league clubs. I've always enjoyed the process and working with a dedicated team of coaches."
Rogers, 59, from Worthing, who has also been child protection officer at the club, feels the time is right to stop.
He said: "I joined shortly before the 1983 FA Cup final but I need a break from all the travelling. I will miss coaching the young players and preparing them for matches."
what les says is spot on, clearly players improve if they play against the best, look at jake and joe gatting, they both scored goals by the bucket load in there youth career, but step up to league football, and they cant take two touches, the fact that the albions youth wins the leagues most years indicates that the players are not pushed to the test, playing arsenal or chelsea means playing the best in europe not just the area. fantastic work for the club les, well done and enjoy your retirement.
what les says is spot on, clearly players improve if they play against the best, look at jake and joe gatting, they both scored goals by the bucket load in there youth career, but step up to league football, and they cant take two touches, the fact that the albions youth wins the leagues most years indicates that the players are not pushed to the test, playing arsenal or chelsea means playing the best in europe not just the area. fantastic work for the club les, well done and enjoy your retirement.
you can add tommy elphick and plenty of others to that list. 25 years at the club and no testimonial?! how long was gary chivers here before he got his match?
you can add tommy elphick and plenty of others to that list. 25 years at the club and no testimonial?! how long was gary chivers here before he got his match?
to honour this mans work the club should be looking to get academy status, look at southampton! they spent 3 million on training ground and facilities and they got their money back from sale of bale and walcot,
to honour this mans work the club should be looking to get academy status, look at southampton! they spent 3 million on training ground and facilities and they got their money back from sale of bale and walcot,
Posted by: Drew, Burgess Hill on 11:33pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]mark[/bold] wrote:
to honour this mans work the club should be looking to get academy status, look at southampton! they spent 3 million on training ground and facilities and they got their money back from sale of bale and walcot,[/quote] Sounds a good idea but don't you think Falmer may just take precedence over the training ground! Get a decent stadium and then get the academy.
mark wrote:
to honour this mans work the club should be looking to get academy status, look at southampton! they spent 3 million on training ground and facilities and they got their money back from sale of bale and walcot,
Sounds a good idea but don't you think Falmer may just take precedence over the training ground! Get a decent stadium and then get the academy.
Albion receive FA grants to run the centre of excellence ,that is why all age groups are covered.To become an academy you must have indoor pitchs ,full time staff and the last I heard at least £1m per year investment.
Albion receive FA grants to run the centre of excellence ,that is why all age groups are covered.To become an academy you must have indoor pitchs ,full time staff and the last I heard at least £1m per year investment.
What Les says about the distance the kids has to travel is spot on. How can you expect kids to set off from Brighton b4 8, travel well in excess of 100 miles for 2 hours or more & still play to the best of their ability?
A testimonial is a great idea, how much time has he given to the club in 25 years? Perhaps Gareth could bring down a Villa X1, or even better a Liverpool X1 when he moves there??
What Les says about the distance the kids has to travel is spot on. How can you expect kids to set off from Brighton b4 8, travel well in excess of 100 miles for 2 hours or more & still play to the best of their ability?
A testimonial is a great idea, how much time has he given to the club in 25 years? Perhaps Gareth could bring down a Villa X1, or even better a Liverpool X1 when he moves there??
Posted by: darren strong, southwick on 2:02pm Fri 9 May 08
ive known les for a few years now his been fantastic with my son and i couldnt pay for what his done we owe him a debt of gratitude and thanks btn will sorely miss him along with the boys and parents at the centre of excellance jay and me wish him the best for the future thanks les
ive known les for a few years now his been fantastic with my son and i couldnt pay for what his done we owe him a debt of gratitude and thanks btn will sorely miss him along with the boys and parents at the centre of excellance jay and me wish him the best for the future thanks les
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