Interesting article in the Times today about the Forest youth set up

in the context of so many of their academy products having featured in the FA Cup win over Arsenal.

One thing that struck me was that they emphasised how much focus there has been in the last few years in their academy status on sports science and physical conditioning and how their young players are basically worked relentlessly and have become incredibly fit and able to withstand the physical nature of the championship as a result.

I think you can see this when you look at the young players they have in their side - they all seem to be physically strong for such young players.

You would hope that as part of our recent review of the academy there has been a similar focus because we've always produced technically good and skilful youngsters but it seems to me that some have not kicked on as perhaps they should have because they have not been strong or fast enough when they started to come up against adult players. I sense there has been a bit of a shift in this regard and we are now looking to recruit more physically robust players but I guess time will tell!

Posted By: Jim, Jan 9, 13:06:24