Academy clearout part of a 'restructuring plan'

The News today sees Paul Hart telling them that the 'clearout' of academy staff is actually part of a 'restructuring plan', that was his decision and was needed...

Academy manager Mark Kelly had walked a couple of weeks back and he was joined by others, including Paul Hardyman, Mark Chamberlain, Steve Martin, Paul White, Alan Miller, Ian White and Rod Ruddick who were told they would no longer be required over the weekend.

It is 'said' that this restructuring had involved academy staff members having to reapply for their jobs, which I guess meant these guys were deemed, somehow, surplus to requirements - some of these were actually people that Hart brought to the club.

The reasons for this in many people's minds have, and I would say quite obviously and understandably, moved directly to a 'financially based decision'. The other suggestion from The News is that Avram Grant could be bringing in his own team?

But Hart insists that this was his decision and all part of a 'grander plan' that he and the club have: 'it's part of a plan.

'It's part of restructuring within our Academy system. I look after football matters and it is part of my plan.

'It needed restructuring. That's all there is to say on the matter.'

Well that clears that up Paul, many thanks. If the club says that is the case then it must be true...

To be honest I do not know what to think or believe anymore! The saying is 'if it aint broke don't fix it' and at this point in time it 'seemed' to be working?

I sincerely hope that this is not a financial matter seeing the cutbacks as producing our own players is going to prove vital to our future, we could undo the good work we seemed to have been doing over the past few years pretty quickly.

I guess time will tell, if it proves to be in our best interests then so be it, if not...

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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