Just so we are clear D ,the more quality youngsters we play in the 1st team then the better imo but they have to be better than who they replace wouldn't you agree?
Also one other thing why was Barrie Mc "allowed" to apparently change the system that led to the 1st team surely that's a "Head coachs" call?

Why would the first team coach have the call over director of youth development?

If the club is run properly, the First Team Head Coach should have the authority and responsibility over the entire coaching structure and strategy. If he doesn't then you end up with a system whereby players arrive at the first team door with little to no knowledge of what to expect on the other side.

I repeat, the point of the Academy is to prepare the players for First Team duty, and the best way to do this it for them to do the same things week in, week out.

That's incorrect.