Another urban myth. The spine of the Wigan side was built on our own academy players - Hampson, Edwards, Betts, Dermott, Clarke, Cassidy, Lucas, Radlinski, Houghton and players picked up for peanuts - Hall, Cowie, OConnor, Byrne, together with kids picked up and developed - Henry Paul, the Iros.

Roberts and Phelps are now playing for the home grown U20s team.

we finished top due to strength in depth, playing as squad. look at the players we've used that have performed to the required grade. Sam and joel, marsh, tuson, davies, farrell, Mcilorum, mossop, goulding, lockers, prescott, o carroll. many arent the starting 13, but through rotation make the 17 on a regular basis. when you can compare that come back and have a go until then go away and support a team thats built on purchases from other teams.

you must not know much about wigans history you fool, wigan built a team in the 80's & 90's by buying success, uncle mo bought every good player from other teams sometimes only to play them in the a team! you should hang your head in shame you pie fool! if you don't like us fair enough but don't manipulate history to suit your arguement.our youth policy is working just well thank you, don't think wigan would turn down the services of ben harrison if the opertunity arose?
i don't dispute wigan have had an awesome season this year, in repost i must point out this season is not over by a long shot, so far my team not doing to badly themselves, defending the challenge cup at wembley springs to mind!
i don't care or want your repect, however please don't come on here spouting your pie eyed drivel till you've got the ability to either stop lying or talk sense.

rant over.

Although to be fair, I do like seeing a mix of top stars and local youth. Most of the top teams now have that.

Including Wigan.

In fairness to Wigan, they could probably beat us on the trophy count of academy produced players currently playing, if they counted guys like Sean Long and Jon Clarke who have gone on to play for top teams.

which will be players for the future im sure. we have used a hell of lot of home grown talent on a regular basis this year and to be honest im astounded how well they have performed. the point of my post is that as we currently stand we cannot be criticised for not bringing youth through. we have arguable the best youth set up in the league and we are utilising it. the quality young lads is the reason we have finished top. they have stepped up to the mark when required. we have had some real injury problems this year particularly in the pack but due to the level these kids have performed it hasnt been as well documented as for example the leeds injury crisis in the forwards. at times this year we have been running on 2 props but the kids stepped up and delivered. wire arent known for bring players through to a high standard on a regulat basis but with the likes of harrison maybe that trend is changing. some of the players we have let go have deserved to go through attitude etc but we are getting the ratio right with home grown talent british and overseas imports. how we can be criticised is beyond me.

We bought every good player from other teams and played them in our 'A' team? You couldn't make this up

Well, it seems some people have.

I don't think Wigan should be criticised for their current youth set up. Just as I don't think we should be criticised for this supposed lack of a youth set up. Both are ignorant views.

i never said it was illegal, it can be argued its detremental to your youth set up when the majority of your team is purchased rather than developed. so when youve picked your dummy up actually look at the issue, oh and grow up you child !!