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 !!

Your right, I don't know a huge amount of Wigans history. Being in my early 20's and only moving to Wigan about 10 years ago, ive only followed Wigan since then. You'll very rarely see me going about proclaiming this and that about Wigans history, as I wasn't around then and as such don't know much.

Someone asked why do Wigan fans not like us and I said why, I didn't try to do it in a trolling way or not. I said why I wasn't a big fan of Warrington.

Responses that like, of where I didn't particularly insult your team, I just gave reasons of why I respect the way Leeds and Saints have built a squad better, don't help matters.

You've name me 1 player in there who I should be jealous of, but he wouldn't get into Wigan back row (imo). If you were to play him at prop then he probably would get in our team, as he's a good young player, but he's not the fantastic superstar you make him out to be.

I also know this season isn't over, and I expected you to win last night, and still think you are the team to worry about in the competition.

So to end it, i'd just like to wonder where I manipulated history? I don't remember stating Wigan didn't buy everyone in the past, but whats that got to do with now? We've got a large squad with a very large number of academy produced players who all make regular appearances in the first team.

If thats referring to me (and not saying it is btw, just want to quantify my comments) I stated in a few years I was sure you'd reap the benefits of work on your academy, as its obvious you are starting to bring young players through, and thats why I'm sure you will stay at the top for a couple more years as you have the youngsters coming through who will hopefully (for your sake) be able to replace the spine of your team which is undeniably quite old.

And to the people who are critising us for playing Roberts and Phelps in the reserves, surely that indicated that home grown players (such as Darrell Goulding) are now being selected in the team ahead of them. Would they rather they played for the first team just as they aussies and kept the english lads relegated in the reserves? Can't win!