Doncaster Rovers: Ferguson wants '˜homegrown quota' in Football League

Football League clubs should be made to adhere to a homegrown quota rule on matchdays, Darren Ferguson has argued.
Doncaster-born Harry Middleton, pictured in action against Sheffield United.Doncaster-born Harry Middleton, pictured in action against Sheffield United.
Doncaster-born Harry Middleton, pictured in action against Sheffield United.

Just like his father Sir Alex, Fergie junior is a big believer in giving youth its chance.

Last week Rovers’ boss said he was not unduly concerned about FIFA’s plan to scrap the emergency loan system from next season onwards because it could result in more homegrown players being given their chance at first team level.

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But further to that, the Scot would like to see new rules introduced at Football League level that would force clubs to name four or five homegrown players in their matchday squad.

“I think clubs should have to have a certain amount of homegrown players on the bench or in their squad,” Ferguson told The Star.

“It’s something the Football League should look at. I think about 25 per cent of your 18 should be homegrown players.

“Now that the rules are changing with regards to emergency loans, I don’t think clubs are going to have any other choice than to involve more younger players. The fact there’ll be no more emergency loans will be good for development of players at a lower level.

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“And I think it’s a good thing for us [at Rovers] because that’s the sort of thing we’re trying to implement.

“For other clubs it may not be. It leaves you with no choice. You’ve just got to do it.”

Before the turn of the year Ferguson rewarded youth team graduates Harry Middleton and Mitchell Lund with new three-and-a-half year deals.

“I’ve always believed in giving younger players a chance because I think it really captures the imagination of the fans,” he said.

“They want to see homegrown players come through.”