Vinai Venkatesham makes good on academy promise as Tottenham steal new appointment

Vinai Venkatesham is hoping to improve Tottenham Hotspur's academy after luring Ryan Grocott away from Stockport County.

The Lilywhites have poached Grocott from the League One side, who leaves his position as head of academy to head to N17.

Tottenham have offered him the role of North-West regional scout within their academy, which they will look to improve on moving forward.

There has been a willingness to boost first-team opportunities for youngsters at Spurs, but an awareness that the players need to be helped with resources, too.

Roberto De Zerbi will be able to assess some of Hotspur Way's best talents during pre-season this summer, as the Italian is keen to help the development of high-potential stars.

With Grocott's arrival now sealed, Tottenham have made their first move this summer, which reflects well on Venkatesham's previous message to supporters.

Vinai Venkatesham has backed up his words on Tottenham's academy

Tottenham's academy is widely regarded as one of the best in England, and it's something the club take great pride in.

The Lilywhites have seen the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli break through the ranks in recent years, as the club wants to unearth their next gem.

Venkatesham penned a message to Tottenham fans in January, which was found in the matchday programme ahead of the 2-1 loss to West Ham United.

The Tottenham chief wrote, as quoted by Spurs Web: "While there has been good progress in recruitment and coaching in recent years, we must deliver greater first-team minutes and transfer returns from our Academy.

"We have therefore committed additional investment to strengthen the Academy pipeline of players and to support the systems needed for it to flourish."

Spurs have now made their first investment into the academy this summer, as The Sun has now reported Grocott has indeed joined the Lilywhites.

To strengthen the academy pipeline of players, the talent at Hotspur Way must be better than ever before, and that's the clear reason behind the move to steal Grocott.

Tottenham will now hope the youth-guru scout can work his magic in N17.

Who are the next big talents at Tottenham

It's said that Tottenham have made it a "major priority" to boost their academy this summer.

The recent wave of youngsters has seen the likes of Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley come through the ranks and impress while away on loan.

The trio are now in crucial stages of their respective careers, and it could be a make-or-break summer for them.

Lankshear is 21 now, and after two loan spells in the Championship, a third move away could see him stay away for good.

Moore has been linked with a loan move back to Rangers, and though there's an expectation he will depart again this summer, the teenager isn't for sale.

Donley has been tipped for a "massive" pre-season under De Zerbi, though it is truly make-or-break for him after a lacklustre 2025-26 campaign out on loan.

Either way, all three will hope to impress De Zerbi first.