Harry Redknapp hits out at easy-to-solve Tottenham issue as change called for

Harry Redknapp may have ended his association with Tottenham Hotspur 14 years ago now, but he still knows where the club are falling short.

The 79-year-old spent four seasons at White Hart Lane that are largely fondly remembered, including guiding the North London side into the Champions League.

Redknapp went on to manage Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham City and the Jordan national team, with Tottenham proving to be his last big job.

He is still a regular on the punditry scene, however, and has now given his thoughts on a topic close to many Tottenham fans.

And in the view of Redknapp, it is an area Spurs need to start getting right very soon.

Harry Redknapp hits nail on the head with Tottenham youth assessment

Spurs fans love nothing more than seeing "one of our own" come through the ranks.

The same is true at every club up and down the land.

But academy players emerging from Hotspur Way and into the first-team fold have been few and far between in recent years.

That is something flagged by Redknapp as he told Goal: "There's not one kid from the academy in the first team of West Ham.

"There's not one kid at Tottenham out of the academy in their team. Where have the kids all gone?

“They spend fortunes on academies, they've got all the facilities, the kids they go on coaches now to the leagues of rubbish. Back in the day you had the South East Counties League in London - Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, all the London clubs, U18s.

"Now they go and play, they get on a coach, they stay overnight in a hotel, they travel all over the country. They're treated like superstars, but where are the superstars coming out of all this money that's being wasted on the academies?"

Redknapp is correct in what he says. Tottenham have a superb academy, amazing coaches and talented youngsters.

Yet not enough are getting opportunities to showcase their talents. The hope is that changes under Roberto De Zerbi, but don't hold your breath.

Matthew Craig news sums up where Tottenham stand

It has been confirmed that Matthew Craig has joined Port Vale following his Tottenham release.

Craig is 23 years old and was never going to get a look in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

His time had long passed, but it did not have to be this way. He was part of training under Ange Postecoglou and made an appearance under Antonio Conte.

Craig fell through the cracks, though, and he is not alone in that regard.

This summer alone numerous youngsters have moved on, either through their own choice of that of the club.

It is simply not good enough that this cycle is constantly happening. Something has to change - and soon.