Everton snap up Sambou from Coventry

“I like Bassala – he's actually quite a humble young guy and yet we find ourselves in a situation where it has been indicated to us by his advisors that he's probably not going to sign a new contract.

“Bass had a pretty good youth cup this year, scored some goals and caught some interest. Bigger clubs than Coventry City look for young English players with potential and the way the game is at the moment there's an opportunity between scholarship and first year professionals to go and jump ship.

“It's frustrating because I think the career path would have been good for him here. Can he see a way into the first team here at Coventry? He should be able to.

“I know he was a bit concerned, or his advisors were using it really, saying why isn't he in the first team now. And as the manager I am telling him he's not ready. He's a boy who has lots to learn about where to run, when to run and how to get physically strong enough. It's OK scoring goals for the 18s in the youth cup but it's a big jump from the 18s to the Under-21s and it's not as if he's scored bags of goals in the 21s, let alone the jump to the first team. So it's a bit of impatience, I think, but it's out of our hands. They have intimated that they are not going to look to re-engage. We have made them a more than fair offer, I would have to say, because we recognise his talent."

“It's disappointing, it's frustrating but it's part and parcel of life and we'll end up doing the best deal we can wherever he ends up going, or the tribunal people will and we move on.”

Coventry and other alike clubs need to be protected from this poaching; else how are they ever going to nurture talent and get back to the top flight?

I think it's just the nature of competition and I see no reason for us to protect any club's interests other than our own. So long as clubs play by the rules, which I think we have done here, nobody can have any complaint.

I just hope the lad works hard and breaks through to the first team over the next couple of seasons. Mainly I just hope he helps Everton become more successful!

I don't like the way the game is these days but as it is, better make sure that we are one of the winners...

I would suggest he listens to football coaches at 18 and not advisors if he is to make that enormous step.

Talking to a fella yesterday from Charlton and he was going on about a kid that Chelsea took off them called Casey Palmer, I think. He said Chelsea, basically offered him a contract which would make the kid, a millionaire at 19 years of age. His dad said I appreciate everything that Charlton, have done for him, but what happens if he gets an injury that stops him playing football? At least he will have money in the bank for his future.

Unfortunately the TV money has changed the game irreparably to a point were young players would rather play in the youth and reserve teams of big clubs as opposed to learning their trade in the first team in the lower leagues; which is very sad for any young supporters of these teams who will never get to see an idol progress through their side.

I think it's a terrible thing and destroying the game.

As for this signing, his obvious main competition is Brewster, who has done well for the U18s and on loan to Stockport. I'm pretty sure than Henen and Rodriguez will be let go over the summer.

You think a 16-year-old Theo Walcott was being advised on whether to sign for Arsenal by his mum and dad, with his uncle looking over the contract?

There are agents, lawyers and a host of other people all involved in the transfers of teenagers to major clubs. That why we have these compensation rules in place because the smaller clubs as well as the player are easily exploited once the big boys get involved.

George Green cost Everton £175,000 with add one it was going to nearly £1M.

Young lads on contracts at fourteen years of age have a transfer value over £40,000 and more depending on their ability. It is a huge market, with kids being picked up at six and seven years of age and once they reach fourteen the value of them starts.

I assume our youth setup is managed somewhat independently.

Top pundit positions with TV and radio, nicely paid columns in national and local papers that gets to me. Obviously Everton in the Community give something back, as I'm sure other clubs do?

All fan rivalries put aside, I hear a lot more sense when I'm talking football with either friends or strangers and read a lot more sense on fansites than when cringing at some pundits or scanning a rag.

OK I don't enjoy seeing the wealth and greed on display at times...but in most cases these are human beings acting rationally in their own best interests..I don't see that as a bad thing.

Most of our best youngsters are unfortunately defenders so I cannot see any replacement on our books for Lukaku if and when he leaves.