Well this is what certain fans dont realise and then they wonder why we are not doing well or wondering why the next Gerrard isnt coming though. For us to really progress and get young players up to a level and use to playing in big games the likes of the C/C needs to be used for this. Utd did it in the Beckham, Giggs etc youth days, In fact they still do it today and Arsenal have always done it since Wenger went to Arsenal.
It should be the best 11 players playing in the 1st team, use the reserves for te players that cant break through and us the C/C for youth players delevopement - The good old days and it works and we wonder why Utd and Arsenal are ahead of us.
Getting tired of the comparisons, but they are our rivals.
Anyway, Ferguson and Wenger doesn't blink an eyelid when the CC comes around. ManU were knocked out last year by Crewe Alex and this year by Morecambe(?), yet they'll continue to do this. Arsenal does exacto the same. They mix reserves and youth in those without worrying about losing- it's just a chance to see who's ready or not and I can only imagine what impact this might have on the mentality of their youth and ressies. An U18's eyes must sparkle at the thought of playing against Gerrard or going head-to-head with Drogba, Keane, Anelka, Carra etc...
That said, I think we'll reach that stage- IF we maintain continuity within our club- cause right now, we need the money. The CC provides at least the funds for a top, top defender.