Ahead of his 410-mile trek from Wrexham to Wembley in a bid to highlight the current unfair youth funding policy, Cambridge United Director of Football Jez George yesterday met with Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy who showed his support of the Walk fo
Murphy took time out before his trip to Hamburg for the semi final of the UEFA Europa League this Thursday to express his feelings towards the current situation faced by ex-Football League clubs.
Murphy`s career took the exact same route Jez George will be taking when the walk commences - he started as a schoolboy at Wrexham and moved on to Crewe Alexandra, which is where the end of day one will culminate.
Talking briefly about his playing career history, Murphy spoke fondly regarding his start at Wrexham. "I was very fortunate at the start. I almost fell upon Crewe where I settled for a while. Wrexham had a very homely feel - they really made you feel welcome. Then I went to Crewe and realised how special their Centre of Excellence was and how much time and effort they give to the kids. It was a place of development - not necessarily about winning the next game, but about developing as a player.
“While I was there Dario Gradi played a massive part in getting me back on track. I don't know where I'd be if the club hadn't given me the guidance I needed.
"The possibility if they drop out of League Two and won't receive funding is shocking. A lot of big clubs are falling into the Conference - look at Wrexham, Oxford and Luton. It seems bizarre and unfair as it's the kids that suffer.
"I think that awareness in general about this campaign is limited which is a strange thing as there are so many players that started in the lower leagues. It's something that needs to be addressed and made aware to the players as it's potentially something that could be harmful to the clubs and players. The fact youngsters can't get the funding is so bad that an 8 year old could get the guidance and funding they need, just to have it taken away when they reach 15/16.
"The PFF campaign is something that's important to me and to a lot of players. I personally think it needs addressing really quickly. It's imperative we get people to be aware of the subject otherwise we will miss out on the ability to bring kids through the lower levels. It is completely unfair these teams fall out of the League and remain full time but are punished. They should get the funding too."
George`s `Walk for Change` began on Wednesday morning with Max Rushden and Dean Saunders from Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground and will take him via the other affected Conference clubs.
www.protectfootballsfuture.co.uk for more details
