Spot on, I was a scout at City's Academy in 2004/05, I was sending players like you mention regularly who were being over looked in favour of the 6ft african lads. Eventually I realised that they were not focusing on development of local players instead even at u11, u12 age it's all about being competitive and winning.
I once attended a trial with one of the players I recommended and witnessed a funny example of 'the 6ft' african. A senior member of the coaching staff, who was about 5ft 2, walked out and with a list of names. On coming to the african lad he'd named, he turned to the 6ft african, looked up at him and said, "Are you sure your ten!" The lad didn't have time to reply as his mother interrupted with "He ten, he ten" Guess what, despite the obvious birth certificate discrepancies, he was signed!
The thing your ex-utd scout said about not being able to teach football is spot on too, you can't, players are born footballers just that not all get the opportunity to develop their talent.
Are you sure it wasn't an ex City scout you were talking too? ;)
I once attended a trial with one of the players I recommended and witnessed a funny example of 'the 6ft' african. A senior member of the coaching staff, who was about 5ft 2, walked out and with a list of names. On coming to the african lad he'd named, he turned to the 6ft african, looked up at him and said, "Are you sure your ten!" The lad didn't have time to reply as his mother interrupted with "He ten, he ten" Guess what, despite the obvious birth certificate discrepancies, he was signed!
The thing your ex-utd scout said about not being able to teach football is spot on too, you can't, players are born footballers just that not all get the opportunity to develop their talent.
Are you sure it wasn't an ex City scout you were talking too? ;)