We are still far behind

Fresh from my trip to Manchester, I've realised why our football or even sports are no where close to becoming of world standard.

The season is simple, we have failed from the very bottom - the grassroots and talent identifying.

I visited the Manchester City academy, where their youth products are developed - hopefully to become world class players.

Whether they have produced great players is secondary. We can leave that to another day.

But the structure in place is there for all to benefit.

Think football, Think studies. Both can't go along some would say. Well in Malaysia I have no doubts but in Manchester, those two work well together.

Anyway read yesterday's Mailsport comparing the system in place at City's academy and those sports schools in Malaysia, yes the ones some parents don't want to send their kids to.

Read Striking a balance between sports and studies. 

Here's more commentaries from Manchester :-

A Red dot in a sea of Blue

Manchester ready to celebrate

And here's all the news pieces.

De Jong: Play me anywhere

QPR game will define City's season, says keeper

Mancini: We never gave up

Mancini goes on attack mode

'Super' Mario danger

Mancini never saw it coming

One happy K-ompany

Not in their lifetime