Charlton squad could have no English players

Curbs has admitted that 'I could pick a Charlton squad with no English players if we carry on as we are. It could happen.' The Addicks manager told The Times that Charlton teams have always had a fair sprinkling of young English players, but he admitted that it is often easier and cheaper to buy ready-made players from abroad.

Curbs believes that within a few years there could be no English players left in the Premiership and the England team may be made up of reserve team players. 'For the national game this is the biggest problem we face.'

Curbs is willing to give Uefa's plans for a quota system for home-grown players his qualified support. 'The quota system may work but if English players aren't good enough, you don't want managers having to play token Englishmen', the Addicks supremo said. 'Then again, if you force clubs to play English players, one might click in and they may suddenly realise that have got a player on their hands.'

Jerome Thomas

Curbs commented, 'When Arséne Wenger let Jerome go, he said it was so he could become a footballer somewhere else. I would have taken Jerome whatever his nationality, so on that occasion Arsenal's policy worked to our advantage. The fans have got an affinity towards home-grown talent and they treat Jerome as if he is a home-grown player.'