Radio 5 live talkSPORT host John Murray (left) poses for a picture with Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL
The chairman of the English Football League hopes a review into youth development will help “start a movement” away from the current pyramid system.
Rick Parry told Radio 5 live’s talkSPORT programme the process of dialogue between clubs and academies is needed to improve the pyramid system.
The EFL and Professional Footballers’ Association released their reports into the pyramid system on Thursday.
“When a guy like me, who has spent his life in football, who knows what goes on around football, came in here two years ago, the first thing I had to do was have a conversation with you all,” Parry said.
“The EFL has to look at itself. It has to own itself. That said, a top team without the pyramid, so a number of teams in the Football League playing at the top of League One and League Two on good income, making an operating profit, is pretty poor value for money.
“What we need to do is really start a movement and have a conversation with that top five, which is good money, coaches and players but every penny that we can get spent on that is worthwhile.”
He continued: “For me, it’s a challenge. It’s one we’ve got to all embrace.
“The best clubs do employ top coaches and top players, so they are doing the right thing. My challenge, and it is going to take a little bit of time, is to have a conversation with those who are not doing the right thing, who are not doing the best thing.
“It will take a while before that conversation has some fruit. It will be a journey we will all share in together and try to find a way forward that looks sustainable.”