THE importance of transforming the Hull City academy has been highlighted for the second consecutive summer after losing highly-rated teenager Dan James for just £72,000.
Twelve months on from Harry Cardwell's switch to Reading for a similar compensation figure, the Tigers have been dealt another heavy blow with the exit of James to Swansea.
The 16-year-old South Hunsley High School pupil turned down the chance to sign scholarship forms with City in favour of a move to the Liberty Stadium, ending a seven-year association with the Tigers.
City were powerless to prevent either rookie from moving on due to the Elite Player Performance Programme rules, with both Cardwell and James opting to join superior academies.
"Our big challenge is keeping hold of players because we've lost two players in the last 12 months," said City's academy manager Tony Pennock, who ironically sees James head off to Swansea eight months after he left the club.
"Harry Cardwell last summer and now it's Dan James going to Swansea. That's the problem we've got.
"We're trying to address it as quickly as we can because if you're a Hull City fan you should want to stay at the club and play for them.
"Everyone has got their own choices and decisions to make and I respect that. I wish Dan James all the very best.
"We're disappointed to lose them but I don't see that as recruitment. I see that as cherry picking.
"It's a shame because they've both been at the club since they were nine."
James was regarded as one of City's brightest prospects.
As well as representing Wales under-16s in the Victory Shield tournament, he made his debut for the Tigers' reserves aged 16 in a 5-2 win over Hartlepool in March.
City had hoped James could be persuaded to serve an apprenticeship with his hometown club, but Swansea's swoop leaves them with just £72,000 as compensation.
That figure is set by a tariff based on the number of years a youngster has spent at a given club and would rise sharply if James was to break through into senior football. Every 10 Premier League games he plays for Swansea, for example, would net City a windfall of £150,000.
That fails to pacify Pennock as he comes to terms with the exit of a potential star but he accepts the onus must be on City to convince the best youngsters to remain in East Yorkshire.
"The staff that have played a part in their upbringing should be very proud because they're two excellent young players," said Pennock.
"To keep hold of players we've got a job to do in making Hull City's academy attractive enough for them to stay.
"Ultimately we have to give them the best education in football and in life that we possibly can.
"In the past I don't think the academy has had the tools or the financial backing to do that. We want the best local lads here, simple as.
"If you're good enough you'll get there. They will get their opportunities here, no question."
