I genuinely believe that taking young local academy players from Liverpool and sending them to private schools outside the city can seriously affect their development, both as footballers and as people. Don’t get me wrong, I reckon we all want the best for our kids, but removing young players from their natural environments too early risks taking away some of that fight, grit and that special something that sets local players apart. Being a Scouser! Look at the local players Liverpool have produced over the years: Ste Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Phil Thompson, Tommy Smith, John Aldridge, Ste McManaman, Sammy Lee and David Fairclough, to name just a few. These were top-class lads who went to local schools and had the city running through their veins. I genuinely believe that without that connection to their roots, they wouldn’t have become the players they were. And I think Trent is an interesting example. A Scouser born in Liverpool, from West Derby, but sent to a private school outside the city at an early age. I can’t help but wonder whether growing up away from that everyday connection to the city and its people had an impact on his outlook and sense of identity. Obviously, I can’t say that’s what shaped his decisions, but when you compare him with some of the local lads who came before him, it does make you think about how important your roots and surroundings can be. No matter what anyone says, I don’t believe real Scousers and Liverpool fans from the city will ever forgive Trent, That’s just facts. We feel he lied to us, deceived us and took us all for dickheads. Now he’s seemingly trying to come back with his tail between his legs after making millions, having treated his time at Madrid like a two-year holiday in Spain with his mate Jude. Liverpool Football Club is bigger than any individual player. If the club takes him back, I genuinely believe it would be a massive mistake and send completely the wrong message to the young local players coming through the academy. Loyalty, identity and what it means to represent this city should still count for something.