Much is said of the Wenger regime. Plaudits lavish words of admiration for a wealth of wisdom that refutes a *Lombardian ethic: "Sport is more than just winning trophies. Winning cannot be everything. What is important for me is to play in a fair way and in a way that people will enjoy. Of course winning is important - but so is moral integrity.”

As the Premier League grants its latest billionaire boys club membership, Arsene Wenger stands increasingly firm to relinquish a defiance that rivals the spending power within English football.

However, as Wenger openly criticises the questionable conduct of administrations seemingly less responsible than his own, fans and neutrals would do well to access the consequences of the Emirates manager’s youth development.

Shaun Wright-Phillips earned the attentions of Chelsea after rising through the ranks and impressing on first-team duty. Manchester City were then rewarded for their efforts in honing the winger’s skills and were offered 20-million-plus reasons to allow Wright-Phillips to leave.

If promising youngsters are taken early, this effectively creates an environment where former team-mates and members of the opposition play in the company of lesser talents, thus affecting the development of those not earning the interest of bigger clubs. Wenger effectively removes the middle man - usually a large transfer fee.

If all the promising youngsters uproot their respective leagues, the players left may decline, revenue may diminish and investment opportunities may falter. Clubs minus their young starlets represent a bleaker future. Ticket prices and club colours may no longer seem attractive. Fans are deprived an individual spectacle worthy of admission and shirts lack an idol on which to display their admiration.

Wenger has a formidable reputation for developing players, yet we would do well to remember these are the best of the best, hand-picked prospects earmarked for success. As big clubs do their best to keep small teams small, at least their exploits reap financial rewards for those beneath them. With no talent or capital to invest and rebuild, Arsenal continue to punch above their weight at the expense of those they overrun.

It is, however, unjust to criticise a policy that is merely a product of its environment. This is the same policy that rivals the inflated egos of self-proclaimed superstars, and a policy which, sat within a business-orientated spectacle, displays the highest grade of business acumen.

In cutting out the middle man, Wenger has propelled Arsenal to success and earned a place within the big four, minus the finance available to Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal are not without their own spending power, yet if football is a business then surely it is a businessman who will ultimately prosper? Rather than a business that has no product or an owner with deep pockets limited to interest and enthusiasm.

Talented youngsters in Arsenal’s set-up may also exceed the potential first assumed within their old regime. Arsenal’s focus on youth and wealth of resources only serves to better football as ultimately, fans, clubs, leagues and competitions are better for the presence of world-class players.

The England national team’s failings lavish responsibility upon foreign imports. Such an accusation is extremely futile, as I assume those critical never holiday abroad, drink only English beer, eat only English food and drive English cars.

If home soils fail to provide the fruits available elsewhere then, football or not, foreign imports must be excused, if not forgiven. Foreign players represent value for money, as does the development of youth. Praise be the man capable of exploiting such potential, yet caution is advised when questionable morals are placed on a pedestal.

Fans desire success and clubs strive to achieve. Those successful are so at the expense of those they conquer. In a favourless environment, perspective is necessary to objectively oversee the lesser of two evils.

* The Lombardian ethic referred to is legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi's assertion: ''Winning isn't everything. It's the ONLY thing.''