Southend United's youth team manager Ricky Duncan is excited at the possibility of the club changing to academy status at junior level.
The switch, which is currently being discussed by the Roots Hall hierachy, could come into play if the Shrimpers move to their planned new stadium next year.
And it would also see the Seasiders regularly coming up against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham United.
"Changing to academy status is something I have spoken about since coming back to the club 15 months ago," said Duncan.
"We have made good progress during that time, improving 100 per cent and put the blocks in place to build on.
"But there is only so far you can go as a centre of excellence, which is what we are at the moment."
Full story in today's Echo.
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