Prioritising a 22 year old academy player from a higher division over a potentially equally talented and younger player from within seems exactly like a Slade move. Tapping into his experience to find a player who is likely to be useful addition is where it all falls down.
I wonder how many players from our youth set-up look somewhat enviously at Tom Lockyer? He was released from the academy much sooner than those who have been waiting for an opportunity and has now played 156 games of senior football. Bristol Rovers aren't a million miles away from a play-off place either.