Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas says the club’s youth development system remains as important as ever.

Despite costing more money than ever to run, with fewer players progressing through to the first team, Thomas says it remains an integral part of the club.

When we asked readers of the Oxford Mail to submit questions for the U’s chairman, the issue of whether United should keep the youth set-up was the main topic.

But United’s chief explained that since their return to the Football League, the changes implemented to the development of young players at the club will take time to reap rewards.

When asked whether it was time to review the way the youth set-up is run or scrap it and put money the elsewhere, Thomas replied: “No, not at all.

“There is so much more to the youth set-up then just bringing players through to the first team.

“It is a very important part of the club where we not only train footballers, but also educate and develop young people. “We have begun developing what we do in the youth set-up and there have been some changes, which we do not expect to really see the benefit from for a few years.

“You have to be patient with young players and the club lost a few years and players while in the Conference, but we are pleased with the way our youth team is playing and excited by some of the players in our set-up. But it will take some more time.”

Around a decade ago, United had arguably their best batch of young players who made their mark in the first team.

Dean Whitehead and Sam Ricketts have gone on to become established Premier League players, while Chris Hackett, Paul Powell, Simon King and Jamie Brooks made more than 350 appearances for the U’s between them.

This season, Tyrone Marsh (twice) and Max Crocombe have been named as substitutes for United’s first team in cup matches, but neither has made it onto the pitch.

In October, Football League sides voted to abolish the tribunal system that sets fees when clubs cannot agree a transfer for home-grown youth players.

The Premier League had threatened to withhold funding for youth development if the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) was not accepted.

The new proposals guaranteed clubs more funding for youth football over a four-year period, but it could mean clubs receive lower fees for players under the age of 17.

“I am sure it (the EPPP) will affect our youth team in the future, but I am not sure about hampering it,” Thomas said.

“I think it will mean that if we do develop and sell younger players, we may not get as much money for them prior to the EPPP, but we are discussing more internally about the effects it will have once implemented.”

* United’s npower League Two trip to Burton Albion has been put back by 24 hours to Sunday, January 29.

This is because Derby County have a third-round FA Cup tie against Stoke on the Saturday. Burton stewards are predominantly from Derby County.