David Artell has praised the work of the club’s Academy staff after another eight scholars were deserving of contracts.
The Crewe Alexandra boss, who worked as the Academy Manager, before his promotion to first-team affairs in January, believes there are more gems in the club’s Under-18 squad.
Artell said: “There are some really good ones coming through. Some of the second years have got a right chance, and the first years – I think we've recruited well again. The majority of them are local.
“I think we are the 9th best academy in the whole country in terms of productivity. I think we'd all agree that's pretty good going for a club of our size.
“That's just come from our audit. I don't know who the other eight are, we don't get to find out.
“But for the money we spend, compared to others – forget your Man Citys, try Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley – the money they spend we are talking millions and millions and millions.
“For the money we spend for the return we get, we'd be off the chart. It's complicated, it goes back 12 years. It depends what level you play, how many games you play – it's the Premier League's criteria.
“Last year 65% of the first team squad had come to the club between 12 and 16, and 40% from birth to 11.
“There's no other club in the country – period, full stop – who will have 40% in the foundation phase and 60% in the youth phase, playing in their first team. Not one.
The boss added: “There are a lot of people here who work their absolute socks off for this football club, and the academy is the cornerstone of the whole place.”