Southend United's Head of Youth Ricky Duncan insists the Blues youth policy has never been better.
Six players who have risen through the ranks at Roots Hall have featured this season for the Blues first team.
And Duncan is delighted at the progress which has been made.
"I'm happy with the way things are going," said Duncan.
"To see Johnny Herd up against Chelsea in both games was just fantastic and I've never had a season where so many players have been called upon by the first team.
"I know there have been circumstances contributing towards that, including injuries and loan players not being allowed to play in the cup, but it's still fantastic.
"I have excellent staff around me and the chairman has been fantastic too. He continues to back what we are doing and I think the youth system is the strongest it's ever been here now."
As well as Herd, Franck Moussa, Stuart O'Keefe, Charles Ademeno, Justin Hazell and Femi Orenuga have also been called upon by Blues first team manager Steve Tilson.
Medi Abalimba has also been on trial at Liverpool, while Everton and Manchester United have been tracking the progress of 15-year-old Orenuga who is the youngest player ever to appear in the Southend first team.
"It all means that youngsters are interested in seeing what Southend have to offer now," said Duncan.
"That wouldn't have been case a few years ago but now lads being released by Arsenal are keen to come down and have a look at our set-up.
"We're punching above our weight in many ways but that's great and, when we turn to Academy status with the new stadium, we will get even stronger."
Duncan's work has also included setting up links with Spanish side CD Javea and German Bundesliga 2 outfit St Pauli. And he is now looking to set up a similar partnership with a club in the English Premier League.
"It's something we're looking to do and it could be excellent," said Duncan.
"Our lads could go there for a week or two and see where they could get to if they keep working hard, while the lads at the Premier League club will come to us and realise what can happen if they don't put the work in.
"We're getting stronger all the time and the quality of players we are bringing through is improving every year."
