Report: Where has Tyneside's hotbed gone?

"For decades English football's beating heart belonged in the north east," says Allon. "But look at the England team today. It's virtually a Geordie-free zone. Why?"

I want to encourage flair and skill during the years when young players are going to learn it Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder

Allon's journey in search of the answers takes him nationwide, from Tyneside to London, where he meets Sir Trevor Brooking and John Motson.

Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, highlights the issue as a national problem, and not simply a north east one.

"Just over 40% of all starting line-ups in the Premier League are English," said Brooking.

"In Italy, they're up to 70% now. Spain and France are at 60%. It's down to us to raise that level."

Full Interview: Sir Trevor Brooking

Full Interview: Commentator John Motson

But what can be done to make sure more young English players make the grade?

606 DEBATE The mentality has to change at grassroots. Until then there is no hope Cheeky NFFC 606: Have your say

Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder underlines the importance of good coaching.

"I want to encourage flair and skill during the years when young players are going to learn it," said the Toon boss.

"If I hear our coaches criticising the youngsters because they have tried something clever that's not come off, I take that coach aside and tell them that's not what I'm looking for."

Recent figures from the FA show that the number of people playing football in the north east is below the national average. This statistic concerns Allon.

"At the heart of the issue is participation," he said. "The more people who play the game at grassroots level, the better the chance of creating more stars."

Allon wants to know what's gone wrong with the North East game?

So what is being done at grassroots level? Allon visited Wallsend Boys Club to find out.

This youth club was the breeding ground for many a professional footballer such as Alan Shearer, Steve Bruce, Michael Carrick, and the man that greets Allon on his arrival, Peter Beardsley.

"I owe a lot to Wallsend," said the former England star. "Boys clubs are the main route into football. Academies are great, but this is the place where kids get started in the game!"

Full Interview: Newcastle United's Glenn Roeder

Full interview: Ex-Newcastle forward Peter Beardsley

Have boys clubs still got a role to play?

"Without Wallsend," Beardsley continues, "I would never have got the chance to play in the World Cup finals. That's why I'm still involved at this level. I think it will still be massive for kids of the future."

In concluding, Allon is upbeat. "We need to ensure that more people take up the game at grassroots level, the traditional breeding ground. If we get that right, then we can be a hotbed again.

"I feel the game is in good heart, but if we are going to be great again, then we have to be patient."