In regards to holding on to them i truly believe that being practically forced into blooding them all at once would have helped greatly. A lot of these players could have been together for a long while now coming through the ranks together. Lichaj (havent seen much of him recently?), Clark, Fonz, Albrighton, Bannan, Delph, Gardner, [yes not all have come through our ranks but they would have been in youth/reserves together and all making the step up within the same season or two to first team]. It could really help in keeping onto them. THe fact GH has brought them all in aswell after many would have been peeved by MON could also help as they could a) listento GH when he asks them not to leave. worry that if they go elsewhere (a bigger club) they will rot on the bench/reserves as backup.
Doesn't get much better than playing with your mates week in week out for a top 6 PL side.