The new 5 sub rule has been introduced replacing the 7 sub rule system. I can see no sense in it personally so if somebody can give me the reason it has been reduced to 5 I would appreciate it! What I want to ask though is what it means for our squad players. What does it mean for the likes of Forte or Doble for example? Does it mean our squad is too big as more players are going to be missing out on the match day squad. It cant be good for morale. We have a very good 2nd XI along the lines of: Bart Richardson Martin Seabourne Dicko De Ridder Chappers Morgan Holmes Guly DC This is not a discussion for who is the 1st team and who is the 2nd team but it is hard to see where Forte fits in as well as if Doble is going to be given a chance to even be on the bench. We have around 28 players with squad numbers plus 1 more expected signing within the next couple of days which means around half the squad wont even be involved at all on match days. What do people think?
I think that reducing the number of substitutes will be of a hinderence to Saints as academy players will need to wait for injuries to first team players and potentially the second string too before they get their opportunity on the bench. With 7 players on the bench, we had the opportunity to put someone like Doble on there and if we were 2 nil up with 10 minutes to go, you could bring the lad on. I do feel that our current squad is as big as it should get.
To cut down on wage bills and so that the Football League can differentiate itself from the Premier League further
One fair point regarding wages. Hate the way the FL and PL are seperate entities! Really dont understand why! I also dont understand why clubs have 6 subs last year, just put a youth player on the bench for the day even if you have no intention of playing him. I really feel that Forte is now surplus to requirements at the club and his permanent signing on a long contract is my only criticisim of NA so far. Yes Holmes and DC are bound to spend some time in the physio room but even with a few injuries I cant see him on the bench. I would like to see a few of the younger lads who have been given squad numbers sent out on loan to a club like Bournemouth (who i think would take a few of them gladly having lost a few key squad members!)
We have too many good players!!! It's important we keep the morale up as we probably have around 22 players in serious contention for a starting line up place, how is it possible to keep them all happy? That's why I'm surprised by so many people saying we need to sign another striker. Why? We have Lambert, Barnard, Connolly and Guly. Not to mention Forte, Doble and Lallana, doing a job there. I just hope Adkins can rotate the squad enough to keep everyone happy, but not to the detriment of results.
We don't need another striker. Even if we buy a new centre back i'd expect us to offload seabourne or send Martin out on loan.
I disagree. Although Forte may not have the quality of others in the squad, he is still a useful player to have as backup. He can play in a variety of positions be it on the wing or up front. Lets not forget what he did against MK Dons in that come back aswell, I think that's enough proof that he is a useful player!
I actually dont mind him as a player. With 7 subs, someone of his pace is a useful option on the bench but with 5 I just cant ever see him getting picked ahead of Guly or a fit DC for example. If AOC goes then perhaps I can see him getting a look in. The MK Dons game was probably the best I have seen at St Marys and he changed the game completely but how much do you expect to see him next season?
I think the new rule means there is a greater need for players who can play in more than one position to be on the bench. We have several players who could come on in the event of an injury or for a tactical change: Seaborne can play in the centre or as a left back; Dickson can play as left back or left wing; Forte can play right wing or up front; Chaplow the same, and I could go on. Don't forget that one of the 5 subs will have to be a goalie, so you will have to cover all the other positions, changes of formations, and still have room for an impact player who can come on an score a goal or 2. I think with our squad, we have the players who can do that. The other side of all this is, of course, that it will obviously e more difficult to bring young players through and give them the benefit of the match-day experience.
That's exactly why it's a stupid idea. They talk about wanting to do more for the development of young English players, yet they reduce their chance of match experience! Although, at least there wont be so many Arsenal scouts in the stands!
It's quite frustrating that when they're all fit and available, we're almost always going to have to leave out one of Lambert, Connolly, Barnard and Guly. Not only are they all arguably too good to be left out, but it's not going to do their confidence any good. The exact same situation applies to Hammond, Morgan, Cork and Chaplow. The one and only good point to come out of all of this is that - assuming we keep hold of Chamberlain - I'm no longer going to be too bothered if we don't sign a big name striker. Our squad is effectively suddenly a whole lot of bigger with this reduction! Still need a CB though.
I just think this means Adkins will definitely put youngsters out in the cup games now, like torquay.
