I'm really gutted that we are in a relegation battle this year, as for the first time in years I think we have a manager who will give our talented youngsters a chance. If we were mid table 9 points clear of the drop zone I have no doubt Rene would blood some of these guys but due to our position may hold back (Jol holding back youth again) Last couple of seasons we have been safe with 5/6 games to go and have still refused to play any youngsters, scandalous in my mind considering the supposed talent in our youth ranks These guys should have been playing at Burton and other lower league cup games we have had but for some unknown reason have been overlooked. For me a replay in the cup is a brilliant thing get these guys another game, you never know a hat trick from Dembele or good performance from David may catapult them into the first team when under Jol they would still have been playing away to Doncaster u21s
Couldn't agree more Cookie and especially the point about some not being introduced in those games at the end of last season. The good thing about yesterday is that those coming in showed that they had the temperament to handle 'big' games - not least among them, this young man, [video=youtube;sRXRlfr09DE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRXRlfr09DE&feature=player_embedded[/video]
The perfect scenario for me would be to play a similar team in the reply but maybe Dembele instead of Bent, Win and then get a home draw against a lower league side in the next round where we can continue to play 4/5 youngsters from the start
It's funny how fast things change - although we are close to the bottom we're within 3 points of 12th place (and 4 of 10th) - that brings 8 other teams (or 10) into the relegation battle - only 6 points separate 10th from 18th - things aren't ideal but they aren't so desperate any more. Bringing a bit of youth in now might help to galvanize the team once more, now that the honeymoon has passed for Rene. It's a risk but, at the moment, we can afford to take it. If we haven't picked up a point after the next 4 games we can go back to the oldies and put our helmets on- I think Rene might start moving some into the match day squad and introducing them if the game suits. Rene's made some mistakes already, particularly with team selection and substitutions, but these are things that can be corrected- rather than it being an inherent problem with his style (see AVB). I've got faith he will promote youth despite the seemingly perilous position.
