VI's use of the bench in the 2nd half has possibly been a big factor in our recent success. He often uses 4 or 5 subs, many like for like replacements so players are slotting into their preferred positions in the same formation. This means we're finishing games strongly with fresh legs on the pitch and scoring late goals.
There is no doubt we have been handed a massive advantage compared to other clubs with the 5 subs rule based on the way we play. being able to sub up to 5 fresh players is something the coach could have only dreamed about. Saying that the rule in general makes a mockery of professional football and in my opinion is totally wrong and looks like something out of a comedy film or school kids football team when it happens. i actually don't understand it . the rule is because of covid . a championship squad max size is 25 correct. a few players going down with covid is not going to deplete your squad of 25 by that much as far as been able to proceed with the game surely the rule would have been better to raise the squad size if so many players went down with covid that it would impair your ability to start the match from a squad of 25 anyways the match would be called off exactly how does allowing 5 subs help a team per covid wise why does 5 subs help effect that situation compared to before.
While I agree with your criticism of the 5 subs rule, I'm not going to join in because it is benefitting us hugely at the moment and I'll take any advantage we can get. I doubt there's another team in the division who can swap out the quality of Mowatt and James in central midfield and bring on two other players with no loss in quality and fresh legs. It's such a positive to us I'm going to shut up about it.
I could be wrong on this but wasn’t the rule introduced initially to help with the games being played thick and fast and during the Summer. Thus protecting the players and squad from the effects of all those games and the potential heat? Then it was re-introduced because the fixture list is more congested than normal. I don’t think it was ever with the idea that you’d have some players missing due to Covid.
Correctamundo. True, Covid is the root cause as it affected the structure of last season & this. & with the possibility of an international tournament, World Cup qualifiers etc. It’s a fatigue/injury prevention measure. 5 subs isn’t going to solve a localised virus outbreak. Not even Val’s inspired changes can do that..
I have to disagree with you my friend, the 5 subs were introduced because of the season being condensed with games coming thick & fast & we have not been handed any advantage over other clubs in our division , everyone plays to the same rules , the difference being our coach uses the subs to suit the style & play he desires ,which has proved successful , there is nothing to stop every other team doing the same .
