Post by Sir Trevor B'Sol on Sept 2, 2024 14:47:15 GMT
The modern day football game requires flexibility and adaptability from managers, coaches and players.
When no substitutes were allowed the BEST XI for any particular game would have to be selected.
The ability to use five finishers from seven players named as replacements means it is now a 16 v 16 encounter.
Choosing which replacements to introduce and the best timing for making the changes is a skill to be developed for managers and coaches.
In fact, the naming of the 7 replacements is itself a calculated risk.
Do you select a replacement goalkeeper as one of the seven? Matt Taylor has not selected Matt Hall on occasions. Wise?
Prepare to be slammed as a manager if you do not include a keeper and the starting keeper gets injured or sent off.
Most clubs choose to use between 3 and 5 replacements on a regular basis.
Many clubs make wholesale changes half way through the second period.
Are Bristol Rovers using the available replacements in an effective manner this season?
Two games over the weekend had a noticeable lack of replacements.
Stockport County lost their unbeaten record when they drew their first league game at Mansfield Town.
They used just one 76th minute replacement. Wise?
In the Money bags league Everton lost 3-2 to AFC Bournemouth after being 2-0 up after 86 minutes.
Bournemouth brought on 5 replacements. One after 65 minutes, two on 66 minutes and two on 77 minutes.
For their part, Everton used just two late replacements. One at 83 minutes and one on 88 minutes after conceding their first goal.
How likely is it that the fresh legs of The Cherries were the main reason The Toffees collapsed?
This match seems to highlight that it really is a 16 v 16 encounter in the game these days.
Just as in the rugby union world the BEST XI may not be the starting group.
Nor may the finishing group be the BEST XI.
There was a BEST XI for Bristol Rovers in the EASTVILLE days.
There is no longer any mileage in contemplating the BEST XI.
The evidence so far for Bristol Rovers is that the depth of the squad may be a key factor in any success achieved.
Can our squad beat the other squads? Can the BRFC finishers be introduced at the most effective time?
We hope so. BUT. Not sure about the non-selection of a keeper among the 7 replacements.
